Downtown Santa Barbara Travel Guide
Santa Barbara
Visit Downtown Santa Barbara
Popular places to visit
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
See the best views of Santa Barbara and enjoy a stunning variety of architectural styles at the city’s historic courthouse.
Presidio Santa Barbara
You can study the exhibits at Presidio Santa Barbara, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's waterfront or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
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 seaside or experience its lively festivals.
Lobero Theater
Enjoy a performance at Lobero Theater, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's seaside 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.
Things to do
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
Really nice hotel with stylish comfy rooms. Perfect to be in downtown SB
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
Foord and staff where top! The room was way to small
Reviewed on 19 Apr 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
Great location. Walking distance to the beach and to a fun street with lots of shops and restaurants. Rooms were very comfortable and spacious. Overall a good stay.
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026
Haley Hotel
Room was adorable with beach decorations!!
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
Clean rooms!
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2026
Check Downtown Santa Barbara hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Santa Barbara
Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Historic Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Lobero Theater or Arlington Theater might round out your trip.
Laguna
Laguna might not have many top sights, but Presidio Santa Barbara and Lobero Theater are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Lower State
While visiting Lower State, you might make a stop by sights like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Moreton Bay Fig Tree.
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.
Upper East
While visiting Upper East, you might make a stop by sights like Mission Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Natural History Museum.
