Santa Barbara by Train
Books, Concerts, and a Slow Travel Escape
There is something freeing about leaving the car behind in Los Angeles and letting the Amtrak train carry you north to Santa Barbara. We planned this trip around a concert at the iconic Santa Barbara Bowl, but as always with slow travel, the journey became about much more than one event. Between the ocean breeze, hidden bookstores, generous meals, and long walks through downtown, we discovered how immersive and restorative this city can be. In this post, I’ll share how we got there, the food and market highlights, the cultural gems that stood out, and the simple joys that made this short trip unforgettable.
Getting There
Our car free adventure began at Union Station in Los Angeles, boarding the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner bound for Santa Barbara. The ride itself felt like a small gift, with spacious seats, complimentary drinks in the business section, and an ever changing coastline unfolding outside the window. If you take this route, be sure to ask the staff which side of the train faces the water, as the views alone could count as a highlight of the trip.
Arriving in Santa Barbara, we found everything remarkably walkable. Downtown and the Amtrak station are just minutes apart, and the Bowl is a short bus ride or pleasant walk away. The local bus dropped us right at the venue for only $2. Even though buses stop early in the evening, walking back after the concert turned into a blessing. In about 35 minutes, we cooled down from the music, felt the ocean breeze, and enjoyed a quiet, safe return through the relaxed streets.
Market and Food Experience
Santa Barbara’s Public Market surprised us with how lively it felt once inside. Tucked away behind a calm exterior, it opened into a bustling space full of global food stalls, laughter, and screens for sports. The highlight for us was a Korean Italian fusion stand, Seoulmate Kitchen, serving kimchi arancini, unexpected, playful, and delicious. It is the kind of dish that captures the joy of mixing cultures while still feeling rooted. We promised ourselves we would return with emptier stomachs so we could sample even more stalls.
For a sit down meal, we visited Sama Sama Kitchen, a Michelin Guide recommended Indonesian restaurant. The staff were attentive, guiding us toward dishes best suited for our tastes. Every plate was generous, layered with flavor, and surprisingly affordable given the recognition. One of us had traveled in Indonesia before and noted how authentic the food felt. Dining there became one of those meals that lingers in memory, not just for the taste but for the sense of care and community that filled the space.
A few more fun things to do:
Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop
Cultural and Bookish Tie-In
The heart of the trip was the Japanese Breakfast concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl. The venue itself is striking, lush and expansive while still intimate. Our seats, right in front of the sound engineers, gave us a perfect view and even placed us near some of the band’s family members. Seeing Michelle Zauner perform felt deeply personal, especially knowing we had first connected with her through her memoir Crying in H Mart. For first generation and mixed culture readers, her story resonates, and to experience her music live added another layer of meaning.
Santa Barbara also nurtured our love of books. The Book Den, tucked behind the public library, felt like stepping into a literary refuge. Cozy shelves held both used and new titles, and the atmosphere was welcoming and communal. Across the street, the Santa Barbara Public Library impressed us with its blend of tradition and modernity. Spanish style architecture paired with fresh collections and creative touches like “book club bundles.” We lost track of time browsing titles we had never seen before.
Practical Tips
Santa Barbara rewards travelers who take it slowly. Pack light layers, as evenings near the ocean cool down quickly even after warm days. Comfortable shoes are essential since downtown is best explored on foot, from markets to bookstores to the courthouse gardens.
Public transit is simple and affordable but ends early in the evening, so prepare to walk back after nighttime events like concerts. The walk itself is safe and pleasant, making it part of the experience.
If you are planning your timing, summer brings concerts and lively outdoor energy. Fall offers a quieter, more contemplative pace. Consider staying near downtown so you can maximize your time without worrying about driving.
Why It Matters
This trip reminded me why slow travel matters. Without a car, we noticed details we might have missed: the way the light hit the courthouse tiles, the laughter spilling out of the market, the calm of the library stacks. It was not about rushing from attraction to attraction but about experiencing Santa Barbara as a living, breathing place.
From the music of Japanese Breakfast to the flavors of Indonesian cooking to the quiet joy of a used bookstore, the city offered countless ways to connect. Choosing immersion over efficiency gave us space to savor those connections fully. If you have been to Santa Barbara, I would love to hear your favorite memories in the comments. And if you have not yet, I hope this inspires you to take it slow and discover your own.
Quick Notes
Getting There: Take the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner straight into Santa Barbara.
Gear Pick: A lightweight daypack made the market and concert easier.
Book Connection: Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H Mart was on my mind during the Japanese Breakfast show.
