A historic building with arched windows and a bell tower, surrounded by palm trees and greenery.

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Our top choices for Downtown Santa Barbara hotels

1. Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara
4.0 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,487 reviews)
"Great location and fun updated hotel. "
United States
Marilyn
The price is ₩331,438
₩385,403 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Hotel Santa Barbara

2. Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
4.0 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,002 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel in great location. Beautiful roof top pool and walking access to downtown. Really nice hotel."
United States
Paul
The price is ₩477,292
₩614,093 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

3. Haley Hotel

Haley Hotel
3.5 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (687 reviews)
"We had complimentary coffee and oatmeal. Fridge in our room and microwave were a plus! Very charming decor and close to the main downtown area."
United States
Diana
The price is ₩195,703
₩236,764 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 2 - Sep 3
Haley Hotel

4. Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4.0 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,003 reviews)
"Loved this hotel. Great location"
United States
Cayley
The price is ₩357,737
₩408,518 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

5. Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
3.5 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (485 reviews)
"The location of the Drift was fantastic and it was a darling place to stay."
United States
Shari
The price is ₩380,330
₩434,319 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 13 - Sep 14
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

6. The Upham Hotel

The Upham Hotel
4.0 star property
Historic Downtown Santa Barbara, 0.8 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,012 reviews)
"Strongly recommend if you go to Santa barbara- very nice hotel with nice garden and lounge."
United States
JONATHAN CHARLES
The price is ₩295,949
₩337,387 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 7 - Sep 8
The Upham Hotel

7. The Presidio

The Presidio
2.0 star property
1.1 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.0 out of 10, Very Good, (842 reviews)
"great location and clean motel"
United States
Bonnie
The price is ₩149,957
₩170,950 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 2 - Sep 3
The Presidio

8. Casa Riviera

Casa Riviera
4.5 star property
Laguna, 0.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (300 reviews)
"Amazing Stay"
United States
Monica
The price is ₩248,705
₩385,510 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 21 - Sep 22
Casa Riviera

9. Casa Jardin

Casa Jardin
3.0 star property
Laguna, 0.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (300 reviews)
"Had a great stay, ideal stay and close to Santa Barbara bowl."
United States
Yessica
The price is ₩180,810
₩307,462 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 2 - Sep 3
Casa Jardin

10. Inn By The Harbor

Inn By The Harbor
3.5 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,937 reviews)
"Great location, clean and pleasant environment."
United States
Heidi
The price is ₩338,878
₩386,982 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Inn By The Harbor

11. Simpson House Inn

Simpson House Inn
5.0 star property
Upper East, 1 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (731 reviews)
"One of the best places we have stayed in."
United States
Victor
The price is ₩413,563
₩564,171 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 15 - Sep 16
Simpson House Inn

12. Palihouse Santa Barbara

Palihouse Santa Barbara
4.0 star property
0.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (436 reviews)
"This is my new favorite place to stay in Santa Barbara. The decor is outstanding, the rooms quiet, the pool a nice size, the staff helpful, the location perfect to walk to downtown destinations. They even have bikes which I rode to the bike path that goes along the beach. The parking is very convenient downstairs."
United States
sonia
The price is ₩547,040
₩624,692 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 13 - Sep 14
Palihouse Santa Barbara

13. Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

Best Western Plus Santa Barbara
3.5 star property
Oak Park, 2 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,002 reviews)
"Great place to stay for a show at the Bowl!"
United States
Patty
The price is ₩231,329
₩264,167 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

14. Casa De La Vina

Casa De La Vina
4.0 star property
0.8 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (209 reviews)
"Great location. Very comfortable room; nice amenities. Within walking distance to many great places. Would definitely stay here again."
United States
Jane Hodges
The price is ₩249,614
₩385,895 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Casa De La Vina

15. Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages

Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages
3.0 star property
Oak Park, 1.1 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (705 reviews)
"Clean spacious room; clean comfortable bed; helpful, friendly staff; hearty breakfast, Level 2 EVSE"
United States
Noel
The price is ₩297,453
₩339,671 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 22 - Sep 23
Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages

16. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.4 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (2,372 reviews)
"Great comfortable stay and nice breakfast"
Canada
Julia
The price is ₩209,341
₩249,380 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 2 - Sep 3
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

17. Lavender Inn by the Sea

Lavender Inn by the Sea
3.5 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,338 reviews)
"Great Coffee! Super Tidy and Clean Great Staff !!!!"
United States
Mike
The price is ₩342,296
₩390,884 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 2 - Sep 3
Lavender Inn by the Sea

18. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.6 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,112 reviews)
"Great place"
United Kingdom
Richard
The price is ₩285,828
₩325,844 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 7 - Sep 8
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

19. Marina Beach Hotel

Marina Beach Hotel
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,175 reviews)
"Great place to stay!"
United States
Amy
The price is ₩262,287
₩299,008 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 2 - Sep 3
Marina Beach Hotel

20. Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach
3.5 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,442 reviews)
"Great location Very nice staff"
United States
Liad
The price is ₩340,407
₩388,727 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 29 - Sep 30
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Where to stay in Downtown Santa Barbara

Find the best Downtown Santa Barbara areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.

