Air Conditioned Locations to Beat the Heat

[Editor’s Note]: This article was originally posted in August of 2017, but giving the extraordinary heat lately, we’re posting it again to help provide with some heat relief! Below are recent additions for this week:

PATH Santa Barbara

Because of hazardous heat conditions, PATH Santa Barbara, 816 Cacique Street (formerly Casa Esperanza) will be open as both a cooling shelter and will offer up to 78 bad weather beds through Friday, July 27, 2018. People interested in cooling off during the day can come in starting at 8:00 a.m. and will be offered a place to sit and relax, watch TV and have water. They will be asked to leave the facility at 4:00 p.m. People interested in night accommodations are welcome to complete an entrance application. PATH has up to 78 beds available during the heat wave and clients may stay through Thursday night and leave after breakfast Friday morning

Local Libraries Designated as Cooling Centers

Santa Barbara’s Central and Eastside libraries are officially designated cooling centers. Residents are invited to get some relief from the heat and enjoy engaging programs, classes, and events at not only Central and Eastside, but at branches throughout southern Santa Barbara County. Central, Eastside, Buellton, and Solvang Libraries all offer air-conditioning. Carpinteria Library will be opening its air-conditioned multipurpose room during regular hours. Free water bottles will also be available inside Central and Eastside Libraries, and Central is adding a dog cooling station outside of the library with bowls and water.

At Central Library, youth ages 0-18 can get a free lunch from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm courtesy of a partnership with the Food Bank of Santa Barbara. For children, each branch has a schedule of early literacy classes for preschool age children, while afternoons are for reading enrichment of older students, with Reading Buddies and Reading with Dogs, as well as maker, technology, and art experiences.

At Central Library, adults can participate in technology classes Tuesdays at 11:00 am, or sign up for one-on-one help with a Computer Coach or drop in assistance for mobile devices. This week also brings an author talk, MakeSB crafting event, a technology tasting event at Municipal Winemakers, and a Friday Matinee.

Originally posted on August 31, 2017

We’re officially in the middle of a heatwave. Weather reports state a heat advisory will last through Saturday with the most intense temperatures to hang around on Thursday and Friday. Instead of standing in front of the freezer every few minutes, we’ve put together a list of places to go in town that have air conditioning for you to stay cool. Check out our list below and add your suggestions in the comment section. 

Public Libraries

Not only can you beat the heat, but you can also read a new book or sit in during one of their daily classes. Stay cool and learn something!

Movie Theatres

Sure, you’ll have to pay for a ticket, but a few hours of air conditioning and entertainment is surely worth it.

Grocery Stores

You’ll most likely have to pick something up anyway, so extend the visit. Browse every single item in the freezer section for a blast of cool air

Post Offices

This might be one of the few times you don’t mind waiting in a long line to send Aunt Karen a package. Ask about the extensive stamp options for a longer cooling period.

(SBMA courtesy photo)

Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Add a big dose of culture to your day by staying cool in one of Santa Barbara’s most historic buildings. Currently, museum admission is free through September 17th and they are open Tuesday through Sunday, 11am – 5pm.
(Location: 1130 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101)

Zodos

Enjoy a beer, food, arcade games, and a few games of bowling in this air conditioned Goleta location. The major perk is this place is open every day from 8:30 am to 1:30 am, so you can literally spend the majority of your day here.
(Location: 5925 Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93117)

Neighborhood Bar & Grill

Who would have thought? This local watering hole has a sign outside that usually reads “We Have A/C” during the summer and pending heatwaves. Watch sports on their numerous televisions, play a game of ping pong, and order a buffalo chicken wrap for dinner to cool down. The only downside, they don’t open until 4:00 p.m., except on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 a.m.
(Location: 235 W Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101)

(Carr Winery courtesy photo)

Carr Winery Tasting Room

We’re a wine loving region, so Carr Winery got it right by adding A/C to their tasting room. We might be giving up a locals secret, but they offer chilled wine on tap in a cool, dark room. Everyone deserves to chill with a glass of wine. They’re open during peak heat hours from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm. 
(Location: 414 N Salsipuedes St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103)

Lama Dog Tap Room + Bottle Shop – Walk-in Freezer

We’re also a beer loving region, just look at the Funk Zone, so it’s best to mention one location offers a walk-in freezer. Swing by Lama Dog and peruse their variety of beverages in the back fridge. They might notice if you camp out there, but walking in and out to cool down should be acceptable. They’re open from 11:30 am – midnight. 
(Location: 116 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101)

workzones Santa Barbara

This co-working office space provides air conditioning for it’s members, but you can get a free pass or tour if you’re looking for an alternative work space.  
(Location: 351 Paseo Nuevo 2nd floor, Santa Barbara, CA 93101)

Nordstrom

The department store in Paseo Nuevo offers a cool environment for shopping, and even nice chairs and sofas for lounging. Check out their Cafe on the second floor, or just take a nap in one of their chairs until someone asks you to leave. They’re open from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
(Location: 17 W Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101)

Starbucks

The tried and true coffee chain continues to provide air conditioning in all their locations, and there are many! Be sure to go early as many students and aspiring screenplay writers take up tables for hours on end. Most locations are open during peak heat hours, and then some.
(Location: Almost Every Corner, look around, one has to be nearby)

Hotel Lobbies

We can’t vouch for every hotel, but the larger ones most definitely have air conditioning inside their lobbies, bars, and restaurants. Tour the Biltmore, Fess Parker, and the Bacara for a cool down.

(Ice in Paradise courtesy photo)

Ice in Paradise – Ice Skating Rink

As one edhat reader pointed out, we missed the most obvious location: Goleta’s ice skating rink! A room built around ice, so yes, it’ll be pretty cool in there. Daily hours vary but tomorrow they’re open from 9–11AM, 1:30–4:30PM, 7:30–10PM.
(Location: 6985 Santa Felicia Dr, Goleta, CA 93117)

Hospital Waiting Rooms

Hey, it’s an option.

 

As a last resort, you could go back into your office to cool down, but who wants to do that if they don’t have to? This could be a good opportunity to get to know your neighbors with AC units too. Bring over some popsicles and make a new friend.

 

Share your A/C options in the comment section below!