Santa Barbara, California, is known as the American Riviera, a beautiful oasis between the busy cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco. A top attraction is shopping, and outdoor mall Paseo Nuevo Shops & Restaurants is a perfect place to start.
Noted for its Spanish architecture, flowing fountains and shady nooks, Paseo Nuevo is located in the commercial and retail heart of downtown Santa Barbara. The center is a sprawling, Mediterranean-style structure that offers large, airy courtyards ornamented with colorful tiles, umbrellas, red-tile roofs and lush landscaping.
Groups can stroll through name-brand department stores such as Nordstrom and Macy’s, and 60 other shops and boutiques. They include clothing stores such as Gap, Express and Abercrombie & Fitch. Center Stage Theater features plays, concerts and local dance events. There are plenty of places to grab lunch, including local hangouts and respected names such as California Pizza Kitchen.
“Setting up an in-store private shopping event or class in one of the boutiques, or sectioning off a designated portion of the plaza for a wine and culinary tasting, really makes this spot one-of-a-kind,” said Michelle Carlen, director of sales for Visit Santa Barbara.
Paseo Nuevo can offer groups multiple copies of the Premiere Rewards brochure, which features special savings and offers from select outlets. Visit the concierge office for local visitor information and maps, as well as tips on store sales and downtown events.
“The center is well-known for its outdoor festivals and entertainment that takes place in the plaza spaces,” Carlen said. “Groups find this attractive. It really speaks to the uniqueness of Santa Barbara with its big-city amenities, but charming flair of a small town.”
The open-air shopping center is being renovated throughout 2016 and into 2017.
“It’s a beautiful place to relax, stroll and people-watch,” Carlen said.
ASK
Paseo Nuevo Shops & Restaurants
805-963-7147
paseonuevoshopping.com
Visit Santa Barbara
805-966-9222
santabarbaraca.com
Article by Mike Pramik
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