Santa Barbara Beach

Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Stearns Wharf and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.

Montecito

Celebrity-favored Montecito offers backcountry hiking trails and attractions like Lotusland and El Fureidis. Easily accessible via State Route 192 and the U.S. 101 Freeway, it's well-connected to Santa Barbara County.

West Beach

While visiting West Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Santa Barbara Harbor and West Beach.

East Beach

East Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Santa Barbara Zoo and East Beach.

Lower State

While visiting Lower State, you might make a stop by sights like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Reagan Ranch Center.

Top Downtown Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

Find out more about Downtown Santa Barbara

Top reasons to visit Downtown Santa Barbara

  • Vibrant Shopping Scene: Explore a lively array of shops and boutiques in Downtown Santa Barbara, perfect for finding unique souvenirs.
  • Culinary Delights: Enjoy flavorful taco tours that showcase the area's diverse and delicious food culture.
  • Historic Architecture: Stroll through charming streets lined with beautiful historic buildings that reflect the city's rich heritage.
  • Outdoor Activities: Experience beautiful parks and beaches, ideal for family outings and adventurous pursuits.
  • Cultural Attractions: Immerse yourself in local art galleries and theaters, offering a glimpse into Santa Barbara's vibrant arts scene.

Find great hotels near Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara offers a variety of hotel accommodations perfect for every traveler. Whether you're seeking adventure, a pet-friendly stay, or proximity to the beautiful beach, you'll find great options like Hotel Santa Barbara, Hotel Californian, and Santa Barbara Inn. With featured hotels providing unique experiences, your perfect getaway awaits in this charming coastal city.

  • Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort: Nestled along the stunning coastline, the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is a 4-star retreat that offers a tranquil beachfront experience. Located 3km from Downtown Santa Barbara, guests can enjoy direct access to the beach, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a seaside getaway. The resort features spacious rooms with ocean views, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. With multiple dining options on-site, you can savor local cuisine while enjoying the beautiful sunsets.
  • Sandpiper Lodge: Sandpiper Lodge is a budget-friendly motel that combines comfort and convenience, boasting a guest rating of 8.6 out of 10. Situated 3km from Downtown Santa Barbara, this lodge provides complimentary breakfast options, including continental selections. Guests can engage in various recreational activities, such as nearby bicycle rentals and golfing. For entertainment, rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs and premium cable channels, ensuring a relaxing stay. The property's proximity to the city center adds to its appeal for exploring local attractions.
  • The Milo: With a rating of 8.6 out of 10, The Milo is a charming 3.5-star hotel located only 2km from Downtown Santa Barbara. This property features direct beach access, perfect for travelers looking to soak up the sun and surf. The Milo offers elegantly designed rooms with modern amenities, creating a cozy atmosphere for relaxation. Guests can enjoy a refreshing pool area and beautifully landscaped gardens, enhancing the overall beach vacation experience.

Where to stay near Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara offers a vibrant urban experience perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Stroll through the charming streets adorned with historic architecture, enjoy the friendly atmosphere, and take in stunning city views. With its unique blend of culture, scenic beauty, and exciting excursions, Downtown Santa Barbara is an ideal destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the heart of this picturesque Californian city.

  • Santa Barbara: Nestled between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is a vibrant city that perfectly blends scenic beauty with cultural richness. Downtown Santa Barbara serves as the heart of this charming locale, where visitors can explore educational institutions, theaters, and entertainment venues. The city attracts families and outdoor enthusiasts year-round, with peak visitation from June to August. Enjoy the local beaches, family-friendly areas, and the bustling tourist precinct that offers a delightful mix of shopping and dining experiences.
  • Santa Barbara Beach: Located 2km from Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Beach is a picturesque neighborhood famous for its stunning shoreline and family-friendly atmosphere. This coastal gem offers perfect opportunities for outdoor activities, making it a favorite among beachgoers. Visitor numbers are fairly consistent throughout the year, with peak times occurring during the summer months. Enjoy shopping and nearby entertainment options while soaking up the sun on the beautiful beach, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and family fun.
  • Historic Downtown Santa Barbara: Just 322m from Downtown Santa Barbara, Historic Downtown Santa Barbara is a treasure trove of history and culture. This neighborhood features charming architecture and a lively atmosphere, perfect for families and city explorers alike. Visitors flock here primarily in March to April and July, seeking unique shopping experiences and captivating theater performances. The proximity to the beach and family-friendly attractions makes it a popular destination for those looking to immerse themselves in Santa Barbara's vibrant community and rich heritage.

