Hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara

Top reasons to visit Downtown Santa Barbara

• Charming Spanish Architecture: Wander through picturesque streets lined with stunning Spanish colonial buildings, reflecting the region's rich history.
• Vibrant Shopping Scene: Explore an eclectic mix of local shops and boutiques, offering unique souvenirs and artisanal goods.
• Artistic Culture: Immerse yourself in engaging art galleries and cultural exhibitions that showcase local talent.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy numerous parks, museums, and entertainment options suitable for visitors of all ages.
• Wine Tasting Experiences: Indulge in delightful wine tastings at local establishments, perfect for a relaxing evening.

Find great hotels near Downtown Santa Barbara

Discover a delightful range of accommodation options in Downtown Santa Barbara, where charming hotels and motels cater to every traveler's desires. Whether you seek adventure, a beachside retreat, or a pet-friendly getaway, the hotels in this picturesque area promise comfort and convenience. With popular choices like Hotel Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Inn, you'll find the perfect base to explore the vibrant downtown and its stunning surroundings.

• The Milo: The Milo is a charming 3.5-star hotel located a mile from Downtown Santa Barbara, offering a delightful beachside retreat for families and pet lovers alike. With direct access to the beach, guests can easily enjoy sun-soaked days by the ocean. The hotel is particularly family-friendly, featuring amenities such as a First Aid Kit, beach toys, and a secure pool area with a gate. Pets are welcome here, with specific policies in place to ensure a comfortable stay for all. The Milo is perfect for those seeking a laid-back coastal experience with the convenience of family-oriented services.
• Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort: This 4-star resort, located two miles from Downtown Santa Barbara, is a haven for families and adventure seekers. With its prime beachfront location, the resort offers a variety of exciting activities, including windsurfing, kayaking, and hiking in nearby locations. Families will appreciate the thoughtful amenities for children, such as window guards and complimentary cribs. The Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort seamlessly blends relaxation with adventure, making it an ideal choice for those looking to create unforgettable memories by the sea.
• Sandpiper Lodge: Sandpiper Lodge is a welcoming motel situated two miles from Downtown Santa Barbara, perfect for budget-conscious travellers seeking comfort and convenience. Guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast daily, and a variety of recreational activities are available nearby, including bicycle rentals and golf options. With entertainment amenities such as cable TV and premium channels, guests can unwind after a day of exploration. Sandpiper Lodge offers a simple yet enjoyable stay, with easy access to the vibrant city centre and its attractions.

Where to stay near Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara offers a delightful blend of historic charm and vibrant city life, making it an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Explore the picturesque streets adorned with Spanish architecture, visit the charming city parks, and soak in the friendly atmosphere. Don’t miss out on the historic downtown area, where you can indulge in local cuisine and unique shopping experiences, ensuring a memorable vacation filled with scenic excursions and rich culture.

• Santa Barbara: Nestled between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is a charming city renowned for its Mediterranean-style architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors flock here year-round, with peak months from June to August, seeking a blend of family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and entertainment options. Explore the bustling shopping areas, catch a performance at a local theatre, or relax at the stunning beaches nearby. The city’s picturesque setting and rich history make it a delightful destination for all types of travellers.
• Santa Barbara Beach: Located just 1.6km from Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Beach offers a quintessential Californian experience with its sun-kissed sands and inviting waters. This neighbourhood is a family favourite, attracting visitors from June to August for its outdoor and beach-themed activities. Enjoy shopping at local boutiques, indulge in delicious cuisine, or partake in thrilling theme park rides nearby. The beach’s laid-back atmosphere, coupled with its proximity to the vibrant tourist precinct, makes it an ideal spot for relaxation and fun.
• Historic Downtown Santa Barbara: A mere 322m from Downtown, Historic Downtown Santa Barbara is a captivating neighbourhood steeped in rich history and culture. This area sees an influx of visitors particularly in March to April and July, who come to immerse themselves in its family-oriented, outdoor, and city-themed experiences. Stroll through the charming streets lined with shops, catch a show at the theatre, or explore local educational attractions. With its close proximity to the beach and vibrant tourist precinct, Historic Downtown is a must-visit for any traveller.

Things to do in and around Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities and urban experiences. Visitors can enjoy an array of shopping venues, engaging art galleries, and educational theatres. Evenings can be spent indulging in wine tastings, all within a vibrant city atmosphere. Whether you’re exploring the local shops or soaking in the artistic culture, Downtown Santa Barbara promises to be a fun-filled destination for all.

Shopping

Montecito Village Shopping Center, located 6.4km from Downtown Santa Barbara, offers a vibrant mix of entertainment and shopping. Closer by, Rafael Gonzalez House, just 805m away, provides unique gifts and souvenirs. Don’t miss the Santa Barbara Public Market, a bustling hub for local produce and artisanal goods.

Recreation

The Santa Barbara Bowl offers an exhilarating atmosphere for music lovers, hosting vibrant concerts with stunning views. For golf enthusiasts, the Santa Barbara Golf Club provides an enjoyable outdoor experience amidst picturesque landscapes. Elings Park is perfect for relaxation, featuring lush greenery and tranquil spaces ideal for unwinding.

Adventure

Explore the Cabrillo Bikeway for a scenic ride along the coast, immersing yourself in the outdoor atmosphere. For a more strenuous adventure, hike the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail, where stunning views await. If you fancy some competition, the Municipal Tennis Center offers a vibrant setting for tennis enthusiasts.

Nightlife

Downtown Santa Barbara offers a vibrant nightlife scene. Enjoy a romantic evening at the Arlington Theater, indulge in drinks at Cold Spring Tavern, or embrace adventure at Zodo's - Bowling and Beyond, where fun awaits just a short drive away.

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 an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a blend of urban parks, museums, and a picturesque marina. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture while enjoying various attractions suitable for all ages. Whether you're exploring downtown highlights or seeking comfortable lodging, Santa Barbara ensures a memorable experience filled with charm and adventure.

• Santa Barbara City College: This historic institution offers a rich cultural atmosphere with stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding hills. The beautiful campus is adorned with Spanish-style architecture, making it a picturesque spot for leisurely strolls.
• Santa Barbara Harbor: A vibrant marina, Santa Barbara Harbor provides a perfect blend of outdoor activities and beach vibes. Enjoy water sports, take a scenic boat ride, or simply relax on the sandy shores while soaking in the coastal beauty.
• Santa Barbara County Courthouse: This historic civic building is renowned for its striking architecture and lush gardens. Visitors can climb the clock tower for panoramic views of the city, immersing themselves in the local culture and history.

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 Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	55.0°F (12.8°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
April	60.3°F (15.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
May	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
June	68.2°F (20.1°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	72.1°F (22.3°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	72.9°F (22.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	71.6°F (22.0°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
October	66.7°F (19.3°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
November	60.4°F (15.8°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Downtown Santa Barbara

Flying into Downtown Santa Barbara is convenient with three major airports nearby. Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is located 12.9km away and offers excellent accommodation options, including The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara and El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, both 5-star rated. Oxnard Airport (OXR), 51.5km away, features hotels like Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton, 3.2km from the airport. Finally, Santa Ynez Airport (SQA) is 40.2km away, with nearby hotels such as Hotel Corque, just 6.4km from the airport. Each hotel provides various transportation services to their respective airports, ensuring a smooth journey for tourists.