 | San Marcos Courtyard and Victoria Court |
| Santa Barbara, CA Print Leave a comment |
Description
San Marcos Courtyard is an exquisite walled courtyard behind Peet's Coffee on State Street. Its historical embellished friezes with busts at intervals enclose a Spanish fountain. Grab a treat at Peet's Coffee then sit and enjoy the serenity. Early in the day is better because the courtyard catches sunlight in the morning- in the afternoon it can be chilly.
One block north of San Marcos Courtyard, Victoria Court is a pretty plaza. There are some tables in a shady courtyard, a pleasant place to sit by the
fountain. Upstairs is Soho, a classy bar with live music and an outdoor deck. On Victoria Street is the Victoria Hall Theatre, a
historic theatre painted pale blue. There's an icecream place called
Spoon directly across State Street from Victoria Court.
Across the street from San Marcos Courtyard lies La Arcada, a Spanish paseo filled with historical details, fountains, sculptures, flags, flowerpots, and cute cafes. At night it comes alive with lights adorning
everything! Santa Barbara Museum of Art, with great temporary exhibits and wonderful 19th century European paintings, is just steps away.
For more exquisite architecture, walk up to the 1300 block of State Street and explore the entrance to the Arlington Theater. Wow! Creamy yellow columns and archways, colorful tilework, beauty everywhere. If you get a chance to go inside, you will be mesmerized by the little Spanish village within.
Other Spanish paseos and
courtyards on State Street include El Paseo at the 800 block, a hidden paseo with Spanish arches, flags, and fruit vines growing up the whitewashed walls, and Paseo Nuevo
at the 700 and 800 block, a mall with layer upon layer of lovely Spanish architecture- sit out by the jacuzzi fountains and enjoy!
Within walking distance from Victoria Court are two gorgeous parks. Tall regal trees and lush green lawns beckon you to stay a while. Check out Alameda Park with its castle playground called Kidsworld, and Alice Keck Park, where you'll find an abundance of flowering trees, plus a large pond with turtles, ducks, and koi.
Photo Gallery
Click on photo to see large versionStop and look a while at the detail here- the entrance to San Marcos Courtyard. |
The ceiling in the entryway to San Marcos Courtyard, behind Peet's Coffee. |
The hallway that leads into San Marcos Courtyard. |
The embellished friezes of San Marcos Courtyard. |
The florid entrance to San Marcos Courtyard. |
Fountain with pretty pale blue tiles in San Marcos Courtyard. |
Another bust engraving at San Marcos Courtyard. |
The lovely storefronts on State Street, this one above Spoon. |
Victoria Hall Theatre, which is pretty inside and out. |
The peaceful interior courtyard at Victoria Court. |
Somewhere tranquil to sit. |
The hallway that leads out from Victoria Court to State Street. |
Granada Theater, on the 1200 block of State St, in all its restored glory- it now features broadway shows! |
Arlington Theater, on the 1300 block of State St. An architectural paradise! |
Directions
San Marcos Courtyard is on the 1100 block of State St. You can walk into Victoria Court from the 1200 block of State St.
By car, exit Highway 101 at Carrillo Street. If coming from the 101 northbound, turn right at the exit. From the 101 southbound, turn left. Follow Carrillo Street and then turn left on Chapala Street. The parking for Victoria Court will be on your right after you cross Anapamu Street. It costs $1.50 an hour and the first 75 minutes are free.
Peet's Coffee, 1131 State St, Santa Barbara CA 93101, call (805) 722-1912.
Spoon Gelato, 1222 State St, call (805) 962-1838.
Soho's, call (805) 962-7776.
Victoria Hall Theatre, call (805) 564-1801.
This is an interactive map, you can zoom and move it.
Visitor Ratings
Overall Visitor Rating: 
Steve 11/05/2009 22:40 | oh the old plaza | |
Lane 10/14/2009 15:20 | Peets has a sick mocha freddo- try it! | |
Abeline 10/14/2009 15:03 | The courtyard behind Peets Coffee is great- quiet, good place for a chat with friends. | |
Robin 10/06/2009 13:46 | I so wish I could be there! AMs before work... |