What is Waterfront like?

Travellers to the Waterfront neighbourhood in Santa Barbara will be sure to enjoy their stay. Make sure that you visit West Beach and East Beach as part of your Waterfront travel plans.

If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Waterfront, will I receive a refund?

Yes! The majority of hotel reservations are fully refundable as long as you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before your check-in date. If you booked a non-refundable reservation, it may still be possible to cancel it and get a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Put your dates in and click on "Search", then you can filter by "fully refundable" to view top deals in Waterfront.

What is there to do around this Santa Barbara neighbourhood?

West Beach, East Beach and Leadbetter Beach are great spots if you want to spend some time by the water during your stay in Waterfront. You could also plan a visit to Santa Barbara Harbor or Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center while you're in the neighbourhood. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center, Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Art Foundry are just a few of the places to visit in and around Waterfront. MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Reagan Ranch Center are also worth a visit when you're out sightseeing in Santa Barbara.

The Best Hotels in Waterfront, Santa Barbara - 2026 Updated Prices

A river with rocks, palm trees, and mountains in the background.

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Our top choices for Waterfront hotels

A covered outdoor seating area with tables and chairs, overlooking a runway and palm trees.

1. Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

East Beach, 0.5 km from Waterfront

Veronica

฿9,916 total

includes taxes & fees

29 Nov - 30 Nov

A resort pool area with palm trees, outdoor seating, and a view of the ocean at night.

2. Harbor View Inn

West Beach, 0.9 km from Waterfront

Mario

฿10,873 total

includes taxes & fees

8 Nov - 9 Nov

A spacious interior with high ceilings, wooden beams, and a central column.

3. Hotel Santa Barbara

Lower State, 1.5 km from Waterfront

Morgan

฿11,788 total

includes taxes & fees

29 Nov - 30 Nov

A lobby with a central seating area, a patterned floor, and a decorative ceiling.

4. Hotel Californian

The Funk Zone, 0.8 km from Waterfront

Karen

฿19,263 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Dec - 7 Dec

A room with a glass table, wicker chairs, a bed, and a view of the ocean and palm trees.

5. Santa Barbara Inn

East Beach, 0.9 km from Waterfront

Andrew

฿10,665 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Dec - 8 Dec

A reception desk with a wooden wall and a sign that reads "West Beach Inn".

6. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront

Sarah

฿7,210 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Nov - 12 Nov

A corridor with a central staircase, outdoor seating, and lanterns.

7. La Playa Inn

West Beach, 1.4 km from Waterfront

Nick

฿6,975 total

includes taxes & fees

29 Nov - 30 Nov

A modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a central island, and large windows.

8. Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

Lower State, 1.4 km from Waterfront

Emeterio

฿9,252 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Dec - 3 Dec

A multi-story building with a curved entrance, palm trees, and a staircase leading to the entrance.

9. Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

West Beach, 1.5 km from Waterfront

David

฿9,342 total

includes taxes & fees

9 Nov - 10 Nov

A patio with striped sofas and a table, overlooking a beach with palm trees and flowers.

10. The Milo

West Beach, 1.1 km from Waterfront

Katherine

฿9,370 total

includes taxes & fees

29 Nov - 30 Nov

A courtyard with outdoor seating, a fountain, and white buildings with arches.

11. Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Lower State, 1.4 km from Waterfront

John

฿8,673 total

includes taxes & fees

16 Nov - 17 Nov

A bright kitchen with a large island, white cabinetry, and a view through glass doors to an outdoor patio.

12. Lavender Inn by the Sea

West Beach, 1.4 km from Waterfront

Summer

฿6,766 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Nov - 16 Nov

An outdoor patio area with stone flooring, wooden chairs, and tables. There are palm trees and a decorative stone wall with a statue.

13. The Franciscan Hotel

West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront

Dennis

฿5,309 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Dec - 2 Dec

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a view of the outdoors.

14. Riviera Beach House

The Funk Zone, 0.9 km from Waterfront

Trent

฿8,293 total

includes taxes & fees

12 Nov - 13 Nov

A hotel room with two beds, a nightstand, a lamp, and a view of the marina through a glass door.

15. Beachside Inn

West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront

Jose

฿5,723 total

includes taxes & fees

9 Nov - 10 Nov

A hotel with a patio area, outdoor seating, and a well-maintained garden with flowers and palm trees.

