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 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 seaside 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.
Things to do
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
Room was gorgeous and the staff were very helpful and kind
Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
Hotel side of things was all pretty good. I saw some other rooms that housekeeping was in and some of these rooms a scary small. I'm glad I opted for a more expensive room so we had the extra room space. The view was great, room styling and decor was awesome. Location is about the best for the area ...
Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
The room was nice and clean. They need soft close toilets … makes for a lot of loud bangs when your used to the others. If you book through Expedia you don’t get IHG points evidently. Something you should be more upfront about or negotiate the points into your deal with them.
Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Great location!
Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026
Haley Hotel
Fantastic place! People are super friendly, the room was clean and nice, and very conveniently located.
Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
Clean rooms and vicinity and nice upgrade without asking for it.
Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026
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 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.
