It used to be off the beaten path, but the Funk Zone in Santa Barbara is must-see for many people looking for art, wine, beer and dining. The 10-block area between downtown Santa Barbara and the ocean is home to a growing stretch of art galleries, retail shops and tasting rooms.
With that comes cars and the search for parking.
The city has done several surveys of businesses and visitors and found a large demand for premium spots. Though the area looks crowded, there's adequate parking from Cabrillo Boulevard to the freeway and Garden Street to State Street.
The city council is looking at suggestions to add more free parking, designate some additional paid parking areas, reroute the electric shuttle bus and improve lighting and walkways throughout the bustling area.
