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.
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 seaside or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
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.
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
You can study the exhibits at Santa Barbara Museum of Art, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Lobero Theater
Enjoy a performance at Lobero Theater, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
Things to do
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
Beautiful hotel. Couldn't have asked for more. Room was beautiful Location, location, location. Staff was very friendly. 15 min walk to the beach and Stearns Wharf.
Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
Stayed in a comfy room. It was small, but very efficient and had everything I needed for a comfortable 1 night stay for a work trip. It would have been tight for 2 people, but doable to a long weekend where you are planning outdoor activities. Overall great location and value
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
Clean room, friendly staff. The morning coffee was very welcoming. The pool area was so nice I wish we had more time!
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Great location walkable to everything we wanted, wonderful 2nd floor covered patio area. I had a tough time getting someone there on the phone ahead of the trip, eventually called the reservation line in hopes they could help but they had to get someone at the hotel and connect me, and it’s been ...
Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026
Haley Hotel
The room was not properly cleaned — there was hair throughout, and the AC was not functioning well. Overall, the property feels overrated for what it offers. At check-in, the front desk staff member was wearing AirPods while speaking with me, which came across as unprofessional and inattentive. It ...
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
This is a good place for a stop in when in Santa Barbara, this time around there was difficulty with the WiFi my entire stay. I’m sure they will look into it and fix it. B.
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026
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 Lobero Theater and Santa Barbara Bowl 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 Carriage and Western Art 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.
