Historic Downtown Santa Barbara Travel Guide
Santa Barbara

Visit Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Popular places to visit

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.

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.
Lobero Theater
Enjoy a performance at Lobero Theater, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's waterfront 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.
Granada Theatre
Enjoy a performance at Granada Theatre, a popular theatre in 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 waterfront or experience its lively festivals.
Things to do

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

Santa Barbara Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour

Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Top hotels in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara
Was amazing. Only problem was elevator takes waaay to long and valet was so expensive.
Reviewed on 16 Dec 2025

Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
Friendly staff, clean room and pet-friendly
Reviewed on 1 Dec 2025

The Upham Hotel
Nice staff.
Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
Great location and service
Reviewed on 15 Dec 2025

Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Staff was friendly and helpful. Rooms were very clean.
Reviewed on 6 Dec 2025

Haley Hotel
Room was comfortable with nice touches such as a fireplace, swinging chair and small nautical pieces
Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025
Check Historic Downtown Santa Barbara hotel availability
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 Presidio Santa Barbara and Lobero Theater 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 Santa Barbara Carriage 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.






