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 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.
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.
Upper State Street
During your visit to Santa Barbara, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Upper State Street. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its cosy cafes.
Top hotels in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
Nice location
Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026
The Upham Hotel
Everything was perfect. The staff was amazing and the intimate cottages are adorable. I can't wait to go back.
Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
Great location!
Reviewed on 8 Jan 2026
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
Everything was A+. Will stay here again, we loved it!
Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
It was just right. The staff was friendly. The location was perfect for State St walking, shopping, dining but it was also quiet (not close enough to noisy nightlife to cause lost sleep). I saw a few reviews mention the rooms were small and while they weren't built for say, four to hang out, we 3 ...
Reviewed on 30 Dec 2025
Haley Hotel
The room was but small.
Reviewed on 31 Dec 2025
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 Reagan Ranch Center.
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.
