A coastal town with a beach, houses, and mountains in the background.

Find Cheap Hotels in Santa Barbara, CA

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Check availability on Santa Barbara Cheap Hotels

Tonight
Sep 26 - Sep 27
Tomorrow
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Next weekend
Oct 2 - Oct 4
In two weeks
Oct 9 - Oct 11

Our top choices for Santa Barbara cheap hotels

1. Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge
North State
United States
Greg
₩148,433
₩169,204 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 5 - Oct 6
Sandpiper Lodge

2. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Beach
Canada
Julia
₩230,327
₩273,170 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 30 - Oct 1
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

3. Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara
North State
United States
chris
₩133,291
₩162,757 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 1 - Oct 2
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara

4. Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn
Santa Barbara Beach
United States
Simon
₩243,123
₩277,638 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 28 - Sep 29
Beachside Inn

5. Oasis Inn & Suites

Oasis Inn & Suites
San Roque
United States
Dipesh
₩160,701
₩183,192 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Oasis Inn & Suites

6. Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach
Santa Barbara Beach
United States
Tammy
₩184,140
₩210,278 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 25 - Oct 26
Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

7. Ala Mar by the Sea

Ala Mar by the Sea
Santa Barbara Beach
United States
cinthya
₩169,613
₩237,038 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 28 - Sep 29
Ala Mar by the Sea

8. The Inn at East Beach

The Inn at East Beach
Santa Barbara Beach
United States
Joseph
₩185,847
₩211,865 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 12 - Oct 13
The Inn at East Beach

9. Villa Rosa Inn

Villa Rosa Inn
Santa Barbara Beach
United States
Elizabeth
₩200,872
₩273,611 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 12 - Oct 13
Villa Rosa Inn

10. Hyatt Place Santa Barbara

Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara
United States
Robert
₩258,966
₩304,967 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
View all properties

Find out more about Santa Barbara

Discover cheap things to do in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara offers a delightful blend of budget-friendly activities and attractions for the discerning traveler. Start your adventure at the picturesque Santa Barbara Mission, a historic site with beautiful gardens that you can explore for free. Next, visit the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, where you can climb the clock tower for stunning panoramic views of the city and coastline at no cost. For a dose of art and culture, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art features free admission on Sundays, showcasing an impressive collection of American and European art. Families will love the Santa Barbara Zoo, where you can enjoy discounted tickets on certain days, making it an affordable outing with the kids. Lastly, head to the Funk Zone, a vibrant arts district filled with local galleries, street art, and wine tasting rooms—many of which offer reasonably priced options. For accommodations, consider the downtown area, where you’ll find various budget-friendly hotels that provide easy access to these attractions, allowing you to explore the charming streets, beautiful beaches, and local eateries without breaking the bank. Enjoy freshly caught seafood at local food trucks or grab a quick bite at one of the many cafes offering delicious meals at wallet-friendly prices.

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: A fantastic choice for budget-conscious travelers, Avania Inn of Santa Barbara boasts a high guest review rating of 9.2. This hotel offers free self-parking and a complimentary daily breakfast, ensuring guests can start their day without added expenses. Guests will appreciate the outdoor pool and hot tub, perfect for relaxation after exploring nearby attractions.
  • Other amenities: Additional features include free Wi-Fi, designer toiletries, and air conditioning for a comfortable stay. The hotel is conveniently located near the beach and boardwalk, allowing guests to easily enjoy Santa Barbara's stunning coastline. With nearby golf and various outdoor activities, the Avania Inn makes for a great base to explore the area.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: Leadbetter Beach - 0.62 miles, MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.62 miles, Santa Barbara Harbor - 0.69 miles

Top Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

Lemon Tree Inn

Lemon Tree Inn

8/10 Good
"Good location and easy access to the interstate. Room was big."
Xavier 1-night trip
Posted less than an hour ago
Lemon Tree Inn
The Milo

The Milo

10/10 Excellent
"Love the hotel its space was very clean. The staff are wonderful here. The staff makes this place great. So accommodating. HR was on the ball on whoever hired their staff here. ♥️"
Sophie 2-night trip
Posted 2 hours ago
The Milo
Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge

8/10 Good
"Very clean and breakfast was fine."
James 1-night trip
Posted 8 hours ago
Sandpiper Lodge
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

10/10 Excellent
"The pool was freezing cold, other than that excellent"
Cory 3-night trip
Posted 19 hours ago
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach
Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn

10/10 Excellent
"Nice inn in santa barbara. It was close to beach, harbor and restaurants . Very clean and staff very helpful. Breakfast the usual fare and liked the afternoon wine and cheese"
Evelyn 2-night trip
Posted 20 hours ago
Beachside Inn
Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

10/10 Excellent
"I was thoroughly impressed with the cleanliness, the design, the professional, friendly staff. Everything was just amazing could not be happier."
Michael 1-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Hotel Santa Barbara
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara

10/10 Excellent
"Room was clean and ready and staff was very friendly"
chris 1-night trip
Posted 4 days ago
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

10/10 Excellent
"😊"
Nerissa 1-night trip
Posted 4 days ago
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Frequently asked questions

What is Santa Barbara like for travelers on a budget?
Santa Barbara has cheap accommodation options and a variety of places to visit, making it a great choice for a budget-friendly getaway. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions like Arlington Theater, Lobero Theater, and Presidio Santa Barbara.
What's the best accommodation for a budget-friendly stay in Santa Barbara?
Based on reviews, Beachside Inn is a popular hotel for our travelers who want a more economical choice, and features free buffet breakfast and free WiFi. Other options to stay on the cheap include Sandpiper Lodge and Avania Inn of Santa Barbara.
How many budget hotels will I be able to find in Santa Barbara?
Expedia has 10 hotels in Santa Barbara that are ideal if you are watching your pennies.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Santa Barbara?
Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Santa Barbara, and keep in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually August and September with an average temp of 71°F, while the coldest months are February and January with an average of 56°F. Average annual precipitation for Santa Barbara is 15 inches.
What is there to see and do in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara attracts visitors with its fine wine and fantastic dining options, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the local attractions that interest you most, and then plan some activities that cost little or nothing at all. If you're looking to enjoy the area's natural beauty, you can get outdoors at West Beach, Leadbetter Beach, or East Beach.
How can I get to Santa Barbara and get around on a budget?
Checking out these ways to get around Santa Barbara is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The closest airport is 7.6 mi (12.2 km) from the center in Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA). If that doesn't suit your budget, you can look into flights to Santa Ynez, CA (SQA), which is 24.7 mi (39.7 km) away. If you want to explore the larger area, hop aboard a train at Santa Barbara Station.

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