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 seaside or experience its lively festivals.
Granada Theatre
Enjoy a performance at Granada Theatre, a popular theatre in 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.
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.
Santa Barbara Public Market
You can do some window-shopping at Santa Barbara Public Market during your stay 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 Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
"Beautiful, clean, comfortable, accommodating. We will definitely be back!"
Reviewed on 30 May 2026
The Upham Hotel
"Very nice cozy property within very quiet neighborhood. Walking distance to dining options. Inner courtyard very relaxing after a day around town. Excellent location for day trips to nearby Montecito, Solvang, Simi Valley, and wineries."
Reviewed on 29 May 2026
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
"It’s a great home base in a convenient downtown location"
Reviewed on 30 May 2026
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
"Great hotel, staff and accommodations..close to everything Santa Barbara has to offer."
Reviewed on 24 May 2026
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
"Loved this hotel. Great location"
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Haley Hotel
"The outdoor spaces set up to enjoy at the hotel are a great feature! Fire pits and multiple hang out spots. Pet friendly with a fenced area for play and potty breaks. Staff were helpful. The shower was great and the bed comfortable. There was some nightlife noise on the weekend but the provided ear ..."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
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 Paseo Nuevo Mall might round out your trip.
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.
Laguna
Laguna might not have many top sights, but Lobero Theater and Santa Barbara Bowl are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
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 West Beach are top sights worth seeing.
Oak Park
While Oak Park isn't home to many top sights, Mission Santa Barbara and Arlington Theater are some notable places to visit nearby.
