When you visit this sunny California town, consider exploring a few of Santa Barbara’s independent bookstores.
Photo credit: Jessica Maher Photography
Santa Barbara, celebrated for its stunning beaches and laid-back coastal charm, offers visitors and locals alike a picture-postcard place to enjoy life. And along with this vacation vibe, Santa Barbara boasts a rich cultural and educational side that can add depth to your time here. Historical sites, museums, concerts, college campuses, all contribute to lifelong learning. And bookstores serve as somewhat hidden gems to be discovered and enjoyed by all ages.
Photo Credit: Jessica Maher Photography
Yes, one unforgettable way to vary your activities in this beach city is to visit the amazing independent bookstores dotted around the area. Here are three that are sure to charm you.
CHAUCER’S BOOKS
A visit to Chaucer’s is more than a quick stop – it’s an experience. If you love books, you will wander happily here, discovering all kinds of treasures.
Everything from the latest bestselling novels to niche books are crammed in the shelves. And piled on the floor. And calling for your attention from the end racks of each aisle.
Photo Credit: Jessica Maher Photography
Locals and visitors mingle here in a happy atmosphere. No matter your interests – or your age – Chaucer’s offers something for everyone. My favorite spots are the history section with books piled from floor to way up high and the entire separate room for children’s books and toys.
Photo Credit: Jessica Maher Photography
The staff truly enjoy working here and will gladly answer any inquiries. On my first visit, I asked about a gift for a friend’s granddaughter who is seven years old. The store has long sections for each age group. And I found out which books are most popular among second graders, too.
In the history section, I’ve found books that are out of print or hard to come by. You can drill down to your topic. One of my favorite finds is a book on Bletchley Park, the codebreaking hub outside London. It comes complete with “letters” and sheets of coding. Hours of fun!
Established by Mahri Kerley in 1974, Chaucer’s started with her personal collection. Over five decades, holdings expanded to more than 150,000 books. On retiring after 50 years, Kerley passed ownership to Jen Lemberger and Greg Feitt, a couple who met while working at the shop in 2004. They now work hard to uphold the store’s legacy.
Chaucer’s is located at 3321 State Street in Santa Barbara and is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Pro Tip: Aim to visit Chaucer’s around lunchtime and eat down the way in the shopping center at Harry’s Plaza Cafe. Sit on the patio on a sunny day and enjoy a relaxing, delicious meal. The grilled cheese with tomato sandwich is my favorite.
THE BOOK DEN
The Book Den is a cozy haven of a bookstore almost hiding in plain sight. It’s tucked among shops along a street around the corner from the courthouse. But it’s easy to walk right by if you don’t know it’s there.
This small but mighty entry into independent bookstores in Santa Barbara has served generations of readers. It is in fact one of California’s oldest bookstores. Opening in 1902 in Oakland by brothers Ernest and Thomas Angel, The Book Den moved to Santa Barbara in 1933. Since 1979, Eric Kelley has been the proprietor.
Here you will find new, used, and rare books. Yes – they stock treasures such as Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew books. I’ve found unusual picture books for my baby granddaughter as well as classic novels and bestsellers.
The Book Den provides a warm and inviting atmosphere where patrons can explore a vast collection of books. The store’s well-organized layout and the staff’s passion for literature create a welcoming environment for all book enthusiasts.
On one visit, my pup Bailey came along, and I paused to take a few photos of him in the little red chair of the children’s section. When I showed the friendly staff person, she was so thrilled that she asked if she could send Bailey’s photo to a friend. She then told me her friend was battling cancer and my pup’s bookstore photo would cheer her up. This made me feel like I was visiting friends, not merely shopping for books.
Pro tip: Park in the structure a block south of the bookstore, directly across from the front of the courthouse. After book shopping, venture to La Arcada, which is adjacent to the parking structure. Indulge in a bit of boutique shopping and perhaps a light lunch in one of the restaurants.
The Book Den is located at 15 East Anapamu Street in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, just half a block off State Street. Hours are Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
GODMOTHERS
Godmothers bookstore and café offers an experience filled with not only books but also beauty and calm and warmth. The three-story bookstore occupies a renovated 1920s barn in Summerland, just south of Santa Barbara off the 101 Highway. It’s new and elegant, named by neighbor Oprah Winfrey, who attended the grand opening in 2024.
You enter into a small gallery featuring portraits of “Godmothers who lit our way.” These include notables such as Harriet Tubman, Eleanor Roosevelt, Sally Ride, Lucille Ball, and Marie Curie. You will feel inspired by merely walking in the door.
