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

1. Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

East Beach, 1 km from Waterfront

David S

includes taxes & fees

7 Sept - 8 Sept

2. Beachside Inn

West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront

Rosslyn

includes taxes & fees

7 Sept - 8 Sept

Desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board

3. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

West Beach, 1.4 km from Waterfront

Julia

includes taxes & fees

8 Sept - 9 Sept

4. Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

East Beach, 0.5 km from Waterfront

McKenna

includes taxes & fees

21 Sept - 22 Sept

5. Pacific Crest Hotel Santa Barbara

East Beach, 1 km from Waterfront

Reiko

includes taxes & fees

5 Oct - 6 Oct

6. The Inn at East Beach

East Beach, 1.1 km from Waterfront

Shubh

includes taxes & fees

1 Oct - 2 Oct

7. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront

Richard

includes taxes & fees

7 Sept - 8 Sept

8. The Franciscan Hotel

West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront

Naomi

includes taxes & fees

7 Sept - 8 Sept

9. Villa Rosa Inn

West Beach, 0.9 km from Waterfront

Jose

includes taxes & fees

7 Sept - 8 Sept

10. Marina Beach Hotel

West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront

Amy

includes taxes & fees

5 Oct - 6 Oct

11. Castillo Inn at the Beach

West Beach, 1.4 km from Waterfront

Abraham

includes taxes & fees

7 Sept - 8 Sept

Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, in-room safe, desk

12. Riviera Beach House

The Funk Zone, 0.9 km from Waterfront

Karilyn

includes taxes & fees

6 Oct - 7 Oct

13. Hotel Santa Barbara

Lower State, 1.5 km from Waterfront

Mark

includes taxes & fees

13 Sept - 14 Sept

14. La Playa Inn

West Beach, 1.4 km from Waterfront

Greer

includes taxes & fees

7 Sept - 8 Sept

15. Hideaway Santa Barbara, A Kirkwood Collection Property

Santa Barbara Beach, 1.6 km from Waterfront

Elliott

includes taxes & fees

15 Sept - 16 Sept

16. Ala Mar by the Sea

West Beach, 0.9 km from Waterfront

cinthya

includes taxes & fees

7 Sept - 8 Sept

17. Santa Barbara Inn

East Beach, 0.9 km from Waterfront

Oscar

includes taxes & fees

7 Sept - 8 Sept

18. Harbor House Inn

West Beach, 1.2 km from Waterfront

Katrin

includes taxes & fees

7 Sept - 8 Sept

19. Haley Hotel

Lower State, 1.2 km from Waterfront

Diana

includes taxes & fees

7 Sept - 8 Sept

20. Harbor View Inn

West Beach, 0.9 km from Waterfront

Gabriel

includes taxes & fees

5 Oct - 6 Oct

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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 West 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 Presidio Santa Barbara or Arlington Theater 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 Santa Barbara Zoo and East Beach.

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Top Waterfront Hotel Reviews

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

10/10 Excellent

"No comment"

The Milo

8/10 Good

"Overall, we enjoyed our stay. We stayed in newly remodeled room 2215, which was clean, comfortable, and well maintained. The complimentary bikes were a very nice touch, and we also appreciated the hot chocolate, s’mores, and convenient selection of wine, champagne, and cold drinks available on-site. The pools and hot tubs were clean and well maintained. The staff was friendly, and the valet attendants were respectful, hardworking, and attentive. However, there is a serious safety issue that needs immediate attention. An air-conditioning unit approximately two rooms down from ours was leaking water across the walkway. Because the water blended into the painted floor, it was extremely difficult to see and made the surface dangerously slippery. I slipped at least five times and fell once, although I was able to catch myself. I also witnessed two other guests nearly fall. Had I been older, intoxicated, or not in good physical condition, I could have been seriously injured. This presents a significant liability and should be repaired immediately. The valet also misplaced our Tesla key card. We were told it would be replaced, and our contact information was taken, but we checked out Monday and, as of Saturday, no one has contacted us. I hope the hotel follows through promptly. The coffee service could also use an upgrade. The current selection and presentation do not match the quality, style, or price point of the property. We paid approximately $700 per night, including ta"

Hotels in Waterfront

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Filter by

Star rating

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Our top choices for Waterfront hotels

1. Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

2. Beachside Inn

3. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

4. Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

5. Pacific Crest Hotel Santa Barbara

6. The Inn at East Beach

7. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

8. The Franciscan Hotel

9. Villa Rosa Inn

10. Marina Beach Hotel

11. Castillo Inn at the Beach

12. Riviera Beach House

13. Hotel Santa Barbara

14. La Playa Inn

15. Hideaway Santa Barbara, A Kirkwood Collection Property

16. Ala Mar by the Sea

17. Santa Barbara Inn

18. Harbor House Inn

19. Haley Hotel

20. Harbor View Inn

Where to stay in Waterfront

Santa Barbara Beach

Montecito

Downtown Santa Barbara

West Beach

East Beach

Top Waterfront Hotel Reviews

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

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