What is Historic Downtown Santa Barbara like?

Travelers love the Historic Downtown Santa Barbara neighborhood for its beautiful beaches, array of dining options, and major shopping area. Are you looking for Historic Downtown Santa Barbara travel tips? Be sure to check out Arlington Theater and Lobero Theater while you're in the neighborhood.

What's the best accommodation in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara?

Based on our traveler data, Hotel Santa Barbara is one of the top choices for your stay in Historic 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 options for your stay in the neighborhood include The Upham Hotel and Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG .

How many hotels will I be able to find in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara?

Expedia has 25 hotels and other accommodations in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara to choose from, making this an ideal home base for exploring the greater Santa Barbara area.

If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara, will I receive a refund?

Yes! The majority of hotel room reservations are fully refundable if you cancel before the hotel’s cancellation deadline, which in most cases is within 24 or 48 hours of your scheduled arrival. If you have a reservation that's non-refundable, it might still be possible to cancel it and receive a refund within a 24-hour period of booking. Put your dates in and click on "Search", then use the "fully refundable" filter to view top deals in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara.

Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip to Historic Downtown Santa Barbara?

For more details about rescheduling or cancelling your trip to Historic Downtown Santa Barbara, head over to our customer service page .

What is there to do in this Santa Barbara neighborhood?

Sights like Arlington Theater, Lobero Theater, and Santa Barbara Museum of Art can be part of your cultural tour of Historic Downtown Santa Barbara. Paseo Nuevo Mall and De la Guerra Plaza are also a couple of places to visit in the neighborhood. A few places to visit in the area around Historic Downtown Santa Barbara include Hill-Carrillo Adobe, Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum, and La Arcada. While you're out sightseeing, Casa de la Guerra and Presidio Santa Barbara are a couple of additional sights to visit in Santa Barbara.

Top Historic Downtown Santa Barbara Hotels

A coastal town with red-tiled roofs, palm trees, and mountains in the background.

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Our top choices for Historic Downtown Santa Barbara hotels

A bright kitchen with large windows, wicker furniture, and a wooden countertop.

1. The Upham Hotel

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Thomas

₩312,019 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 25 - Aug 26

A spacious interior with high ceilings, wooden beams, and a central column.

2. Hotel Santa Barbara

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Marilyn

₩390,541 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 26 - Aug 27

A rooftop terrace with outdoor seating, umbrellas, and a pool.

3. Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Paul

₩701,410 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 25 - Aug 26

An outdoor patio with wooden tables and benches, surrounded by lush tropical plants.

4. Haley Hotel

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Diana

₩285,135 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 24 - Aug 25

A modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a central island, and large windows.

5. Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Shari

₩454,350 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 1 - Sep 2

A courtyard with outdoor seating, a fountain, and white buildings with arches.

6. Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Cayley

₩394,498 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 30 - Aug 31

A bright kitchen with a large island, white cabinetry, and a view through glass doors to an outdoor patio.

7. Lavender Inn by the Sea

West Beach, 1.2 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Suzanne

₩351,968 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 26 - Aug 27

A large, two-story building with a tiled roof, surrounded by palm trees and a well-maintained garden.

8. Inn By The Harbor

West Beach, 1.2 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Kalle

₩410,170 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 24 - Aug 25

A traditional building with a white facade, arched windows, and a balcony with a railing.

9. Casa De La Vina

0.7 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Jane Hodges

₩409,527 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 31 - Sep 1

A living room with a sofa, a coffee table, and a view through a glass door to the outdoors.

10. Casa Riviera

Laguna, 0.6 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Monica

₩382,018 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 21 - Sep 22

A hotel room with a large bed, a sofa, a desk, and a nightstand.

11. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

West Beach, 1.3 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Julia

₩265,331 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 1 - Sep 2

A bedroom with a bed, bedside lamps, a mirror, and a window with curtains.

12. Palihouse Santa Barbara

0.5 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Mary

₩664,672 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 1 - Sep 2

A hotel room with two beds, a glass table, and a framed picture on the wall.

13. Casa Jardin

Laguna, 0.6 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Yessica

₩339,293 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 15 - Sep 16

A multi-story building with a curved entrance, palm trees, and a staircase leading to the entrance.

14. Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

West Beach, 1.2 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Liad

₩397,694 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 31 - Sep 1

A white building with a sign reading "Mason Beach Inn" and a balcony with a railing.

