What is Waterfront like?

Travellers to the Waterfront neighbourhood in Santa Barbara will be sure to enjoy their stay. Make sure that you visit East Beach and Santa Barbara Harbor as part of your Waterfront travel plans.

If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Waterfront, will I receive a refund?

Yes! The majority of hotel reservations are fully refundable as long as you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before your check-in date. If you booked a non-refundable reservation, it may still be possible to cancel it and get a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Put your dates in and click on "Search", then you can filter by "fully refundable" to view top deals in Waterfront.

What is there to do around this Santa Barbara neighbourhood?

East Beach, Leadbetter Beach and West Beach are great spots if you want to spend some time by the water during your stay in Waterfront. You could also plan a visit to Santa Barbara Harbor or Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center while you're in the neighbourhood. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center, Santa Barbara Deep Sea and Stearns Wharf are just a few of the places to visit in and around Waterfront. Santa Barbara Art Foundry and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation are also worth a visit when you're out sightseeing in Santa Barbara.

Top 10 Waterfront Hotels of 2026

A river with rocks, palm trees, and mountains in the background.

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Our top choices for Waterfront hotels

Cliff House Inn On The Ocean

23.1 km from Waterfront

Gabriela

includes taxes & fees

13 Jul - 14 Jul

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria South

15.8 km from Waterfront

Teresa

includes taxes & fees

22 Jul - 23 Jul

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria North

13.8 km from Waterfront

Denice

includes taxes & fees

2 Aug - 3 Aug

Inn on Summer Hill

8.1 km from Waterfront

Dawn

includes taxes & fees

9 Jul - 10 Jul

Casa Iglesia

Oak Park, 3.5 km from Waterfront

Monique

includes taxes & fees

9 Jul - 10 Jul

Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn

14.3 km from Waterfront

Paulina

includes taxes & fees

19 Jul - 20 Jul

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carpinteria by IHG

16 km from Waterfront

Leticia I

includes taxes & fees

12 Jul - 13 Jul

Santa Barbara Inn

East Beach, 0.9 km from Waterfront

John

includes taxes & fees

28 Jul - 29 Jul

Hideaway Santa Barbara, A Kirkwood Collection Property

Santa Barbara Beach, 1.6 km from Waterfront

Viviano

includes taxes & fees

3 Aug - 4 Aug

The Inn at East Beach

East Beach, 1.1 km from Waterfront

Karen

includes taxes & fees

26 Jul - 27 Jul

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

East Beach, 0.5 km from Waterfront

Salina

includes taxes & fees

27 Jul - 28 Jul

El Encanto Santa Barbara

3.4 km from Waterfront

Dylan

includes taxes & fees

4 Aug - 5 Aug

Beach House Inn

West Beach, 1.4 km from Waterfront

Ugur

includes taxes & fees

12 Jul - 13 Jul

The Craft House Inn

2.8 km from Waterfront

Norma

includes taxes & fees

4 Aug - 5 Aug

Casa Riviera

Laguna, 1.6 km from Waterfront

Teresa Gayle Dumas

includes taxes & fees

14 Jul - 15 Jul

Casa Del Sol

15.9 km from Waterfront

Jacqueline

includes taxes & fees

9 Jul - 10 Jul

Harbor House Inn

West Beach, 1.2 km from Waterfront

Jill

includes taxes & fees

13 Jul - 14 Jul

Coast Village Inn - Santa Barbara

3.4 km from Waterfront

Andrea

includes taxes & fees

13 Jul - 14 Jul

Hotel Californian

The Funk Zone, 0.8 km from Waterfront

Maria

includes taxes & fees

26 Jul - 27 Jul

Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort

15.9 km from Waterfront

"The cabin we had was wonderful. Kitchen was stocked so well. It was clean and pleasant. However, if you advertise a restaurant and you are 17 MILES away from everything, that advertised restaurant better be open. We were panicked when the restaurant had not been open for over 1.5 years!!! The thought of going back 17 miles on a country road after driving over 5 hours was a deal breaker. Although staff was super and helped us find some food in the little convenience store (which closed at...

Denise

includes taxes & fees

13 Jul - 14 Jul

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Where to stay in Waterfront

Find the best Waterfront areas 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 area like Stearns Wharf and East Beach.

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

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.

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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 Lobero Theater or Presidio Santa Barbara might round out your trip.

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

West Beach

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

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

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.

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Top Waterfront Hotel Reviews

Inn By The Harbor

8/10 Good

"Stayed for 3 nights. Staffs were helpful. Good continental breakfast everyday. Walking distance to the beach. Room was nice and clean. Stayed in one of the room upstairs with a kitchenette. Bed was comfortable but a bit too high and I’m 5’5”. Had a bit of a hard time getting up on especially with a back issue but once I was up, very comfortable. Bathroom was nice and big but I wish that they would re-caulk the grout in the shower. It showed some mold. Overall, I would stay there again if given a chance."