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
Very nicely remodeled & refurbished old hotel. Great location on State Street - lots of restaurants, bars, and interesting shops. Walking distance to wharf & some historical sites. Hotel could use some sheer shades on windows. Only choice was "no shades/windows totally uncovered," or black out shades ...
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Overall a great place to stay. Location is great, property was clean, and good amenities (for our room with two queen beds: two tables with chairs, mini fridge, and safe). No microwave though, if that’s something you were looking for. Small flat screen tv with Direct TV, was a little difficult to ...
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
Hotel was nice but I felt the bathroom floor was not clean. After removing my pants, I picked them up off the floor and they were covered in a white dust/ residue. Hotel staff were great, especially the lady doing breakfast. She made the whole stay worth it!
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
Room was clean and the beds were very comfortable. They supply conditioning shampoo, I was disappointed there wasn't conditioner. I should have brought my own.
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
Inn By The Harbor
Our room at the Inn was clean and comfortable. They are old rooms nicely rennovated. The bed was comfortable and clean. Staff at the office was welcoming and friendly. We would stay here again
Reviewed on 12 May 2026
The Milo
Hotel was an easy walk to State St, the Funk Zone and directly across the street from the Bay and Wharf. Though on a very bust street, noise was tolerable. Staff was incredible, especially Jeramiah at the front desk who went above and beyond to satisfy our room needs.
Reviewed on 14 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.