15. Mason Beach Inn

West Beach, 1.4 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Rachita

₩448,421 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 24 - Aug 25

A sunny outdoor seating area with tables and chairs, surrounded by lush tropical plants and flowers.

16. Marina Beach Hotel

West Beach, 1.4 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Amy

₩338,862 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 8 - Sep 9

A marina with boats docked, palm trees, and a building labeled "Sea Landing."

17. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

West Beach, 1.5 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Joanna

₩393,382 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 30 - Aug 31

A coastal house with a red roof, surrounded by palm trees and a mountain backdrop.

18. Harbor House Inn

West Beach, 1.4 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Katrin

₩370,980 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 26 - Aug 27

A patio with striped sofas and a table, overlooking a beach with palm trees and flowers.

19. The Milo

West Beach, 1.5 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Shane

₩465,870 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 31 - Sep 1

A restaurant with wooden floors, wicker chairs, and hanging plants.

20. Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

Oak Park, 2.1 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Patty

₩281,139 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 1 - Sep 2

View all properties

Compare popular hotels in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Hotel Santa Barbara	4.0 star property	9.4 Exceptional 1,478 reviews	View
The Upham Hotel	4.0 star property	9.2 Wonderful 1,041 reviews	View
Haley Hotel	3.5 star property	8.8 Excellent 686 reviews	View
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG	4.0 star property	8.8 Excellent 1,004 reviews	View
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels	3.5 star property	8.4 Very Good 483 reviews	View

Where to stay in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

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

A coastal town with a pier extending into the ocean, a beach, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings.

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.

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A coastal beach with palm trees, a sandy shore, and a clear blue sky.

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.

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A coastal town with a prominent white building with a red roof, palm trees, and mountains in the background.

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 Arlington Theater or Lobero Theater might round out your trip.

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A marina with multiple boats docked, calm water, and a clear sky.

West Beach

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

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A beach with palm trees, a pier, and the ocean at sunset.

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.

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Top Historic Downtown Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

Inn By The Harbor

10/10 Excellent

"The location is excellent — walking distance to both the town and the beach. The room was perfect: clean, with a nice kitchenette. The air conditioner was quiet, so we slept really well!"

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

10/10 Excellent

"Super cool room. Has everything you need, but definitely on the smaller side. Great if you’re spending most of the time exploring the area, and if you just want a cool spot to lay your head. Coffee shop was great, and the bar is also very aesthetic. Right in the middle of the attention/nightlife, makes it easy to stumble home. I’d come back for sure. Mainly a spot for you and your significant other."

The Franciscan Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"The property is extremely unique—it doesn’t feel like your typical tourist destination or pit stop. We arrived super late, and Ben checked us in with ease. He offered us complimentary water and took the time to explain all the amenities. For the price, this stay is absolutely worth it! It comes with free Wi-Fi, an in-room coffee and tea bar, complimentary continental breakfast each morning, and even free bike rentals. Our room was super clean and a really good size. We had two queen beds, and they were incredibly soft and comfortable. The room had all the essentials you could need, including an iron and ironing board, hair dryer, ice bucket, extra blankets, and a small refrigerator. The bathroom was also stocked with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and even lotion. One of my favorite little touches was the makeup towel! I often leave a face towel pretty messy after removing my makeup, so I really appreciated that detail. Parking is free, and you can park right next to your room, which is extremely convenient. As far as location, the wharf, restaurants, and shops are all within walking distance. It’s the perfect spot to stay—no traffic, no noise, and very quaint and relaxing. We really enjoyed our stay and will definitely be back!"

Find hotels in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara

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Treat yourself

Be picky

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Filter by

Star rating

Guest rating

Our top choices for Historic Downtown Santa Barbara hotels

1. The Upham Hotel

2. Hotel Santa Barbara

3. Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

4. Haley Hotel

5. Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

6. Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

7. Lavender Inn by the Sea

8. Inn By The Harbor

9. Casa De La Vina

10. Casa Riviera

11. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

12. Palihouse Santa Barbara

13. Casa Jardin

14. Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

15. Mason Beach Inn

16. Marina Beach Hotel

17. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

18. Harbor House Inn

19. The Milo

20. Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

Compare popular hotels in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Where to stay in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Beach

Montecito

Downtown Santa Barbara

West Beach

East Beach

Top Historic Downtown Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

Inn By The Harbor

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