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 seaside 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 beautiful beaches or experience its lively festivals.
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.
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.
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
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
The hotel went absolutely above and beyond to help me pull off the ultimate birthday surprise. They decorated her room beautifully and had her birthday cake waiting right there for us. Seeing her face light up made the entire trip. The hotel is newly renovated, and the design is beautiful — a mix ...
Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
Hotel was very clean and location was great. Room was very small.
Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
Super cute hotel with such a welcoming atmosphere. The staff was incredibly friendly - from valet to the front desk, as well as everyone at the restaurant and bar. I especially loved that they offered a texting option for any requests, which made everything feel so convenient and seamless. The room ...
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Great location, room clean and staff very helpful
Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026
Haley Hotel
Such a sweet little hotel with a fun patio that’s perfect for late-night conversations by the fire, stargazing, and playing games. I absolutely loved the room we had. It can be fairly loud at night, so either be a sound sleeper or take advantage of the complimentary earplugs. The beds were comfortable, ...
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
I like to stay at sandpiper. Not the first time will come back
Reviewed on 5 Mar 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 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.
