Historic Downtown Santa Barbara Travel Guide
Santa Barbara
Visit Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Popular places to visit
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 waterfront 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.
Granada Theatre
Enjoy a performance at Granada Theatre, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum
You can browse the exhibits at Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's waterfront 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: City Highlights Bike Tour
Top hotels in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
We came here for a wedding. The hotel is situated in a great spot on State street. I have stayed some lovely places, but was taken with the hydration stations on each floor- a button allows you to choose between still and sparkling filtered water. The hotel provides free reusable water bottles. The ...
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026
The Upham Hotel
Great place. They changed my room for me immediately when the gate to my cottage couldn't close.
Reviewed on 20 Mar 2026
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
The ac didn’t work
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
Clean room, friendly staff. The morning coffee was very welcoming. The pool area was so nice I wish we had more time!
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Plenty of shops , restaurants , the pier and beach all within walking distance
Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026
Haley Hotel
As always staying at the Haley was amazing! The location is perfect the rooms are cute and clean. I could not imagine a better place to stay while out in SB!
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026
Check Historic Downtown Santa Barbara hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Downtown Santa Barbara
The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Lobero Theater or Paseo Nuevo Mall might round out your trip.
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.
Laguna
Laguna might not have many top sights, but Lobero Theater and Santa Barbara Bowl are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
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.
Oak Park
While Oak Park isn't home to many top sights, Mission Santa Barbara and Arlington Theater are some notable places to visit nearby.
