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Our top choices for Downtown Santa Barbara hotels

1. Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara
4.0 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,553 reviews)
"We loved it here!"
United States
Morgan
The price is ₹26,830
₹31,197 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Nov - 30 Nov
Hotel Santa Barbara

2. Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
3.5 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (506 reviews)
"Great hotel"
United States
Emeterio
The price is ₹23,884
₹27,275 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

3. Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4.0 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,000 reviews)
"Great location. Great staff at desk and valet. Very nice room. We’ll want to stay there again."
United States
John
The price is ₹20,225
₹23,096 total
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

4. Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
4.0 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,001 reviews)
"Excellent hotel and staff. Loved Santa Barbara. We will be back !"
United States
Gavin
The price is ₹31,807
₹41,130 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Nov - 19 Nov
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

5. Haley Hotel

Haley Hotel
3.5 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (716 reviews)
"Great place and walking distance to fun bars"
United States
Rodney J
The price is ₹13,438
₹16,271 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Nov - 30 Nov
Haley Hotel

6. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Downtown
3.0 star property
Oak Park, 1 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (290 reviews)
"To expensive for a motel like room"
Canada
Mariola
The price is ₹22,172
₹25,276 total
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Downtown

7. The Upham Hotel

The Upham Hotel
4.0 star property
Historic Downtown Santa Barbara, 0.8 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,017 reviews)
"Super cute place!"
United States
Luan
The price is ₹25,529
₹29,103 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Nov - 19 Nov
The Upham Hotel

8. Palihouse Santa Barbara

Palihouse Santa Barbara
4.0 star property
0.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (443 reviews)
"Location. The Hotel is so beautiful, chic and close to everything. Very friendly staff."
United States
Maria
The price is ₹37,096
₹42,362 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Palihouse Santa Barbara

9. Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach
3.5 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,464 reviews)
"Very clean , staff was great.loved the room. We would stay there again."
United States
David
The price is ₹23,252
₹26,552 total
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

10. Inn By The Harbor

Inn By The Harbor
3.5 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,956 reviews)
"Really enjoyed my stay. Lovely helpful staff. Great location to walk to the Beach and restaurants."
United Kingdom
Tricia
The price is ₹20,725
₹23,667 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Inn By The Harbor

11. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.4 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (2,461 reviews)
"Excellent location, clean and comfortable room."
United States
Anne
The price is ₹11,493
₹13,839 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

12. Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel

Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel
4.5 star property
Laguna, 0.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (353 reviews)
"Great place to stay in Santa Barbara!"
United States
Melissa
The price is ₹16,341
₹25,685 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Nov - 30 Nov
Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel

13. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.6 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,125 reviews)
"Amazing place to stay!"
United States
Amanda
The price is ₹19,346
₹22,054 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

14. Lavender Inn by the Sea

Lavender Inn by the Sea
3.5 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,364 reviews)
"Great location, close to beach, grounds well kept and very clean rooms. Stayed here multiple times and will continue."
United States
Brandon
The price is ₹14,811
₹16,913 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Lavender Inn by the Sea

15. La Playa Inn

La Playa Inn
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.4 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,000 reviews)
"Amazing stay and great location!"
United States
Nick
The price is ₹17,411
₹19,849 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Nov - 30 Nov
La Playa Inn

16. The Franciscan Hotel

The Franciscan Hotel
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.4 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,329 reviews)
"It was a super cute and spacious hotel room felt like a mini apartment I loved it"
United States
Carlos
The price is ₹13,328
₹15,194 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Nov - 30 Nov
The Franciscan Hotel

17. Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages

Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages
3.0 star property
Oak Park, 1.1 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (711 reviews)
"Marvelous staff!! We felt right at home from the moment we walked through the door. Beautiful accommodations and all food was deliciously prepared. Can’t wait for our next stay."
United States
Cheryl
The price is ₹26,063
₹29,762 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages

18. Simpson House Inn

Simpson House Inn
5.0 star property
Upper East, 1 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (734 reviews)
"One of the best places we have stayed in."
United States
Victor
The price is ₹31,743
₹42,641 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Nov - 3 Nov
Simpson House Inn

19. Casa Jardin, a ZenStay Hotel

Casa Jardin, a ZenStay Hotel
3.0 star property
Laguna, 0.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (321 reviews)
"Very clean and neat room for a few nights stay and convenience to a lot of places within walking distance."
United States
Isaac
The price is ₹10,696
₹19,250 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Nov - 19 Nov
Casa Jardin, a ZenStay Hotel

20. Harbor View Inn

Harbor View Inn
3.5 star property
West Beach, 1.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,006 reviews)
"The location was great"
United States
Mario
The price is ₹27,109
₹30,904 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Harbor View Inn
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.

