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

Hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara

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Our top choices for Downtown Santa Barbara hotels

Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara
4.0 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,425 reviews)
"Great hotel!!! "
United States
Jamie
The price is S$388
includes taxes & fees
8 Jul - 9 Jul
Hotel Santa Barbara

Haley Hotel

Haley Hotel
3.5 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (662 reviews)
"Walking distance to the beach and restaurants"
United States
Guillermo
The price is S$243
includes taxes & fees
7 Jul - 8 Jul
Haley Hotel

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, (454 reviews)
"Excellent, very quaint, beautifully decorated, staff is amazing, convenient to shopping restaurants and beach"
United States
Matthew
The price is S$370
includes taxes & fees
20 Jul - 21 Jul
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

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)
"It’s a great home base in a convenient downtown location"
United States
Lisa Ann
The price is S$565
includes taxes & fees
12 Jul - 13 Jul
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

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)
"Loved this hotel. Great location"
United States
Cayley
The price is S$421
includes taxes & fees
12 Jul - 13 Jul
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria South

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria South
2.0 star property
17.7 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (1,385 reviews)
"Great location and wonderful staff"
United States
Stephen
The price is S$124
includes taxes & fees
20 Jul - 21 Jul
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria South

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, (1,003 reviews)
"Cant wait to return. Very charming and perfect for a romantic getaway"
United States
Megan
The price is S$249
includes taxes & fees
9 Jul - 10 Jul
Cliff House Inn On The Ocean

Santa Barbara Inn

Santa Barbara Inn
4.0 star property
East Beach, 2.7 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,003 reviews)
"Amazing property and great service."
United States
jelica
The price is S$393
includes taxes & fees
7 Jul - 8 Jul
Santa Barbara Inn

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, (1,241 reviews)
"Great place for staying. "
United States
Yanchao
The price is S$121
includes taxes & fees
2 Aug - 3 Aug
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria North

Casa Iglesia

Casa Iglesia
4.5 star property
Oak Park, 1.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (25 reviews)
"Such a beautiful property!! The room was spacious and had everything we could’ve needed, the bed was so comfortable. Super easy check in / check out process. Would definitely stay here again"
United States
Monique
The price is S$376
includes taxes & fees
7 Jul - 8 Jul
Casa Iglesia

Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach
2.0 star property
East Beach, 2.8 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,405 reviews)
"A great spot just a stones throw to the beach. Very clean and tidy, just what we needed for a couple of nights."
United Kingdom
Angus
The price is S$286
includes taxes & fees
7 Jul - 8 Jul
Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

The Inn at East Beach

The Inn at East Beach
2.5 star property
East Beach, 2.9 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,006 reviews)
"great location!"
United States
Karen
The price is S$240
includes taxes & fees
13 Jul - 14 Jul
The Inn at East Beach

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, (1,541 reviews)
"Clean and well located hotel. Close to the beach. We really enjoyed our stay"
United States
Paulina
The price is S$264
includes taxes & fees
19 Jul - 20 Jul
Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn

Casa Del Sol

Casa Del Sol
2.5 star property
17.9 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
7.0 out of 10, Good, (681 reviews)
"Beautiful little place! Will definitely stay here again."
United States
Sarah
The price is S$245
includes taxes & fees
7 Jul - 8 Jul
Casa Del Sol

Montecito Inn

Montecito Inn
4.0 star property
5.6 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,005 reviews)
"Wonderful stay!"
United States
Anthony
The price is S$445
includes taxes & fees
14 Jul - 15 Jul
Montecito Inn

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carpinteria by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carpinteria by IHG
2.5 star property
17.9 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,001 reviews)
"Great stay"
United States
Leticia I
The price is S$296
includes taxes & fees
7 Jul - 8 Jul
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carpinteria by IHG

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
4.0 star property
East Beach, 2.3 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
7.8 out of 10, Good, (342 reviews)
"Great stay! Use the fire pits at night."
United States
Salina
The price is S$480
includes taxes & fees
13 Jul - 14 Jul
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

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, (2,284 reviews)
"3 blocks from the beach with an awesome staff and spotless rooms."
United States
Daneka
The price is S$286
includes taxes & fees
14 Jul - 15 Jul
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Beach House Inn

Beach House Inn
2.0 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1 review)
"Great location, steps from the beach and downtown. Newly renovated and everything is perfectly clean and in perfect condition!"
United States
Ugur
The price is S$420
includes taxes & fees
7 Jul - 8 Jul
Beach House Inn

The Craft House Inn

The Craft House Inn
4.0 star property
0.8 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (28 reviews)
"Home/room felt like home while our short stay away from home. Host was very helpful throughout our stay."
United States
Norma
The price is S$313
includes taxes & fees
4 Aug - 5 Aug
The Craft House Inn
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 for the activities you enjoy most.

