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.
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.
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 seaside or simply savour 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 beautiful beaches 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
Santa Barbara Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Santa Barbara: City Highlights Bike Tour
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
Almost new, great location, nice gym
Reviewed on 27 Jan 2026
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
Great location!
Reviewed on 8 Jan 2026
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
This pet friendly hotel was beautifully
Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
To start off the person you see first is the valet person he was very helpful and nice. The front desk was also very welcoming. The room was clean. All the staff were great, my sister and I enjoyed our stay.
Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026
Haley Hotel
Great central location, staff were all very friendly, felt safe!
Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
Nice spacious and clean room. Fit our needs perfect. Staff was friendly and helpful. Only 'negative' was some of the parking spaces are small, so if someone doesn't park straight, you miss out on a parking spot.
Reviewed on 27 Jan 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 Paseo Nuevo Mall 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 Paseo Nuevo Mall.
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 West Beach 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.
