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 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 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 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.
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.
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 romantic area.
Top hotels in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
Very nice hotel I would definitely stay there again. Lovely decor and ambiance.
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
The Upham Hotel
This is a very lovely hotel! It’s such a cozy place that feels like home. All the staff were very friendly and talkative. At 5pm they had complementary wine. At 7pm they brought out cookies. It’s also a 4 minute walk from a shopping market, which is very close. Overall, this experience was fabulous. ...
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
Great location - cute rooms- great attentive service
Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
Super cute hotel with such a welcoming atmosphere. The staff was incredibly friendly - from valet to the front desk, as well as everyone at the restaurant and bar. I especially loved that they offered a texting option for any requests, which made everything feel so convenient and seamless. The room ...
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Great location, room clean and staff very helpful
Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026
Haley Hotel
Such a sweet little hotel with a fun patio that’s perfect for late-night conversations by the fire, stargazing, and playing games. I absolutely loved the room we had. It can be fairly loud at night, so either be a sound sleeper or take advantage of the complimentary earplugs. The beds were comfortable, ...
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Check Historic Downtown Santa Barbara hotel availability
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 Presidio Santa Barbara 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 Presidio Santa Barbara and Lobero Theater 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.
