Where to stay in Santa Barbara
Find the best Santa Barbara areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Beach
3 out of top 10 points of interest in this area
Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.
Montecito
1 out of top 10 points of interest in this area
The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Montecito. A stop by Miramar Beach or Butterfly Beach might round out your trip.
Downtown Santa Barbara
1 out of top 10 points of interest in this area
The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Presidio Santa Barbara or Arlington Theater might round out your trip.
West Beach
If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and West Beach are top sights worth seeing.
East Beach
East Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like East Beach and Santa Barbara Zoo.
Top hotels in Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
533 State St Santa Barbara CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
7.249.390 ₫
8.429.592 ₫ total
13 Sept - 14 Sept
includes taxes & fees
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,477 reviews)
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Reviewed on 12 Aug 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
3525 State St Santa Barbara CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
3.655.400 ₫
4.167.156 ₫ total
13 Sept - 14 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
4111 State Street Santa Barbara CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
5.531.684 ₫
6.505.949 ₫ total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stay near popular Santa Barbara attractions
Stearns Wharf
9.0/10 (4,143 reviews)
California's oldest working wharf since 1872, Stearns Wharf combines history with panoramic ocean views. Savour fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants while watching the sunset paint the Santa Ynez Mountains.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
9.2/10 (1,499 reviews)
This 1929 Spanish Colonial Revival masterpiece enchants with hand-painted murals and a four-faced clock tower. Climb to the top for breathtaking 360-degree views of Santa Barbara's coastline and mountains.
Santa Barbara Bowl
9.0/10 (551 reviews)
This historic amphitheatre offers panoramic ocean views while showcasing world-class musical performances. Arrive early to savour local cuisine and watch the sunset before the show begins.
Santa Barbara Zoo
9.0/10 (1,101 reviews)
Perched along California's coastline, the Santa Barbara Zoo offers intimate wildlife encounters in a compact 30-acre setting. Feed Maasai giraffes or ride the Zoo Train while enjoying panoramic ocean views.
Upper State Street
9.0/10 (3,969 reviews)
Upper State Street offers a relaxed Santa Barbara experience with local boutiques and family-owned restaurants. Enjoy a stroll through La Cumbre Plaza before dining at beloved local spots like Harry's Plaza Café.
Butterfly Beach
9.2/10 (486 reviews)
Butterfly Beach's unique east-west orientation provides both stunning sunrises and sunsets. Stroll the flower-lined path and watch the sky's colours reflect on the pristine shoreline near Santa Barbara's luxury estates.
Photo by John Clark
Mission Santa Barbara
9.2/10 (1,948 reviews)
Known as the "Queen of the Missions," this 1786 Spanish colonial landmark captivates with its twin bell towers and stunning architecture. Explore the nine-room museum and serene gardens with views of the Pacific Ocean.
Santa Barbara City College
8.8/10 (522 reviews)
Perched on a coastal bluff, Santa Barbara City College offers breathtaking Pacific Ocean panoramas. Visitors can enjoy spectacular sunset views while strolling through the architecturally harmonious grounds.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Santa Barbara holiday package cost?
Offering great value package deals on Expedia, you'll be surprised at how little a holiday to Santa Barbara costs! Expedia's packages make travel planning easier and your savings go further.
What are the cheapest months to go to Santa Barbara?
You can typically find lower prices and greater availability in December, January and February. Take a look at our cheap Santa Barbara holiday packages and you could score some great off-season deals.
How many days is enough for Santa Barbara?
With around 2 days, you'll have plenty of time to visit popular neighbourhoods like Santa Barbara Beach and West Beach during your Santa Barbara holiday. Be sure to also add Butterfly Beach and Arlington Theatre to your list of must-sees. Searching for more adventures? Consider exploring outside of Santa Barbara on tours and day trips.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Santa Barbara?
It's no wonder a Santa Barbara holiday is on the must-do list of many travellers. Popular attractions like Santa Barbara Zoo are just the start of things to see and do here.
How to find the best Santa Barbara package deals?
Start your search for a Santa Barbara package deal by entering your preferred travel dates and destination under our "Packages" tab. Then apply a few filters, like "Property type" and "Amenities," to tailor the results to your exact needs. You can also sort by "Package discount" and browse offers that come with unbeatable savings. If you don't find the ideal Santa Barbara package deal right away, just tweak your dates and search again. Keep in mind that deals are only available for a limited time, so book early and get your Santa Barbara escape off to a flying start.
Is it cheaper to book a Santa Barbara holiday as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your next Santa Barbara getaway by booking a personalised holiday package. Check the "Package" heading, then enter your destination and travel dates to browse the best flight and hotel prices. Bundling can save travellers hundreds of dollars. Consider adding a rental car and you may land a better deal.
When to book a holiday package to Santa Barbara?
If you've got your Santa Barbara holiday dates locked in, book as soon as you can to score some terrific deals. With Expedia, you can typically reserve some flights up to a year in advance. Prefer spur-of-the-moment adventures? Our last-minute deals are perfect for impromptu escapes.
How to plan a trip to Santa Barbara?
- Pick the ideal time to travel: Your schedule, favourite season and the type of weather you enjoy can all impact your decision on when to go to Santa Barbara.
- Set a budget: Consider costs such as flights, food and transportation when working out how much to put aside for your trip to Santa Barbara. Then, pick a property that matches your budget, whether that's a wallet-friendly stay or a high-end retreat.
- Decide how many days away: Start by making a list of all the sights and activities you want to experience in Santa Barbara. Then, estimate how long you'll need for each, along with any travel time.
- Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in place, you can combine your hotels, flights, car rental and more into a personalised Santa Barbara holiday package.