Santa Barbara Beach

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

Montecito

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Montecito. A stop by Miramar Beach or Butterfly Beach might round out your trip.

West Beach

If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and West Beach are top sights worth seeing.

East Beach

East Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like East Beach and Santa Barbara Zoo.

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.

Top Downtown Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

Find out more about Downtown Santa Barbara

Top reasons to visit Downtown Santa Barbara

  • Charming Historic Atmosphere: Explore the picturesque streets of Downtown Santa Barbara, where historic architecture meets vibrant city life.
  • Diverse Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in local art galleries, theatres, and unique culinary delights like taco tours.
  • Beautiful Beaches: Enjoy stunning beach views and outdoor activities perfect for families and adventure seekers alike.
  • Welcoming Local Community: Experience the friendliness of locals as you wander through unique shops and eateries.
  • Variety of Accommodations: Choose from elegant hotels to charming inns, ensuring a memorable stay for every visitor.

Find great hotels near Downtown Santa Barbara

Discover the charm of Downtown Santa Barbara, where a variety of accommodation options await to cater to your every need. From the elegant Hotel Californian to the delightful Santa Barbara Inn, each hotel offers unique amenities for adventure seekers and beach lovers alike. Whether you're travelling with pets or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, Downtown Santa Barbara boasts hotels that promise a memorable experience for all visitors.

  • Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort: This 4-star resort offers an idyllic beach retreat, located 3.2km from Downtown Santa Barbara. With direct access to the sandy shores, guests can soak up the sun and enjoy ocean activities right at their doorstep. The hotel features a stunning outdoor pool, lush gardens, and a fitness centre, making it a delightful venue for relaxation and recreation. Dining options include a beachfront restaurant serving locally inspired cuisine, ensuring a memorable culinary experience amidst beautiful coastal views.
  • Sandpiper Lodge: A budget-friendly option, Sandpiper Lodge stands 3.2km away from Downtown Santa Barbara and boasts a commendable guest rating of 8.6 out of 10. This motel offers a complimentary continental breakfast and various recreational activities nearby, including golf and bicycle rentals. Guests can unwind in rooms equipped with premium television channels and modern amenities. Its convenient location near the city centre allows for easy exploration of local attractions, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious travellers.
  • The Milo: Rated at 3.5 stars, The Milo is situated 1.6km from Downtown Santa Barbara and is an appealing choice for those seeking a beach vacation. The property features direct access to the beach, allowing guests to enjoy the scenic coastline. With a contemporary design and comfortable amenities, The Milo provides a relaxed atmosphere. The hotel also offers a charming outdoor area, ideal for socialising or enjoying a peaceful moment by the sea. Its proximity to local attractions enhances the overall experience.

Where to stay near Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara offers a delightful blend of historical charm and vibrant city life, perfect for family outings and outdoor adventures. Wander through the picturesque streets, where friendly locals welcome you to explore unique shops and eateries. Enjoy stunning city views and scenic excursions, while immersing yourself in the rich culture of this urban destination. Nearby attractions further enhance your experience, making every moment in Santa Barbara truly unforgettable.

  • Santa Barbara: Nestled between the stunning Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is a charming city renowned for its Mediterranean-style architecture and vibrant cultural scene. The city sees consistent visitor numbers year-round, with a peak in summer, attracting families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Explore a plethora of attractions including theatres and entertainment venues, as well as the picturesque beaches and tourist precincts that make this destination so appealing. Whether you’re indulging in local cuisine or enjoying a family day out, Santa Barbara offers a delightful blend of city life and natural beauty.
  • Santa Barbara Beach: Located a mere mile from Downtown, Santa Barbara Beach is a seaside neighbourhood perfect for those seeking sun, sand, and family fun. With consistently high visitor numbers, especially during the summer, it provides an ideal outdoor experience. Families can enjoy the beach, local shopping areas, and even theme park rides in the vicinity. The proximity to the main tourist precinct means you can easily transition from relaxing on the beach to exploring the local shops and eateries, making it a versatile destination for all ages.
  • Historic Downtown Santa Barbara: Just 322m from Downtown, Historic Downtown Santa Barbara exudes charm and character with its rich history and beautiful architecture. This neighbourhood is particularly popular in the spring and summer months, drawing families and city explorers. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture through theatres, shopping areas, and educational venues. The close proximity to the beach and family-friendly attractions ensures that Historic Downtown Santa Barbara is a vibrant hub for both relaxation and exploration, making it a must-visit on your itinerary.

