Katy Perry’s love of her hometown Santa Barbara has been expressed throughout her career and will be spotlighted on this Sunday’s episode of “American Idol.” The luxury beach city served as the location of her music video for “Teenage Dream” and is mentioned by name in her hit “ How We Do.” Here are a few of Katy’s favorite spots in Santa Barbara.
Sites: On State Street in downtown Santa Barbara, fans can walk in Perry’s footsteps and soak in the shots, Spanish-style architecture, and the downtown atmosphere that the singer loves about her hometown (and is one of the spots where she took her fellow judges during the episode!). Visitors can check the Farmer’s Market on State Street on Tuesdays or on Saturdays at 119 E. Cota St., where Perry got her start in performing for change. Head to Leadbetter Beach where easy surf, and other watersports await. Centrally located and one of the spots featured in Perry’s recent visit, this beach is perfect for taking the beautiful views of Santa Barbara’s verdant mountains and the Pacific Ocean’s deep blue. Or head over to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History which Perry once touted as a favorite date spot where she and Orlando Bloom would often meet for dates in Santa Barbara to avoid LA traffic and crowds.
Eats: La Super Rica, Santa Barbara’s venerated taco spot, was not just a favorite of renowned chef and author Julia Child, but also gets a shout-out in Perry’s song and music video, “How We Do.” The decades-old taqueria serves up its dishes at its aqua-colored stand with a certain “Santa Barbara-chic.” East Beach Tacos, mentioned by Perry as another favorite, offers gourmet-style tacos inspired by California.
Stays: While Perry does have a home in Santa Barbara, she has on occasion stayed at some of the top local hotels that travelers should consider for their next visit. The singer previously stayed at San Ysidro Ranch, which provides seclusion in an idyllic setting. In 2021, the singer was also photographed for the cover of L’OFFICIEL at the Rosewood Miramar Beach, a beachfront hotel in Montecito that continues to be a popular choice of accommodation for luxury travelers. Community: Perry took voice and opera lessons at Music Academy of the West which is supported by over 50 teaching artists dedicated to molding their students into classically trained musicians and leaders.
