Historic Downtown Santa Barbara Travel Guide
Santa Barbara
Visit Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Popular places to visit
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.
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 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.
Butterfly Beach
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Butterfly Beach during your travels in Santa Barbara? Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
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.
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.
Top hotels in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
"Beautiful, clean, comfortable, accommodating. We will definitely be back!"
Reviewed on 30 May 2026
The Upham Hotel
"Very nice cozy property within very quiet neighborhood. Walking distance to dining options. Inner courtyard very relaxing after a day around town. Excellent location for day trips to nearby Montecito, Solvang, Simi Valley, and wineries."
Reviewed on 29 May 2026
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
"It’s a great home base in a convenient downtown location"
Reviewed on 30 May 2026
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
"Great hotel, staff and accommodations..close to everything Santa Barbara has to offer."
Reviewed on 24 May 2026
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
"Loved this hotel. Great location"
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Haley Hotel
"The outdoor spaces set up to enjoy at the hotel are a great feature! Fire pits and multiple hang out spots. Pet friendly with a fenced area for play and potty breaks. Staff were helpful. The shower was great and the bed comfortable. There was some nightlife noise on the weekend but the provided ear ..."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
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 Paseo Nuevo Mall might round out your trip.
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.
Laguna
Laguna might not have many top sights, but Lobero Theater and Santa Barbara Bowl are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
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.
Oak Park
While Oak Park isn't home to many top sights, Mission Santa Barbara and Arlington Theater are some notable places to visit nearby.
