On Nov. 7, Visit Santa Barbara and The Chamber of the Santa Barbara Region opened the new State Street Visitor Center at 120 State St., Ste. F, in the Hotel Californian property.

The design of the new facility is intended to represent the beauty of the South Coast (deep indigo tones and wood elements evoke the beach) with the functionality of a modern, high-traffic information center to help visitors plan their current and future trips. The space features a welcome desk, a retail section featuring locally sourced Santa Barbara- and California-themed items, communal tables with iPads and charging stations, a lounge area and a photo booth.

Amy Cooper, owner of Plum Goods boutique, advised on the center’s innovative design and retail products.

Santa Barbara-area visitor centers currently welcome nearly 200,000 visitors each year.

They include the new State Street Visitor Center; the original Garden Street Visitor Center, which will continue to operate at 1 Garden St. and Cabrillo Boulevard; and Cruise Ship Welcome Tables, which pop up temporarily along Cabrillo Boulevard near the Sea Landing walkway during cruise ship visits.