Downtown Santa Barbara Travel Guide
Santa Barbara
Visit Downtown Santa Barbara
Popular places to visit
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
See the best views of Santa Barbara and enjoy a stunning variety of architectural styles at the city’s historic courthouse.
Arlington Theater
Enjoy a show at Arlington Theater, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's waterfront or experience its lively festivals.
Paseo Nuevo Mall
You can enjoy retail therapy at Paseo Nuevo Mall during your stay in Santa Barbara. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Presidio Santa Barbara
You can study the exhibits at Presidio Santa Barbara, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's waterfront or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
Lobero Theater
Enjoy a performance at Lobero Theater, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's waterfront or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
Granada Theatre
Enjoy a performance at Granada Theatre, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Things to do
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
Yes,
Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
Friendly staff, clean room and pet-friendly
Reviewed on 1 Dec 2025
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
Great location and service
Reviewed on 15 Dec 2025
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Staff was friendly and helpful. Rooms were very clean.
Reviewed on 6 Dec 2025
Haley Hotel
Room was comfortable with nice touches such as a fireplace, swinging chair and small nautical pieces
Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025
Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
Clean rooms. Balcony view. Parking. Breakfast. So much value for the room rate. Highly recommended.
Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025
Check Downtown Santa Barbara hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Santa Barbara
Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Historic Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Lobero Theater or Paseo Nuevo Mall might round out your trip.
Laguna
Laguna might not have many top sights, but Presidio Santa Barbara and Lobero Theater are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Lower State
While visiting Lower State, you might make a stop by sights like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Paseo Nuevo Mall.
The Funk Zone
Travellers come to The Funk Zone for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Santa Barbara Art Foundry while you're in town.
West Beach
If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and Santa Barbara Carriage Museum are top sights worth seeing.
Upper East
While visiting Upper East, you might make a stop by sights like Mission Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Natural History Museum.
