What is Waterfront like?

Travellers to the Waterfront neighbourhood in Santa Barbara will be sure to enjoy their stay. Make sure that you visit West Beach and East Beach 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?

West Beach, East Beach and Leadbetter 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, Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Art Foundry are just a few of the places to visit in and around Waterfront. MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Reagan Ranch Center 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

Two Adirondack chairs facing a small table on a balcony with a view of the ocean and palm trees.

1. Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

East Beach, 1 km from Waterfront

David S

includes taxes & fees

7 Sept - 8 Sept

A covered outdoor seating area with tables and chairs, overlooking a runway and palm trees.

2. Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

East Beach, 0.5 km from Waterfront

McKenna

includes taxes & fees

3 Sept - 4 Sept

A sunlit balcony with a curved sofa, a small round table, and a potted plant. The balcony features arched windows with a view of palm trees and the sea.

3. Santa Barbara Inn

East Beach, 0.9 km from Waterfront

Emma

includes taxes & fees

1 Sept - 2 Sept

A hotel room with a large bed, a sofa, a desk, and a nightstand.

4. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

West Beach, 1.4 km from Waterfront

Julia

includes taxes & fees

30 Aug - 31 Aug

A reception area with a counter, potted plants, a coffee station, and a view through large glass doors.

5. The Inn at East Beach

East Beach, 1.1 km from Waterfront

Shubh

includes taxes & fees

1 Sept - 2 Sept

A modern living room with two grey sofas, a small woven stool, and a large wall clock.

6. Beachside Inn

West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront

Liam

includes taxes & fees

1 Sept - 2 Sept

A modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a large island with bar stools, a stainless steel range hood, and a built-in oven.

7. Pacific Crest Hotel Santa Barbara

East Beach, 1 km from Waterfront

Edie

includes taxes & fees

27 Sept - 28 Sept

An outdoor patio area with stone flooring, wooden chairs, and tables. There are palm trees and a decorative stone wall with a statue.

8. The Franciscan Hotel

West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront

Naomi

includes taxes & fees

27 Sept - 28 Sept

A sunny outdoor seating area with tables and chairs, surrounded by lush tropical plants and flowers.

9. Marina Beach Hotel

West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront

Amy

includes taxes & fees

8 Sept - 9 Sept

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a view of the outdoors.

10. Riviera Beach House

The Funk Zone, 0.9 km from Waterfront

wendy

includes taxes & fees

30 Aug - 31 Aug

A two-story building with a balcony, palm trees, and a sign that reads "Castillo Inn."

11. Castillo Inn at the Beach

West Beach, 1.4 km from Waterfront

Abraham

includes taxes & fees

1 Sept - 2 Sept

A hotel entrance with a large glass ceiling, multiple chandeliers, and palm trees.

12. Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

East Beach, 1.1 km from Waterfront

Adolfo

includes taxes & fees

7 Sept - 8 Sept

A coastal house with a red roof, surrounded by palm trees and a mountain backdrop.

13. Harbor House Inn

West Beach, 1.2 km from Waterfront

Katrin

includes taxes & fees

1 Sept - 2 Sept

A marina with boats docked, palm trees, and a building labeled "Sea Landing."

14. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront

Richard

includes taxes & fees

7 Sept - 8 Sept

A building with a tiled entrance, a sign reading "LA ROSA," and a garden with various plants and a palm tree.

15. Villa Rosa Inn

West Beach, 0.9 km from Waterfront

Jose

includes taxes & fees

30 Aug - 31 Aug

An outdoor patio with wooden tables and benches, surrounded by lush tropical plants.

16. Haley Hotel

Lower State, 1.2 km from Waterfront

Diana

includes taxes & fees

30 Aug - 31 Aug

A multi-story hotel with a sign reading "LA PLAYA INN Santa Barbara, California".

17. La Playa Inn

West Beach, 1.4 km from Waterfront

Greer

includes taxes & fees

30 Aug - 31 Aug

A white building with a sign reading "Mason Beach Inn" and a balcony with a railing.

18. Mason Beach Inn

West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront

Rachita

includes taxes & fees

2 Sept - 3 Sept

A modern living room with a white desk, a computer, a sofa, and a fireplace.

19. Hideaway Santa Barbara, A Kirkwood Collection Property

Santa Barbara Beach, 1.6 km from Waterfront

Elliott

includes taxes & fees

13 Sept - 14 Sept

A beach with palm trees, a pier, and a flag.

20. Ala Mar by the Sea

West Beach, 0.9 km from Waterfront

angela

includes taxes & fees

30 Aug - 31 Aug

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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 MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.

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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 Arlington Theater might round out your trip.

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