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Our top choices for Downtown Santa Barbara hotels

1. Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara
4.0 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,497 reviews)
"Thoroughly enjoyed our 3 night stay at the"
United States
Mark
The price is Rp4.008.350
Rp4.660.910 total
includes taxes & fees
9 Sept - 10 Sept
Hotel Santa Barbara

2. Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
4.0 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,000 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel in great location. Beautiful roof top pool and walking access to downtown. Really nice hotel."
United States
Paul
The price is Rp6.157.058
Rp7.921.787 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Sept - 14 Sept
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

3. Haley Hotel

Haley Hotel
3.5 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (690 reviews)
"We had complimentary coffee and oatmeal. Fridge in our room and microwave were a plus! Very charming decor and close to the main downtown area."
United States
Diana
The price is Rp3.166.351
Rp3.785.884 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
Haley Hotel

4. Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4.0 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,001 reviews)
"Very nice and clean hotel."
United States
Irina
The price is Rp4.912.415
Rp5.609.732 total
includes taxes & fees
9 Sept - 10 Sept
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

5. Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
3.5 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (488 reviews)
"The location of the Drift was fantastic and it was a darling place to stay."
United States
Shari
The price is Rp4.906.240
Rp5.602.681 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Sept - 14 Sept
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

6. The Upham Hotel

The Upham Hotel
4.0 star property
Historic Downtown Santa Barbara, 0.8 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,021 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel. Loved staying here for a long weekend"
United States
Eila
The price is Rp3.817.729
Rp4.352.281 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Sept - 14 Sept
The Upham Hotel

7. Simpson House Inn

Simpson House Inn
5.0 star property
Upper East, 1 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (731 reviews)
"One of the best places we have stayed in."
United States
Victor
The price is Rp5.696.955
Rp7.691.180 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
Simpson House Inn

8. Casa Jardin

Casa Jardin
3.0 star property
Laguna, 0.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (301 reviews)
"Had a great stay, ideal stay and close to Santa Barbara bowl."
United States
Yessica
The price is Rp2.291.167
Rp3.919.203 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
Casa Jardin

9. Inn By The Harbor

Inn By The Harbor
3.5 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,943 reviews)
"Staff was very helpful and hotel was quiet."
United States
Amanda
The price is Rp4.011.399
Rp4.580.818 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Sept - 28 Sept
Inn By The Harbor

10. Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

Best Western Plus Santa Barbara
3.5 star property
Oak Park, 2 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,007 reviews)
"Great place to stay for a show at the Bowl!"
United States
Patty
The price is Rp2.984.144
Rp3.407.743 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Sept - 28 Sept
Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

11. Lavender Inn by the Sea

Lavender Inn by the Sea
3.5 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,344 reviews)
"Easy and fast check in/out Facility was clean Common area/lawn seatings were appropriately clean Had a great stay!"
United States
Charinda
The price is Rp3.910.285
Rp4.465.350 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Sept - 29 Sept
Lavender Inn by the Sea

12. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.6 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,116 reviews)
"Great place"
United Kingdom
Richard
The price is Rp3.687.178
Rp4.203.383 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

13. Casa Riviera

Casa Riviera
4.5 star property
Laguna, 0.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (304 reviews)
"Amazing Stay"
United States
Monica
The price is Rp3.302.582
Rp5.072.216 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
Casa Riviera

14. Palihouse Santa Barbara

Palihouse Santa Barbara
4.0 star property
0.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (437 reviews)
"This is my new favorite place to stay in Santa Barbara. The decor is outstanding, the rooms quiet, the pool a nice size, the staff helpful, the location perfect to walk to downtown destinations. They even have bikes which I rode to the bike path that goes along the beach. The parking is very convenient downstairs."
United States
sonia
The price is Rp7.409.640
Rp8.461.456 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
Palihouse Santa Barbara

