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
Staff not very friendly. Great location.
Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026
The Upham Hotel
Our second stay at this lovely hotel was just as wonderful as our first. The location, the property/grounds, the charming rooms, and the extra touches (fruit in lobby, evening cookies/milk..) are outstanding.
Reviewed on 24 Feb 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
The staff, location and room was great. The bed has a pillow top but was very uncomfortable. It was very fluffy in the middle and it felt like you were sleeping on a slight angle unless you were in the middle of the bed. For my husband and I it didn’t work. Also, the mattress under the pillow top ...
Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Great location, room clean and staff very helpful
Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026
Haley Hotel
Terrible
Reviewed on 27 Feb 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 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.
