West Beach Travel Guide
Santa Barbara
Popular places to visit
Santa Barbara City College
Explore the campus of Santa Barbara City College during your stay in Santa Barbara. Discover the top-notch restaurants in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.
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.
Santa Barbara Harbor
Explore the waterfront in Santa Barbara with a trip to Santa Barbara Harbor. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Santa Barbara Bowl
Enjoy a show at Santa Barbara Bowl, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Santa Barbara Zoo
Why not meet the animals who call Santa Barbara Zoo home during your holiday in Santa Barbara? Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Stearns Wharf
Explore the waterfront of Stearns Wharf and enjoy other activities such as cycling in Santa Barbara. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
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: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Top hotels in West Beach
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Room was clean, but had multiple light bulbs that were out and a bathroom light/fan switch that didn’t work. Staff was not very friendly. Location is good, with lots of restaurants within walking distance.
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026
The Milo
Great last minute stay
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026
Inn By The Harbor
Only problem we had was figuring out the walking routes to the harbor and to downtown.
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
Harbor View Inn
hotel is very nice, centrally located. rooms are spacious, and clean. nice tub, shower was clean, but no shelves for shampoo etc or towel hook near shower. overall nice hotel and decent value
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach
We had a wonderful time, and we would love to come back!
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026
Beachside Inn
The breakfast was ok, I was expecting better quality. I did appreciate that they had coffee available 24/7. It was also nice that the pool was heated, I was able to swim with my kids at 9am!
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around West Beach
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.
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.
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.
East Mesa
If you're spending some time in East Mesa, Leadbetter Beach and 1000 Steps Beach are top sights worth seeing.
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 Presidio Santa Barbara might round out your trip.
Santa Barbara Beach
Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.
