If you have a soft spot for elegant outdoor living in general - and succulents in specific - make a bee line for Botanik in the sleepy beach town of Summerland, just south of Santa Barbara. Botanik is home to the prettiest planted succulent arrangements under the sun, as well as a variety of charming outdoor furniture, dishware and a lovely assortment of books. This is just the place to go if you're searching for a unique hostess gift or something pretty to spruce up your own outdoor or indoor living space. Free parking out front with many other great shops in easy strolling distance.
Recommended for Best Shopping because: One of the best spots in Santa Barbara for chic hostess gifts that will suit any taste.
Geneva's expert tip: Botanik is located in Summerland. Don't miss this sleepy little beach town just south of Santa Barbara that has a bunch of unique shops.
A store for shoppers of all ages, whether you're an art snob or not. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art Store is home to an assortment of treasures and souvenirs that you won't find anywhere else. Of course there are wonderful art books, but there are also fun children's toys, family games, home decor pieces and handcrafted jewelry collections. Although attached to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, you don't have to pay admission if you just want to pop in and do a little shopping. Located on a charming block of State Street with many other fun shops and restaurants nearby.
Recommended for Best Shopping because: The museum store has unique gifts for art enthusiasts of all ages - from toys to books to sculptures!
Geneva's expert tip: You can shop at the museum store, even if you didn't pay for admission to the museum. Enter from the State Street side.
Vinyl records still exist. Perhaps even more shockingly to some, new ones are constantly in production. But where do you go to buy them? Why, the local record store, of course. Enter Warbler Records & Goods, Santa Barbara's most awesome (in this expert's opinion) music shop. Here, you'll find stacks and rows and heaps of new and used vinyl, to suit almost every musical preference. What? You don't have a record player? Don't fret, they sell those, too. In addition to records, Warbler has a nice assortment of books, cards and other small treats for all the music aficionados in your life.
Recommended for Best Shopping because: Visit Warbler for a tutorial on the joys of vinyl. The good people here play records all day for your browsing pleasure.
Geneva's expert tip: Have old records to sell? Need a replacement needle for your record player? Looking to score on Record Store Day? Warbler is the place!
Looking for a standout gift? Do you enjoy antiques, jewelry and whimsical home goods? You do?! Well then Lewis & Clark is the destination for you. Located in the charming La Arcada courtyard, this small shop is packed with treasures that you'll want to take home with you. There are Santa Barbara cookbooks, charming aprons and tea towels in addition to stacks of dishes, fun accessories, nostalgic children's toys and greeting cards of every kind. After October, Lewis & Clark becomes your one-stop Christmas shop, too, showcasing a collection of hand blown holiday ornaments that would be hard to find elsewhere. Truly a unique shopping experience that you shouldn't miss!
Recommended for Best Shopping because: This store has unique cards, Santa Barbara souvenirs, home accessories, charming cookbooks, beautiful costume jewelry and more.
Geneva's expert tip: Go to Lewis & Clark in the fall to discover the best selection of holiday and Christmas decorations anywhere.
A calm haven for seaside fashionistas, DIANI Boutique specializes in quality, fashion forward women's apparel with a sophisticated yet relaxed vibe. Designer pieces by Jesse Kamm, Sea, Ganni, Isabel Marant and many more hang from gorgeously simplistic racks in an open and airy setting. Owner Caroline Diani opened the original DIANI Boutique in 2002 with the belief that "good design is timeless." In 2007, she expanded her retail presence with DIANI Shoes (just footsteps away in the very same shopping center) to make sure her loyal clientele have all their needs met, head to toe. Free parking right out front.
Recommended for Best Shopping because: This women's fashion boutique is a pleasure to visit - from the kind employees and designer selection to the relaxing atmosphere.
Geneva's expert tip: DIANI Living and DIANI Shoes are in the same shopping center. Both are worth a visit!
