Waterfront Travel Guide
Santa Barbara
Popular places to visit
Santa Barbara Harbor
Explore the waterfront in Santa Barbara with a trip to Santa Barbara Harbor. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Leadbetter Beach
If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Leadbetter Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Santa Barbara. While you're in the area, stroll along the marina.
East Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at East Beach during your trip to Santa Barbara? Stroll along the waterfront or seek out the cycling trails.
Cabrillo Pavillion
Cabrillo Pavillion is just one of the places to see in Santa Barbara, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the waterfront or seek out the cycling trails.
Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center
Explore the lovely green spaces of Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center and enjoy the cycling trails in Santa Barbara. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Chase Palm Park
Chase Palm Park is just one of the places to see in Santa Barbara, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the top-notch restaurants in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.
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 Waterfront
Hotel Santa Barbara
Great location, newly remodeled, excellent food in the area.
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
General manger was very responsive to all questions and issues. Regular employees were ok, but not as good as property manager. They no longer do full Continental breakfast, just croissants, yogurt and fruit, so that was a bit disappointing.
Reviewed on 6 May 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
Room was clean and staff friendly.
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
Bed sheets had significant sized, yellow-tinted, dried stains. The replacement sheets provided by staff also had various stains as well. Bathtub/shower floor was visibly brown in most areas. It provokes the thought of what else is not cleaned appropriately, or at all, in the room.
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
They took a $150 deposit from me, but they never gave it back and didn’t explain why. We drank one bottle of wine in the room, so okay, maybe that’s $40, but the other $110 just disappeared. Other than that, the hotel was okay.
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Santa Barbara Inn
It is really refreshing to come across a property where such fine attention to detail is observed. If you’re looking for a neat little getaway, this is an excellent option.
Reviewed on 7 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Waterfront
Santa Barbara Beach
Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.
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.
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.
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.
Eastside
While Eastside isn't home to many top sights, Santa Barbara Zoo and East Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.
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.
