More Santa Barbara Neighborhoods
Explore Santa Barbara
Find the Best Things to Do in Mesa
By Geneva Ives
Santa Barbara Local Expert
About Mesa
The Mesa is not far from downtown Santa Barbara, but once you're up there it seems worlds away. This neighborhood is located on the bluffs above the beach. It's known for great views, good eats and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Hear the waves and see the fog roll in!
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See & Do
The Mesa's main attraction is the view. Situated on a flat mesa above the rest of Santa Barbara, this is the place to smell the sea breeze and take photos with the ocean as your backdrop. Shoreline Park is a scenic place to go for a walk or enjoy a picnic.
Eat
There are some tasty eats tucked way up the Mesa. Pop into the Rose Cafe for a Mexican food feast (their breakfast items are delicious, and some are served all day). Or go green at Mesa Verde, a restaurant that specializes in vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes. You'll also find sushi, coffee and fast food options in the neighborhood.
Party
Not unlike the rest of Santa Barbara, the Mesa isn't famous for it's nightlife. That said, there are a few places you can go for a nightcap. Take a date to Alcazar for a delicious pineapple mojito or other professionally blended cocktail. Looking for something a little less fancy? The Cliff Room is the dive bar for you!
Shop
People don't go to the Mesa to go shopping... unless they're heading to Lazy Acres. This gourmet grocery store isn't cheap, but it is exceptionally well provisioned with fresh produce, luscious cheeses, local seafood, hard-to-find spirits and more. Their readymade foods, deli sandwiches and decadent baked goods are irresistible, too. Do NOT go there hungry!
