Beat the Heat: Air Conditioned Locations in Town

By the edhat staff

Here we are again, in the middle of a heatwave scrambling to figure ou the best ways to stay cool while simultaneously conserving power. The Excessive Heat Warning issued by the National Weather Service for much of Santa Barbara County, is in effect now through 8 p.m. on Monday, September 5.

There are several locations throughout Santa Barbara that are constantly air conditioned, so here’s what we have so far.

Did we miss something? Comment below for us to add it to our list.

Goleta Valley Library

The Goleta Valley Library, located at 500 N. Fairview Ave, is open and has been designated as a Cooling Center. The hours of operation are Tuesday-Thursday 10am-7pm,  Friday & Saturday 10am-5:30pm, and Sunday 1pm-5pm.

This is especially helpful since the central Santa Barbara Public Library is mostly closed due to renovation.

MOVIE THEATRES

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

PLUS, all theatres in Santa Barbara and Goleta will be participating in National Cinema Day offering $3 movie tickets all day long. That means you could approximately four movies for $12 and stay cool, alllllll day.

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. Really inspect those ice cream flavors. 

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.

SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF ART

(SBMA courtesy photo)

Add a big dose of culture to your day by staying cool in one of Santa Barbara’s most historic buildings, located at 1130 State Street. The museum is open Tuesday – Sunday from 11 am – 5 pm and Thursdays 11 am – 8 pm.

PRO TIP: Admission is free on Thursday Evenings from 5 – 8 pm

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 most days from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, 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 usually has a sign outside that 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 12:00 p.m.
(Location: 235 W Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101)

CARR WINERY TASTING ROOM

(Carr Winery courtesy photo)

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 12:00 – 6:00 pm., and 8:00 p.m. from Thurs-Sat. 

(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 on the weekend, closing at 10:00 p.m. on school nights.
(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)

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 Fess Parker (aka Hilton), Hyatt, and the Bacara for a cool down.

ICE IN PARADISE – ICE SKATING RINK

(Ice in Paradise courtesy photo)

This one is obivous, a dome filled with ice! As you might guess, Goleta’s ice skating rink will be pretty cool on any given day. Daily hours vary but tomorrow they’re open from 9:00 a.m. –10:00 p.m. most days.
(Location: 6985 Santa Felicia Dr, Goleta, CA 93117)

HOSPITAL WAITING ROOMS

Hey, it’s an option.

Throughout the County

Carpinteria

Carpinteria Community Library

• Open Tuesday-Thursday 9am-6pm, and Friday & Saturday 9am-5:30pm
• Address: 5141 Carpinteria Ave, Carpinteria 93013

Buellton

Buellton Library

• Open Friday and Saturday 11am-4pm
• Address: 140 West Highway 246, Buellton 93427

Buellton Senior Center

• Open daily 8am-4pm; please call first to ensure staff are available – 805-688-4571
• Address: 164 West Highway 246, Buellton 93427

Cuyama

Cuyama Library

• Open Friday 3pm-6pm.  Special cooling center hours this Saturday, Sunday and Monday (Labor Day) 12pm-5pm.
• Address: 4689 Highway 166, New Cuyama 93254

Santa Maria

Santa Maria Public Library

• Open Friday & Saturday 10am-6pm
• Address: 421 S McClelland St, Santa Maria 93454

Town Center Mall

• Open daily 10am-8pm
• Address: 371 Town Center E, Santa Maria 93454

Santa Ynez Valley

St. Mark’s-In-The-Valley Church 

• Open Fri-Sun 11:30am-7:30pm; Mon 11:30am-5:30pm
• Address: 2901 Nojoqui Ave at Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos 93441

If you are an individual who has a disability or other access or functional need, and require transportation to a cooling center, contact 2-1-1 or a paratransit provider near you:

• Easy Lift Santa Barbara
  Phone: 805-681-1181
• SMOOTH Santa Maria
  Phone: 805-922-8476
• Santa Ynez Valley Transit Dial-A-Ride
  Phone: 805-688-5452
• COLT Lompoc ADA Curb-to-curb
  Phone: 805-736-7666

General Precautions and Tips to Stay Cool

• Take care of those who might not be aware of the danger or be able to react accordingly – especially the elderly, young children, and pets. Check on your neighbors.
• Wear appropriate clothing. Lightweight, light-colored, loose fitting clothing works best.
• Drink plenty of cool, non-alcoholic beverages, especially those without sugar or caffeine. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink. If you have fluid restrictions from your doctor, ask to see how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
• Limit outdoor activity. Try to schedule outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, like morning and evening hours. Be sure to wear sunscreen and rest often.
• Take regular breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned room. A few hours in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler. Taking a cool shower or bath can help too.
• If you do not have air‐conditioning, consider arranging to spend at least parts of the day at another space that is cool. Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, they will not prevent heat-related illness.
• For those who work outside, be sure to take frequent rest breaks in a shaded area or air-conditioned room, if possible. Stay hydrated and take action by moving to a cooler space if you feel signs of heat exhaustion.
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion. If someone becomes dizzy, nauseated, or sweats heavily, find a cooler location for him or her immediately.
• Know the signs of heat stroke. Heat stroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion. The symptoms are similar to heat exhaustion, but also include hot, flushed skin. With heat stroke, the person often stops sweating and the skin will be unusually dry. If heat stroke is a possibility, call 911 immediately. Heat stroke is life threatening!
• Do not leave children (and pets) unattended in vehicles. It only takes a matter of minutes on a relatively mild day for a vehicle to reach deadly temperatures.