16. Marina Beach Hotel

West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront

Ingrid

฿5,956 total

includes taxes & fees

17 Nov - 18 Nov

A covered outdoor area with a pergola, steps leading to a door labeled "Office," and lush greenery including large plants and flowering bushes.

17. Mason Beach Inn

West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront

mary

฿8,077 total

includes taxes & fees

29 Nov - 30 Nov

A two-story house with a red-tiled roof, a porch with hanging flower baskets, and a sign indicating it is a vacant house.

18. Harbor House Inn

West Beach, 1.2 km from Waterfront

James

฿6,077 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Dec - 3 Dec

19. The Eagle Inn

West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront

Elizabeth

฿8,660 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Dec - 3 Dec

A modern kitchen with a large island, stainless steel appliances, and wooden cabinetry.

20. Moxy Santa Barbara

The Funk Zone, 1 km from Waterfront

Hongtao

฿8,088 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Nov - 16 Nov

View all properties

Compare popular hotels in Waterfront

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Harbor House Inn	3.0 star property	9.8 Exceptional 1,001 reviews	View
Santa Barbara Inn	4.0 star property	9.4 Exceptional 1,001 reviews	View
Marina Beach Hotel	3.0 star property	9.8 Exceptional 1,200 reviews	View
Beachside Inn	3.0 star property	9.0 Wonderful 1,325 reviews	View
La Playa Inn	2.5 star property	9.6 Exceptional 1,003 reviews	View

Where to stay in Waterfront

Find the best Waterfront areas for the activities you enjoy most.

A coastal town with a pier extending into the ocean, a beach, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings.

Santa Barbara Beach

Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and West Beach.

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A beach with a pier, buildings, and mountains in the background.

Montecito

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Montecito. A stop by Miramar Beach or Butterfly Beach might round out your trip.

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A white colonial building with a bell tower, surrounded by palm trees and a clear blue sky.

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 Presidio Santa Barbara might round out your trip.

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A beach with a pier extending into the water, mountains in the background, and several flags on the pier.

West Beach

If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and West Beach are top sights worth seeing.

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A beach with palm trees, a pier, and the ocean at sunset.

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.

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Top Waterfront Hotel Reviews

Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Lovely! Looking forward to my next visit."

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

10/10 Excellent

"This hotel is a great value. Nothing fancy, but clean, quiet, comfortable, and safe. Nicely remodeled, with modern bathroom and good bed. We had an "accessible room," which was spacious and adequately furnished. Large bathroom would easily accommodate a family. Breakfast items were excellent. The staff immediately caught that I had left something behind and we were able to return for it. Highly recommended."

The Franciscan Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"We booked this hotel last minute during our stay in Santa Barbara, and I’ll admit I was a little hesitant at first since it wasn’t a well-known hotel. However, I’m so glad we gave it a chance! The property was incredibly clean, peaceful, and well-maintained. The atmosphere was calm and relaxing, and the pool and spa were definitely a nice bonus! The front desk staff was also super sweet, welcoming, and helpful, which made our experience even better. Breakfast was another pleasant surprise! They had a great selection, including sausage, bacon, eggs, pastries, and coffee. And I have to mention the waffle machine because those fresh waffles were absolutely delicious! Overall, this hotel exceeded our expectations, especially for a last-minute booking. It was a comfortable, relaxing stay, and I would absolutely consider staying here again the next time we’re in Santa Barbara. Sometimes the lesser-known places turn out to be hidden gems!"

Search Hotels in Waterfront, Santa Barbara

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Check prices for these dates

Filter by

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Our top choices for Waterfront hotels

1. Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

2. Harbor View Inn

3. Hotel Santa Barbara

4. Hotel Californian

5. Santa Barbara Inn

6. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

7. La Playa Inn

8. Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

9. Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

10. The Milo

11. Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

12. Lavender Inn by the Sea

13. The Franciscan Hotel

14. Riviera Beach House

15. Beachside Inn

16. Marina Beach Hotel

17. Mason Beach Inn

18. Harbor House Inn

19. The Eagle Inn

20. Moxy Santa Barbara

Compare popular hotels in Waterfront

Where to stay in Waterfront

Santa Barbara Beach

Montecito

Downtown Santa Barbara

West Beach

East Beach

Top Waterfront Hotel Reviews

Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel

Frequently asked questions

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