Gold, silver, brass, diamonds, emeralds ... if this is your kind of shopping list, Marisa Mason jewelry is your kind of shop. This jewel box of a store (literally) is home to a combination of affordable handmade pieces designed by the owner herself, mixed with luxe gems from other niche brands. You can get a brass cuff here, a sleek hairpin or even an emerald wedding band. The boutique has other treasures too, ranging from candles and slippers to cards and one-of-a-kind pieces brought back from Marisa's travels. They offer permanent jewelry appointments here on some weekends, where a dainty gold chain of your choice can be welded around your arm or ankle (a popular, modern take on best friend's bracelets). Located near the heart of the arts district with parking right out front.
Recommended for Best Shopping because: Jewelry (in general, but especially from Marisa Mason) is magical. It always fits, never wilts and can get you out of all kinds of trouble.
Geneva's expert tip: Check out the other shops in this small center when you visit. There are gorgeous home goods stores and great fashion boutiques.
When you want to buy something and it doesn't have to be expensive but it does have to be special, Westward General is the place to go. This down-to-earth boutique offers a compelling mix of old and new, pairing vintage finds with locally crafted goods and treats from smaller, recognized brands. Need a new-to-you pair of cowboy boots or denim jacket? How about hand-painted dishes? Mohair socks? Turquoise rings for every finger? Westward General has all that and much more, with new treasures arriving every week. The owner and her team are delightful. Kids and pets are welcome. There's a great bakery next door. What are you waiting for? Just go already!
Recommended for Best Shopping because: Westward General will yield guaranteed shopping gold whether your budget is $20 or $200.
Geneva's expert tip: Follow Westward on Instagram to see the latest shop drops (aka new inventory just as it hits the floor).
For unique finds in Santa Barbara, look no further than The Blue Door. Located near great wine tasting rooms and restaurants in the hip and happening Funk Zone, this multi-story shop houses vintage and (slighty more) modern wares from dozens of independent dealers. You can find furniture, lighting, gifts, art and vintage clothing and accessories here. You'll know you're at the right place when you see a big, blue door! There is limited free parking out back, or you can take your chance on the street. It's located in the Funk Zone, just blocks from the beach, hotels, train station and nightlife.
Recommended for Best Shopping because: You never know what treasures you will find when you stop into The Blue Door. This curated vintage space holds offerings from many local collectors.
Geneva's expert tip: Make sure you have a friend with a truck before you visit The Blue Door. You might go in with the intention of buying something small, but there's a good chance you'll walk out with a new table, sofa or desk.
It's easy to feel like a kid in a candy shop when you step into Jake and Jones. This boutique carries women's and children's fashion and accessories, often yummily arranged by color. An exciting roster of brands keeps the inventory fresh and changing with the season. You can find Batsheva, Caron Callahan, Rachel Antonoff, and Bobo Choses sharing shelf space with Marni and Issey Miyake. There's also costume jewelry mixed with precious gems, herbal teas, colorful rugs, vases and an assortment of tinctures and creams. In summary, Jake and Jones is a delight, whether shopping for yourself or someone special in your life. And the super bonus? It's located downtown next to the sweetest bakery and right around the corner from a gorgeous cheese chop.
Recommended for Best Shopping because: Jake and Jones is the most joyous and playful women's shop in downtown Santa Barbara.
Geneva's expert tip: Plan on grabbing a bite at Alessia Patisserie right before or after you shop. The croissant flavors there are magical.
When you're in the "I deserve a little treat" mood, there's no better destination than Montecito Country Mart. This collection of shops and restaurants has something for everyone. There are chic clothing boutiques, gorgeous home goods, nautically inspired vintage finds and wildly adorable pet and children's shops. (At press time, some of the stores include Doen, Clare V., Malia Mills and Hudson Grace.) There's also a barber shop, post office and a Michelin-recognized pizza restaurant. And a locally made ice cream shop. And a soft pink cafe with incredible, shareable small plates. And those cute little rides for kids that take all your quarters. Do you understand what we're getting at? The Montecito Country Mart is a dream destination for locals and visitors alike.
Recommended for Best Shopping because: Pretty much anyone can find a way to spend money here (and have fun doing it).
Geneva's expert tip: Follow the Montecito Country Mart on Instagram to get the jump on cute pop-up events, like spritz bars, monogramming services and kid's crafts.