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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Downtown Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
"Loved the location! Staff was super friendly and helpful! Will stay here again for sure!"
Reviewed on 21 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
"We were celebrating my husband’s birthday and they were very welcoming and paid attention to detail. The staff was very warm ands welcoming. Appreciated the free coffee each morning and both Dusk and Dawn being in such close proximity was amazing. The location was very walkable. Besides the small ..."
Reviewed on 16 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
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
"Breakfast was sparse and not the best. Room was way too small, not worth the incredibly high prices."
Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026
Check Downtown Santa Barbara hotel availability
Where to stay in 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.
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.
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.
