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 waterfront or experience its lively festivals.
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 beautiful beaches 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.
Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum
You can browse the exhibits at Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to 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
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Top hotels in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
Beautiful hotel, very clean.
Reviewed on 2 Apr 2026
The Upham Hotel
Charming vintage hotel in great condition. Beautiful grounds and a comfortable room.. good location. I would go back.
Reviewed on 1 Apr 2026
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
Stayed in a comfy room. It was small, but very efficient and had everything I needed for a comfortable 1 night stay for a work trip. It would have been tight for 2 people, but doable to a long weekend where you are planning outdoor activities. Overall great location and value
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
I was disappointed with my stay …I paid a 5 star rate for a 2 star experience. The was stuffy, no water or amenities other than at the front desk. Not a terrible hotel … just not worth the $$! charged.
Reviewed on 31 Mar 2026
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Hotel is very nice and within walking distance to shops and restaurants. Staff were all very polite and professional. Would definitely stay again.
Reviewed on 1 Apr 2026
Haley Hotel
Cute property, well taken care of, lots of yard to play, great location. Rooms are basic, but cute and clean.
Reviewed on 1 Apr 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 Paseo Nuevo Mall or Santa Barbara Museum of Art 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 Santa Barbara Bowl and Santa Barbara Museum of Art 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 Carriage and Western Art Museum 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.
