Chaucer's Bookstore

Chaucer's Bookstore has been the literary heart of Santa Barbara since 1974, offering a browsing experience that perfectly complements the elegance and natural beauty of the American Riviera. The store occupies a spacious, light-filled space on upper State Street, where terra cotta tiles, natural wood shelving, and abundant greenery create an atmosphere that feels distinctly Santa Barbara. The wine and food section is outstanding, reflecting the region's status as one of California's premier wine-producing areas, with volumes on viticulture, winemaking, and California cuisine that draw both professionals and enthusiastic amateurs. The coastal ecology collection celebrates the extraordinary marine and terrestrial environments of the Santa Barbara Channel and the Santa Ynez Mountains. Author events draw literary luminaries to the store's courtyard, where readings under string lights with the scent of jasmine in the air create evenings that attendees never forget. Chaucer's has survived challenges that have felled lesser stores through the fierce loyalty of a community that recognizes it as irreplaceable.