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, (1,507 reviews)
"Loved this hotel, staff, location everything was wonderful"
United States
Karri
The price is ₩315,565
₩366,939 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 12 - Oct 13
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, (1,001 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel in great location. Beautiful roof top pool and walking access to downtown. Really nice hotel."
United States
Paul
The price is ₩554,171
₩702,964 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 23 - Sep 24
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

3. Haley Hotel

Haley Hotel
3.5 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (696 reviews)
"Great place and walking distance to fun bars"
United States
Rodney J
The price is ₩253,502
₩302,867 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 23 - Sep 24
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, (1,000 reviews)
"Very nice and clean hotel."
United States
Irina
The price is ₩356,503
₩407,109 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 12 - Oct 13
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, (493 reviews)
"The rooms are small but they are clean and perfect for a couples getaway or a business trip. The staff is friendly and we found it conveniently located to everything."
United States
Ileska
The price is ₩348,753
₩398,258 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 18 - Oct 19
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, (1,007 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel. Loved staying here for a long weekend"
United States
Eila
The price is ₩275,183
₩313,711 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 30 - Oct 1
The Upham Hotel

7. Simpson House Inn

Simpson House Inn
5.0 star property
Upper East, 1 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (733 reviews)
"One of the best places we have stayed in."
United States
Victor
The price is ₩390,003
₩538,697 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 22 - Sep 23
Simpson House Inn

8. 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, (707 reviews)
"Simon and Andrea, the Inn Keepers, were so accommodating, welcoming and informative. We enjoyed our stay there and look forward to our next visit!"
United States
Caroline
The price is ₩302,086
₩344,961 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 23 - Sep 24
Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages

9. Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria South

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria South
2.0 star property
17.7 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (1,675 reviews)
"Good place for an overnight stay."
United States
Mary Ellen
The price is ₩110,126
₩132,380 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 29 - Sep 30
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria South

10. Casa Jardin, a ZenStay Hotel

Casa Jardin, a ZenStay Hotel
3.0 star property
Laguna, 0.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (306 reviews)
"Nice room. Clean. Parking great free close to downtown Santa Barbara venues."
United States
Colleen
The price is ₩185,251
₩314,113 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 19 - Oct 20
Casa Jardin, a ZenStay Hotel

11. Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria North

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria North
2.0 star property
15.7 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
7.8 out of 10, Good, (1,483 reviews)
"Great place to stay"
United States
Andrew
The price is ₩105,001
₩126,507 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 5 - Oct 6
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria North

12. Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel

Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel
4.5 star property
Laguna, 0.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (320 reviews)
"Location and comfort."
United States
Katia
The price is ₩279,863
₩421,963 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 19 - Oct 20
Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel

13. 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, (1,942 reviews)
"Pleasant stay with excellent breakfast."
United States
emiliano
The price is ₩335,650
₩383,295 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 28 - Sep 29
Inn By The Harbor

14. The Presidio

The Presidio
2.0 star property
1.1 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (863 reviews)
"great location and clean motel"
United States
Bonnie
The price is ₩199,515
₩227,446 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 22 - Sep 23
The Presidio

15. Cliff House Inn On The Ocean

Cliff House Inn On The Ocean
3.0 star property
25.1 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,024 reviews)
"professional staff, helpful and friendly, food is excellent, a memorable ocean view experience"
United States
Richard
The price is ₩256,595
₩288,208 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 12 - Oct 13
Cliff House Inn On The Ocean

16. 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, (1,116 reviews)
"Amazing place to stay!"
United States
Amanda
The price is ₩329,378
₩375,491 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 12 - Oct 13
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

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, (1,339 reviews)
"Good location, ample parking, pleasant atmosphere, wonderful bed, daily housekeeping, fair price."
United States
Terry
The price is ₩301,594
₩344,405 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 29 - Sep 30
Lavender Inn by the Sea

18. Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn

Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn
3.5 star property
16.3 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,519 reviews)
"the grounds are beautiful! perfect place to stay and enjoy the quiet town of carpinteria"
United States
Eden
The price is ₩211,321
₩243,431 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn

19. Casa Iglesia, a ZenStay Hotel

Casa Iglesia, a ZenStay Hotel
4.5 star property
Oak Park, 1.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (67 reviews)
"Great location and comfortable rooms."
United States
Rich
The price is ₩208,335
₩340,420 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 19 - Oct 20
Casa Iglesia, a ZenStay Hotel

20. 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, (2,401 reviews)
"Great comfortable stay and nice breakfast"
Canada
Julia
The price is ₩236,252
₩280,205 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 22 - Sep 23
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
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 West Beach.

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 East Beach and Santa Barbara Zoo.

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

The beaches and abundant 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.

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?
Hill-Carrillo Adobe, Presidio Santa Barbara, and Casa de la Guerra 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, De la Guerra Plaza, and Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum. While you're out sightseeing in Santa Barbara, be sure to visit other sights like Paseo Nuevo Mall or Santa Barbara Museum of Art.