From there, veer right into the spacious downstairs gallery or head up the stairs to the children’s room and meeting areas.
Browse among collections of fiction and nonfiction, books on nature, cookbooks, and books for youngsters. Choose a favorite, sit a while, and bask in the welcoming atmosphere.
As you leave, look up! You’ll read “Who lit your way” above the door. Food for thought, right?
Godmothers includes an outdoor café called Godmothers Graze. Pastries, sandwiches, and salads are served daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Pro tip: Parking can be an issue. I was able to find a space on the same street – Lillie Avenue. An alternative is parking in the beach lot nearby and walking five minutes to the store.
Godmothers is at 2280 Lillie Avenue in Summerland, California. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
All three of these bookstores are staffed by helpful, knowledgeable folks. All welcome you to browse to your heart’s content. All are dog friendly. Pick up a book or two or three. Then spend the afternoon beach side under the sun, surrounded by nature’s beauty, delving into a good read. Life doesn’t get much better than this!
Heading to Paris? Don’t miss a visit to the Shakespeare and Company Bookstore on the banks of the Seine River.
Getting the lay of the land for your explorations of historic Santa Barbara
It helps to know that the main street of downtown, State Street, runs north from the shore. The wharf reaches over the water just south of State street. The street that hugs the shore is Cabrillo Boulevard. You can walk or bike to see many of the attractions, as streets go under Highway 101 and nothing is far apart.
Many numbered parking lots dot the downtown area. Take a photo of your parking lot so you remember which one to return to and the street it’s on. If you’re a visitor, it’s easy to confuse the street names such as Anacapa and Anapamu, and Cabrillo and Castillo and Carillo.
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Where to eat in Santa Barbara
Here are a few of my favorite places to eat in Santa Barbara. Most are near the water, within easy walking distance of Stearns Wharf. They are also within easy driving distance from the independent bookstores.
Chad’s
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Chad’s. This restaurant snagged a prime location right across from the waterfront with amazing views. And the breakfast foods, especially the pancakes, are yummy. Sit outside on the patio under a perky yellow umbrella and savor your food and morning coffee as you gaze at the beach.
Santa Barbara Fish House
My favorite dinner place in Santa Barbara is the Fish House. With it’s location right across the street from the beach. And the fresh fish is scrumptious. I always get macadamia nut crusted sea bass because it’s exquisite. 
McConnell’s Ice Cream
Top off your day with an ice cream from McConnell’s. You’ll easily find the shop because a line of people will be coming out the door. And the wait is worth it. McConnell’s has served handmade ice cream for 70 years, and it’s a creamy delight. No preservatives or fillers, just flavors like salted caramel and Dutchman’s chocolate.
Where to stay in Santa Barbara near the waterfront
I always enjoy staying near the water no matter what my sightseeing plans involve. Many hotels line Cabrillo Boulevard, near Stearns Wharf. Others are found on side streets within walking distance of the Wharf. Here are three that I especially like.
Hotel Milo
This beachfront hotel provides a charming place to stay with your dog. Hotel Milo comfortable and pleasant, with some rooms boasting an ocean view. Walk from here to the harbor or Stearns Wharf. And in cooler weather, relax by a fire pit in the evening. Book a room with a view of the Wharf. Or ask for an upgrade to a view room on arrival. I’ve been lucky to snag a second story room with a view of the Wharf out my window.
Book your dream stay at Hotel Milo and enjoy this perfectly located, charming hotel.
Marina Beach Motel
The Marina Beach Motel on Bath Street, just a half block from the water, opened in January 1941. While the rooms are comfortably and tastefully modern, the footprint of the original motel remains. The rooms form a U, and you can park right in front of your unit, just like in bygone days. In the center of the U, a lawn and outdoor furniture beckon you to relax. Bicycles and a surrey are available for no additional charge. Enjoy a breakfast of local pastries, bagels, and yogurt on the patio. And your pooch is welcome here!
Book your stay at the Marina Beach Motel for a relaxing vacation and easy walk to the Santa Barbara Harbor.
The Mar Monte Hotel
Just steps from the beach, this charming boutique hotel gives you luxury and views of the water. The vibe of the Mar Monte Hotel is modern and sophisticated, with some rooms boasting private balconies that face either the coast or the mountains. The coastal décor is perfect for a seaside getaway.
Book your stay at the Mar Monte for beachside fun in the sun.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SANTA BARBARA
Exploring Historic Santa Barbara
Pet-Friendly Santa Barbara Activities
Fun Things to Do in Santa Barbara
3 Hotels on the Beach in Santa Barbara
Visiting Iconic Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara
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