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 waterfront 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 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: Guided Tour on electric bikes (private)
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
Very cute hotel! perfect for our stay. right along State street and staff was very kind and helpful!
Reviewed on 29 Apr 2026
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
The room was excellent, the rooftop pool, coffee bar in the morning, and wine reception at night were all top-notch. The staff was very friendly, the manager shook my hand and introduced himself.
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2026
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
What a great find! Loved it so much - beds and pillows were comfy. Only complaint was the wood beams were very dusty which made me wake up w insane allergies and the window was covered w cobwebs outside- - they could use a window washer and better cleaning w ceilings but the room felt clean and it ...
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Clean, spacious room, and totally walkable area of town.
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026
Haley Hotel
First day we got there we noticed that all the windows were open, which is strange because I’ve been to tons of hotels that are usually locked. I closed the windows and turned the “AC” on and went on with our night. When we got back to the hotel it was SUPER hot inside. Went to check the thermostat ...
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
continental breakfast was great the property was well taken care of room was very clean
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026
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 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.