15. Casa De La Vina

Casa De La Vina
4.0 star property
0.8 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (212 reviews)
"Very clean room. Excellent accommodations! Parking was easy and very close to my room."
United States
Richard
The price is Rp3.343.864
Rp5.119.277 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
Casa De La Vina

16. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.4 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (2,385 reviews)
"Great comfortable stay and nice breakfast"
Canada
Julia
The price is Rp2.683.348
Rp3.196.564 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Sept - 9 Sept
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

17. Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages

Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages
3.0 star property
Oak Park, 1.1 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (705 reviews)
"Clean spacious room; clean comfortable bed; helpful, friendly staff; hearty breakfast, Level 2 EVSE"
United States
Noel
The price is Rp3.837.135
Rp4.381.744 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Sept - 14 Sept
Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages

18. Marina Beach Hotel

Marina Beach Hotel
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,181 reviews)
"Great place to stay!"
United States
Amy
The price is Rp3.790.988
Rp4.321.727 total
includes taxes & fees
5 Oct - 6 Oct
Marina Beach Hotel

19. The Presidio

The Presidio
2.0 star property
1.1 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (849 reviews)
"great location and clean motel"
United States
Bonnie
The price is Rp2.234.359
Rp2.547.152 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
The Presidio

20. Casa Iglesia

Casa Iglesia
4.5 star property
Oak Park, 1.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (60 reviews)
"Great location and comfortable rooms."
United States
Rich
The price is Rp2.624.248
Rp4.299.003 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
Casa Iglesia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Compare popular hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara

Property
Property class
Guest rating
Breakfast included
Pool
Spa
Pet-friendly
WiFi included
Reception
Hotel Santa Barbara
4.0 star property
9.4
Exceptional
1,497 reviews
View
Exterior
Haley Hotel
3.5 star property
8.8
Excellent
690 reviews
View
Pool
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
4.0 star property
8.8
Excellent
1,000 reviews
View
Shopping centre
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4.0 star property
8.6
Excellent
1,001 reviews
View
View from room
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
3.5 star property
8.4
Very good
488 reviews
View

Where to stay in Downtown Santa Barbara

Find the best Downtown Santa Barbara areas for the activities you enjoy most.

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.

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.

West Beach

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

East Beach

East Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Santa Barbara Zoo and East Beach.

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 Arlington Theater or Lobero Theater might round out your trip.

Top Downtown Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

Find out more about Downtown Santa Barbara

Top reasons to visit Downtown Santa Barbara

  • Charming Historic Downtown: Experience the rich history of Santa Barbara through its beautifully preserved buildings and inviting streets.
  • Cultural Excursions: Explore art galleries, local theatres, and museums that showcase the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
  • Scenic Beaches: Enjoy the stunning beaches, perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities.
  • Bustling Shopping District: Indulge in boutique shopping and local cuisine in a vibrant city centre.
  • Diverse Accommodation Options: Find a range of hotels and charming bed & breakfasts to suit every traveller's needs.

Find great hotels near Downtown Santa Barbara

Discover a delightful array of hotel accommodations in Downtown Santa Barbara, where you can enjoy a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. From charming bed & breakfasts to luxurious hotels like the Hotel Californian and Santa Barbara Inn, there are options to suit every traveller. Whether you seek pet-friendly stays or beachfront retreats, Downtown Santa Barbara offers a welcoming atmosphere for an unforgettable holiday experience.

  • Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort: This 4-star resort offers a quintessential Californian beach experience, located a mere 3km from Downtown Santa Barbara. Guests can indulge in direct access to the sandy shores, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a seaside retreat. The resort features elegant rooms with ocean views, a spacious outdoor pool, and a well-equipped fitness centre. Guests can unwind at the on-site restaurant, which serves fresh, locally sourced dishes. The charming Spanish-inspired architecture adds to the resort’s allure, making it a delightful escape for beach lovers.
  • Sandpiper Lodge: A budget-friendly option that scores an impressive 8.6 out of 10 from guests, Sandpiper Lodge is also located 3km from Downtown Santa Barbara. This motel-style accommodation offers complimentary breakfast options, including continental selections, ensuring a good start to your day. With nearby recreational activities such as cycling and golf, guests can stay active during their visit. In-room entertainment features include a flatscreen TV with premium channels, providing a comfortable and enjoyable environment. The lodge’s friendly service and convenient amenities make it a practical choice for travellers on a budget.
  • The Milo: Rated at 3.5 stars and boasting an 8.6 out of 10 guest rating, The Milo is a charming hotel just 2km away from Downtown Santa Barbara. Ideal for those seeking a beach holiday, the property offers direct beach access and a relaxed atmosphere. The hotel features well-appointed rooms with a coastal aesthetic, along with a lovely outdoor pool area. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast and explore nearby attractions, ensuring a refreshing and convenient stay. The Milo’s blend of comfort and proximity to the beach makes it a popular selection for holidaymakers.

Where to stay near Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara offers a delightful blend of historical charm and vibrant urban life, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Stroll through the picturesque streets, taking in stunning city views and friendly locals. Explore the bustling city centre, where you can indulge in local cuisine, boutique shopping, and cultural excursions. This enchanting destination promises a memorable experience, showcasing the beautiful scenery and rich history that Santa Barbara is renowned for.

  • Santa Barbara: Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is a vibrant city renowned for its Mediterranean-style architecture and stunning natural beauty. As the heart of the region, Downtown Santa Barbara offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore local theatres, educational venues, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the tourist precinct. The area's beautiful beaches provide the perfect backdrop for sun-soaked relaxation and family fun, making it a year-round destination for travellers seeking a taste of Californian charm.
  • Santa Barbara Beach: Located a mere mile from Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Beach is a picturesque neighbourhood that embodies the quintessential Californian beach experience. Visitors flock here to indulge in outdoor activities, family outings, and the relaxing beach vibe. The area features a variety of shopping options and theme park rides, ensuring there’s something for everyone. With its sandy shores and close proximity to the tourist precinct, Santa Barbara Beach is an ideal spot for those looking to unwind and soak up the sun while enjoying the ocean's soothing waves.
  • Historic Downtown Santa Barbara: Just 322m from the bustling Downtown Santa Barbara, Historic Downtown Santa Barbara is a captivating neighbourhood steeped in rich history and culture. Known for its charming architecture and vibrant shopping scene, this area attracts visitors seeking family-oriented activities and outdoor exploration. The local theatres and educational venues offer unique experiences, while the nearby beach and tourist precinct serve as perfect spots for relaxation and recreation. With its blend of history and modern amenities, Historic Downtown Santa Barbara is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the essence of this beautiful city.

Things to do in Downtown Santa Barbara

Shopping

In Downtown Santa Barbara, explore the vibrant Paseo Nuevo, featuring an array of shops from popular brands to unique boutiques. Nearby, the Santa Barbara Public Market offers a delightful selection of local artisanal goods and gourmet gifts, perfect for memorable souvenirs.

Recreation

Explore the tranquil environment at the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore for rejuvenating spa treatments and yoga sessions. Stroll through the lush gardens or unwind by the pool. The nearby Butterfly Beach offers a serene coastal escape, ideal for leisurely walks and sunset views.

Adventure

In Downtown Santa Barbara, explore the vibrant State Street, where boutique shops and local eateries abound. Enjoy thrilling water sports at East Beach, or take a scenic hike in the nearby Santa Ynez Mountains for stunning views of the coastline.