Things to do in Downtown Santa Barbara

Shopping

In Downtown Santa Barbara, visit Paseo Nuevo for a variety of shops and dining options. For unique gifts, check out the local boutiques along State Street, where you'll find artisan goods and souvenirs that reflect the area's charm. Don't miss the Santa Barbara Public Market for local treats.

Recreation

Experience tranquility at the San Ysidro Ranch Spa, where you can indulge in rejuvenating treatments surrounded by lush gardens. For outdoor enjoyment, take a stroll along the waterfront at Stearns Wharf, offering beautiful ocean views and local shops to explore.

Adventure

Explore the Santa Barbara Waterfront, where you can stroll along the beach, rent bikes, or try kayaking in the ocean. The nearby Stearns Wharf offers fishing, dining, and scenic views. For a unique experience, hike up to the Santa Barbara Courthouse for panoramic vistas of the city and coastline.

Nightlife

Explore the vibrant nightlife at The Good Lion on State Street for creative cocktails and a cozy atmosphere. For dancing, check out EOS Lounge, where local DJs spin tunes late into the night, providing a lively setting to unwind and mingle with friends.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in and around Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara is perfect for family and outdoor vacations, offering a mix of historic sites, museums, and beautiful beaches. Visitors can explore the charming historic downtown area, which showcases the city's rich culture and heritage. With a variety of activities suited for those seeking adventure and family-friendly experiences, Downtown Santa Barbara promises unforgettable memories for everyone.

  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse: This historic Civic Government Building boasts stunning Spanish-Moorish architecture and vibrant tile work. Visitors can explore its lush gardens and climb the clock tower for panoramic views of the city and coastline, making it a cultural gem in Downtown Santa Barbara.
  • Stearns Wharf: As a historic jetty, Stearns Wharf offers delightful dining, shopping, and stunning ocean views. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, where you can watch fishermen at work or enjoy fresh seafood while soaking in the coastal breeze.
  • West Beach: This beautiful beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and beach volleyball. With its soft sand and scenic views of the Santa Barbara Harbor, West Beach is a relaxing getaway for those looking to enjoy the California sun.

Best time to go to Downtown Santa Barbara

The best time to visit Downtown Santa Barbara can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Downtown Santa Barbara falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Downtown Santa Barbara falls in February, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April60.3°F (15.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June68.2°F (20.1°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July72.1°F (22.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August72.9°F (22.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September71.6°F (22.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October66.7°F (19.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage

The nearest major airports for your trip to Downtown Santa Barbara

Traveling to Downtown Santa Barbara is convenient with three major airports nearby. Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is only 13km away, with luxurious hotel options such as The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, El Encanto Santa Barbara, and Hotel Californian, all accessible from the airport. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is 130km from Downtown Santa Barbara, with upscale hotels like Fairmont Miramar Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, and Casa Del Mar located within a short distance. Additionally, Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is 127km away, featuring hotels like The Sun Rose West Hollywood, 1 Hotel West Hollywood, and The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills, providing comfortable stays for travelers.

Frequently asked questions

What's it like in Downtown Santa Barbara?
Travelers love the Downtown Santa Barbara neighborhood for its beautiful beaches, array of dining options, and major shopping area. Be sure to check out Lobero Theater and Arlington Theater as part of your Downtown Santa Barbara travel plans.
Where is the best place to stay in Downtown Santa Barbara?
Based on our traveler data, Hotel Santa Barbara is one of the top choices for your stay in Downtown Santa Barbara. This hotel is a short 13-minute walk from Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and it offers a 24-hour fitness center and free WiFi. Other good choices for your stay in the area include Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG and Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels.
How many hotels are there in Downtown Santa Barbara?
With 17 Expedia hotels and other accommodations in Downtown Santa Barbara to choose from, this is a good starting point for exploring the greater Santa Barbara area.
If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Downtown Santa Barbara, will I receive a refund?
Yes! You'll find that most hotel room reservations are fully refundable if cancelled before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of your check-in date. If you have a reservation that's non-refundable, you might be able to still cancel and get a refund within 24 hours of your booking. Enter your dates, click on "Search", then use the "fully refundable" filter to get the top deals on offer in Downtown Santa Barbara.
Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip to Downtown Santa Barbara?
For more information about picking new dates or cancelling your trip to Downtown Santa Barbara, head over to our customer service page.
What can I see and do in this Santa Barbara neighborhood?
Presidio Santa Barbara, El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park, and Hill-Carrillo Adobe are some local landmarks to explore in Downtown Santa Barbara. As you're discovering the neighborhood, Lobero Theater and Arlington Theater are some other places worth a visit. A few places to visit in the area around Downtown Santa Barbara include La Arcada, Casa de la Guerra, and De la Guerra Plaza. While you're out sightseeing in Santa Barbara, be sure to visit other sights like Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum or Paseo Nuevo Mall.