Historic Downtown Santa Barbara Travel Guide
Santa Barbara
Visit Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Popular places to visit
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.
Arlington Theater
Enjoy a show at Arlington Theater, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or experience its lively festivals.
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.
La Arcada
You can enjoy retail therapy at La Arcada during your trip to Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
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.
Things to do
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Top hotels in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
"I love the style of the style of a hotel which I understand was recently redone. It would've been nice to have somewhere to have something to eat like a restaurant or room service in the morning or morning coffee. Of course stay straight is right out front but it's nice to be able to go directly ..."
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2026
The Upham Hotel
"Staying here was a great and unique experience. It felt like a step through time but with modern amenities. The Upham is cozy without feeling small, and has reminders of its historic past throughout the premises. (Super comfy beds too!) I would have no qualms returning here on another visit to Santa ..."
Reviewed on 24 Jun 2026
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
"Incredible front desk staff and very thoughtful amenities! Ben was so lovely and upgraded my room. Bed was super comfy, and the hotel is very dog friendly. Can't wait to come back! Tea selection in the morning could be better, but other than that, great!"
Reviewed on 17 Jun 2026
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
"Great location! Cute rooms, but on the smaller side. Minimalistic amenities. Staff was helpful. Dawn and Dusk patio area is great. They have bikes you can use for the day which was fun!"
Reviewed on 24 Jun 2026
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
"Great location, close to everything, very clean rooms. Staff was helpful and always around. I would go here again."
Reviewed on 17 Jun 2026
Haley Hotel
"Parking was just beside the property and it's for $15 per day. The staff was very friendly but we hardly needed anything, I just wished they provided some water for the coffee maker. The ambience outside the rooms is great, there are sitting areas with hammocks chess area and table tennis, there ..."
Reviewed on 20 Jun 2026
Check Historic Downtown Santa Barbara hotel availability
Where to stay in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Beach
Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and West Beach.
Montecito
The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Montecito. A stop by Miramar Beach or Butterfly Beach might round out your trip.
Downtown Santa Barbara
The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Lobero Theater or Presidio Santa Barbara might round out your trip.
West Beach
If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and West Beach are top sights worth seeing.
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.