Nightlife

In Downtown Santa Barbara, the vibrant nightlife features venues like The Good Lion, offering craft cocktails in a lively atmosphere, and the Funk Zone, known for its trendy bars and art scene. Enjoy live music at Soho Restaurant & Music Club for an engaging evening experience.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Downtown Santa Barbara

To save money on your visit to Downtown Santa Barbara, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January, February, and November, when accommodation prices are lower. Tuesdays are the most affordable days to book your stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Utilise Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and location, and take advantage of package deals that combine flights and hotel reservations for added savings. Don't forget to explore free activities and use public transport, as Santa Barbara is compact and walkable, making it easy to navigate on foot.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Downtown Santa Barbara are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Downtown Santa Barbara is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Downtown Santa Barbara is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the most economical prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation in Downtown Santa Barbara with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in and around Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara is perfect for family and outdoor vacations, offering a blend of historical and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore historic buildings, museums, and beautiful beaches, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. Noteworthy attractions include the charming historic downtown area, which provides a glimpse into the city's vibrant past while catering to family-friendly activities and outdoor experiences.

  • West Beach: Experience the laid-back beach vibes at West Beach, located a mere mile from Downtown Santa Barbara. This charming stretch of sand offers picturesque views, ideal for sunbathing and swimming, making it a delightful spot for relaxation.
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse: Immerse yourself in the rich culture at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, a stunning historic building right in Downtown. Its Spanish-Moorish architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens provide a glimpse into the area’s heritage.
  • Santa Barbara Harbor: Discover adventure at Santa Barbara Harbor, just 1.6km away from the city centre. This lively marina is perfect for outdoor activities like sailing and kayaking, all while enjoying the refreshing coastal atmosphere.

Best time to go to Downtown Santa Barbara

The best time to visit Downtown Santa Barbara is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April60.3°F (15.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June68.2°F (20.1°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July72.1°F (22.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August72.9°F (22.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September71.6°F (22.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October66.7°F (19.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage

The nearest major airports for your trip to Downtown Santa Barbara

Flying into Downtown Santa Barbara is convenient with three major airports. Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is situated 13km away, with luxurious hotels like The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara and Hotel Californian nearby. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), located 130km from Downtown, offers upscale options such as Fairmont Miramar Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey. Burbank Hollywood Airport (BUR) is 127km away, with excellent accommodations like The Sun Rose West Hollywood. Each airport provides accessible transportation options to these hotels, ensuring a smooth arrival for your holiday.

Frequently asked questions

What's it like in Downtown Santa Barbara?
Travellers love the Downtown Santa Barbara neighbourhood for its beautiful beaches, array of dining options and major shopping area. Make sure that you visit Presidio Santa Barbara and Arlington Theater as part of your Downtown Santa Barbara travel plans.
What's the best place to stay in Downtown Santa Barbara?
Based on our traveller data, Hotel Santa Barbara is one of the top choices for your stay in Downtown Santa Barbara. This hotel is a short 13-minute walk from Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and it offers a 24-hour fitness centre and free WiFi. Other good choices for your stay in the area include Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG and Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels.
How many hotels will I be able to find in Downtown Santa Barbara?
With 17 Expedia hotels and other accommodation options in Downtown Santa Barbara to choose from, this is a good starting point for exploring the greater Santa Barbara area.
If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Downtown Santa Barbara, will I receive a refund?
Yes, you'll find most hotel reservations are refundable if you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before the scheduled arrival. If you have a non-refundable reservation, it might still be possible to cancel it and receive a refund within 24 hours of your booking. Add your dates and click on "Search", then filter by "fully refundable" to review top deals in Downtown Santa Barbara.
What can I see and do in this Santa Barbara neighbourhood?
Presidio Santa Barbara, El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park and Hill-Carrillo Adobe are some local landmarks to explore in Downtown Santa Barbara. As you're discovering the neighbourhood, Arlington Theater and Lobero Theater are some other places worth a visit. A few places to visit in the area around Downtown Santa Barbara include La Arcada, Casa de la Guerra and De la Guerra Plaza. While you're out sightseeing in Santa Barbara, make sure that you visit other sights such as Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum or Paseo Nuevo Mall.