Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara
Visit Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Popular places to visit
Paseo Nuevo Mall
You can enjoy retail therapy at Paseo Nuevo Mall during your stay in Santa Barbara. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Arlington Theater
Enjoy a show at Arlington Theater, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its lively festivals.
Lobero Theater
Enjoy a performance at Lobero Theater, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
You can study the exhibits at Santa Barbara Museum of Art, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Granada Theatre
Enjoy a performance at Granada Theatre, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
El Capitan Lake
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at El Capitan Lake during your travels in Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Things to do
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Top hotels in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
Beautifully decorated hotel with top notch service and beyond perfect location in downtown Santa Barbara.
Reviewed on 31 Jan, 2026
The Upham Hotel
Firstly we were greeted with a warm welcome by Anna who was working the front desk. She was friendly and very helpful in upgrading our room as booking on line with Expedia didn't get me the cottage I thought I was booking. Now I know it's better to book with them directly as this was our 1st time ...
Reviewed on 27 Jan, 2026
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
Lovely little hotel, friendly staff. Very modern and clean. Positioned directly on the main road near lots of shops and nightlife so you don’t have to travel far for entertainment. I would stay here again for sure and would recommend.
Reviewed on 26 Jan, 2026
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
The room was nice and clean. They need soft close toilets … makes for a lot of loud bangs when your used to the others. If you book through Expedia you don’t get IHG points evidently. Something you should be more upfront about or negotiate the points into your deal with them.
Reviewed on 28 Jan, 2026
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
To start off the person you see first is the valet person he was very helpful and nice. The front desk was also very welcoming. The room was clean. All the staff were great, my sister and I enjoyed our stay.
Reviewed on 22 Jan, 2026
Haley Hotel
Excellent location. Cute, clean, and remodeled rooms.
Reviewed on 27 Jan, 2026
Check Historic Downtown Santa Barbara hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
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 Lobero Theater or Presidio Santa Barbara might round out your trip.
Lower State
While visiting Lower State, you might make a stop by sights like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Paseo Nuevo Mall.
Laguna
Laguna might not have many top sights, but Presidio Santa Barbara and Lobero Theater are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
The Funk Zone
Travellers come to The Funk Zone for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Santa Barbara Art Foundry while you're in town.
West Beach
If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and Carriage and Western Art Museum are top sights worth seeing.
Oak Park
While Oak Park isn't home to many top sights, Mission Santa Barbara and Arlington Theater are some notable places to visit nearby.
