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.
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 waterfront 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
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
All good. Wish the common areas were a bit more up leveled (they are very sparse, carpet is poor). In the room, the bathroom slider door lends itself to being a petri-dish based on having hands all over the door to make it open/close.
Reviewed on 8 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
Joe from the concierge was awesome! She was helpful and just the best! She made us feel so comfortable.
Reviewed on 29 Nov 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
Unsure if the property was welcoming to pets, but parking was convenient even though it’s paid parking. The hotel offers a nightly parking pass for $25 which is still somewhat reasonable. In a very cute and fun area with lots of great food nearby and plenty to do.
Reviewed on 7 Dec 2025
Social Stays
Staff was great! Thank you!
Reviewed on 1 Nov 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.
Upper East
While visiting Upper East, you might make a stop by sights like Mission Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Natural History Museum.
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.
East Beach
East Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like East Beach and Santa Barbara Zoo.
Downtown Santa Barbara Travel Guide
- Places of interest
- Choose Your Downtown Santa Barbara Hotel Style
- Hotels in top Santa Barbara neighborhoods
