Downtown Santa Barbara Travel Guide
Santa Barbara
Visit Downtown Santa Barbara
Popular places to visit
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Santa Barbara County Courthouse is just one of the places to see in Santa Barbara, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander around the area's picturesque gardens or experience its lively festivals.
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.
Presidio Santa Barbara
You can study the exhibits at Presidio Santa Barbara, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's waterfront or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
Santa Barbara Harbor
Explore the waterfront in Santa Barbara with a trip to Santa Barbara Harbor. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Santa Barbara Bowl
Enjoy a show at Santa Barbara Bowl, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Santa Barbara Zoo
Why not meet the animals who call Santa Barbara Zoo home during your holiday in Santa Barbara? Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
We loved the location on state street, using the bikes it was so easy to enjoy the stay
Reviewed on 7 Apr 2026
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
I booked this stay expecting a relaxing, high-end experience, and instead had one of the worst hotel stays I’ve ever had. The hotel failed to disclose that a large music festival was taking place directly next to the property, with loud DJ sets running until 2am. From check-in at 4pm through late ...
Reviewed on 7 Apr 2026
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
I was disappointed with my stay …I paid a 5 star rate for a 2 star experience. The was stuffy, no water or amenities other than at the front desk. Not a terrible hotel … just not worth the $$! charged.
Reviewed on 31 Mar 2026
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Good
Reviewed on 5 Apr 2026
Haley Hotel
I love that they allow dogs, but wasn't crazy about the non refundable fee. Seemed high for my little hypallergenic dog who doesn't shed :) But everything else was great!
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
My family and I had a nice stay here during Spring Break. We really liked that the pool was nicely heated and the wifi was working much better than when we last stayed in December 2025. Would love to see some more breakfast options added such as hot items and hot chocolate for the kids.
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026
Check Downtown Santa Barbara hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Santa Barbara
Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Historic Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Paseo Nuevo Mall or Santa Barbara Museum of Art might round out your trip.
Laguna
Laguna might not have many top sights, but Santa Barbara Bowl and Santa Barbara Museum of Art are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
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.
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.
Upper East
While visiting Upper East, you might make a stop by sights like Mission Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Natural History Museum.
