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 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 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.
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.
Top hotels in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
Beautifully remodeled and upgraded. The rooms are not very large, yet they are well designed and comfortable. The little details, including tea, coffee, and water bottles were appreciated. My only complaint is that the windows are not sound proof, so if you are on a lower floor and facing State Street ...
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
The Upham Hotel
Professional and welcoming staff. Charming and comfortable common guest spaces inside and within the beautiful courtyard. I was not able to stay in one of the many quaint cottage-like accommodations, but the room I had was clean and comfortable. Perfect location with a fine dining experience attached ...
Reviewed on 26 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
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
Foord and staff where top! The room was way to small
Reviewed on 19 Apr 2026
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Clean, spacious room, and totally walkable area of town.
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026
Haley Hotel
First day we got there we noticed that all the windows were open, which is strange because I’ve been to tons of hotels that are usually locked. I closed the windows and turned the “AC” on and went on with our night. When we got back to the hotel it was SUPER hot inside. Went to check the thermostat ...
Reviewed on 27 Apr 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 Moreton Bay Fig Tree.
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 West Beach 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.