Things to do in Downtown Santa Barbara

Shopping

In Downtown Santa Barbara, visit the vibrant Paseo Nuevo, an outdoor shopping centre featuring a mix of well-known retailers and unique boutiques. The Santa Barbara Marketplace offers local crafts and artisanal goods, ideal for picking up gifts and souvenirs that capture the essence of California.

Recreation

Experience tranquillity at the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, where you can indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments and relax by the serene pool. Explore the scenic Butterfly Beach for a peaceful stroll along the shore, soaking in the natural beauty of the coastline.

Adventure

In Downtown Santa Barbara, explore the thrilling coastline with kayaking adventures, offering stunning views of the Channel Islands. For a unique experience, try zip-lining through the treetops at nearby venues, where you can feel the adrenaline rush while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

Nightlife

Downtown Santa Barbara offers a lively nightlife scene with venues like The Good Lion for craft cocktails and the bustling Funk Zone filled with wine tasting rooms. For live music, check out Soho Restaurant and Music Club, or enjoy a laid-back evening at the historic Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation.

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

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Downtown Santa Barbara

To save money while visiting Downtown Santa Barbara, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to February and November when accommodation prices are lower, particularly on Tuesdays. Avoid weekends, especially Saturdays, for the best rates. Use Expedia to find eco-certified hotels and filter options by price to secure the best deals. Additionally, consider booking your hotel, flights, and activities together for further savings. Explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without straining your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Downtown Santa Barbara are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Downtown Santa Barbara is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Downtown Santa Barbara is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To discover the most economical options and deals, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your Downtown Santa Barbara hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in and around Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a delightful mix of historic sites, museums, and beautiful beaches. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture while exploring the charming historic downtown area. With attractions catering to various interests, including civic buildings and outdoor experiences, there's something for everyone in this picturesque Californian destination.

  • West Beach: Located a mere mile from Downtown Santa Barbara, West Beach offers a quintessential beach experience. With its soft sands and gentle waves, it’s an ideal spot for relaxation, sunbathing, and enjoying the coastal breeze.
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse: Situated within Downtown, this historic Civic Government Building is a marvel of Spanish-Moorish architecture. Its stunning murals and lush gardens provide a glimpse into local culture and history, making it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.
  • Santa Barbara Harbor: Also 1.6km away, this vibrant marina invites adventure seekers to partake in various water activities. Whether it’s sailing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere, the harbour captures the essence of outdoor beach fun.

Best time to go to Downtown Santa Barbara

The best time to visit Downtown Santa Barbara is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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

Accessing Downtown Santa Barbara is easy via its major airports. Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is a mere 12.9km away, with luxurious hotels like The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara and El Encanto Santa Barbara located nearby. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), situated 130.4km from downtown, offers upscale accommodation options such as the Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Casa Del Mar. Alternatively, Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is 127.1km away, with excellent hotels like The Sun Rose West Hollywood. Each airport is well connected to its respective hotels, ensuring a smooth journey for visitors.

Frequently asked questions

What's it like in Downtown Santa Barbara?
Travellers love the Downtown Santa Barbara neighbourhood for its beautiful beaches, array of dining options and major shopping area. Make sure that you visit Lobero Theater and Presidio Santa Barbara as part of your Downtown Santa Barbara travel plans.
What's the best place to stay in Downtown Santa Barbara?
Based on our traveller 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 centre and free WiFi. Other good choices for your stay in the area include Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels and Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG.
How many hotels will I be able to find in Downtown Santa Barbara?
With 17 Expedia hotels and other accommodation options 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 most hotel reservations are refundable if you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before the scheduled arrival. If you have a non-refundable reservation, it might still be possible to cancel it and receive a refund within 24 hours of your booking. Add your dates and click on "Search", then filter by "fully refundable" to review top deals in Downtown Santa Barbara.
What can I see and do in this Santa Barbara neighbourhood?
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 neighbourhood, 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, make sure that you visit other sights such as Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum or Paseo Nuevo Mall.

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