Compare popular hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara

Property
Property class
Guest rating
Breakfast included
Pool
Spa
Pet-friendly
WiFi included
A spacious interior with high ceilings, wooden beams, and a central column.
Hotel Santa Barbara
4.0 star property
9.4
Exceptional
1,553 reviews
View
An outdoor patio with wooden tables and benches, surrounded by lush tropical plants.
Haley Hotel
3.5 star property
8.8
Excellent
716 reviews
View
A rooftop terrace with outdoor seating, umbrellas, and a pool.
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
4.0 star property
8.8
Excellent
1,001 reviews
View
A courtyard with outdoor seating, a fountain, and white buildings with arches.
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4.0 star property
8.6
Excellent
1,000 reviews
View
A modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a central island, and large windows.
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
3.5 star property
8.4
Very good
506 reviews
View

Where to stay in Downtown Santa Barbara

Find the best Downtown Santa Barbara areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Downtown Santa Barbara
Learn more about Downtown Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Beach

Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and West Beach.

Montecito

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.

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.

Lower State

While visiting Lower State, you might make a stop by sights like Reagan Ranch Center and Moreton Bay Fig Tree.

Top Downtown Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

Find out more about Downtown Santa Barbara

Charming coastal escape with Spanish colonial architecture

Downtown Santa Barbara, located in California, is a charming and historic area that offers a range of attractions for tourists. With its vibrant shopping scene, diverse dining options, and lively entertainment venues, visitors are spoilt for choice. The picturesque beach provides a relaxing spot to soak up the sun, while live music, bars, and cafes offer plenty of opportunities for entertainment. The downtown area also hosts various festivals throughout the year, adding to its lively atmosphere. Whether you prefer walking around or enjoying the vibrant nightlife, Downtown Santa Barbara has something for everyone. For a memorable stay in Santa Barbara, consider exploring the attractions in this bustling downtown area.

Top reasons to visit Downtown Santa Barbara

  • Vibrant Shopping Scene: Downtown Santa Barbara offers a range of shopping options, from unique boutiques to well-known brands, providing a delightful experience for shopaholics.
  • Diverse Dining Options: With a variety of restaurants and eateries, Downtown Santa Barbara caters to every taste and preference, offering a culinary adventure for food lovers.
  • Lively Entertainment Venues: From live music venues to bars and cafes, Downtown Santa Barbara provides plenty of opportunities for entertainment, ensuring a vibrant nightlife for visitors.
  • Picturesque Beach: The beautiful beach in Downtown Santa Barbara offers a perfect spot to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean.
  • Year-round Festivals: Downtown Santa Barbara hosts various festivals throughout the year, adding to its lively atmosphere and providing a chance to immerse in the local culture and traditions.

Find your hotel in Downtown Santa Barbara

When planning your holiday in Downtown Santa Barbara, you'll have a wide range of hotel options to choose from. Whether you're looking for luxury accommodations or budget-friendly options, Downtown Santa Barbara has it all.

  • Kimpton Canary Hotel, an IHG Hotel - This 4.0-star rated hotel is known for its proximity to museums, historical sites, theaters, and shopping areas. With stunning views and access to natural parks, it's a popular choice for those looking to explore Santa Barbara.
  • Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton - With a 3.0-star rating, this hotel offers entertainment, access to natural parks, and is located close to the university, museums, and the beach. The friendly staff and concierge service make it a popular option.
  • Haley Hotel - This 3.5-star rated hotel is perfect for those who enjoy shopping, dining, and beach activities. It also offers live music, cafes, and is within walking distance to art venues and festivals.

Staying in Downtown Santa Barbara ensures easy access to numerous attractions, including museums, theaters, shopping areas, and natural parks. The variety of hotels available cater to different interests and budgets, making it an ideal choice for your holiday in Santa Barbara.

Explore the best places to visit and stay in Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara offers a variety of exciting areas and neighborhoods that will make your trip memorable.

  • Historic Downtown Santa Barbara: This area is a hub of activity, with a vibrant shopping scene, delicious dining options, beautiful beaches, live music venues, bars, cafes, and dancing spots. You can also experience various festivals and enjoy leisurely walks while being entertained. Located just 0.35 km away from Downtown Santa Barbara, it offers a convenient and lively atmosphere.
  • Presidio Neighborhood: Another great destination, the Presidio Neighborhood is located 0.52 km away from Downtown Santa Barbara. It offers a mix of shopping, dining, beach activities, live music, bars, cafes, dancing, festivals, and walking opportunities. Immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the lively entertainment scene.
  • Laguna: Located 0.83 km away from Downtown Santa Barbara, Laguna is a must-visit area. It features shopping options, dining experiences, live music venues, bars, cafes, dancing spots, festivals, and walking paths. Explore the unique geographic features of this area while enjoying the entertainment it has to offer.

Experience the top activities and must-see sights in Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara is a vibrant area with a variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are some points of interest you won't want to miss:

  • Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum: Immerse yourself in history as you explore this unique library, showcasing a collection of rare and valuable manuscripts. Experience the ambiance of the past while surrounded by the fascinating artifacts on display.
  • Hill-Carrillo Adobe: Step back in time at this historic site, which offers a glimpse into Santa Barbara's rich heritage. Marvel at the adobe architecture and imagine life in the early days of the city.
  • Santa Barbara Museum of Art: Discover a world of artistic wonders at this renowned museum. From classical masterpieces to contemporary works, the museum's diverse collection is sure to captivate art enthusiasts of all kinds.

These attractions, along with the charming atmosphere of Downtown Santa Barbara, make it a perfect destination for a memorable holiday.

How to find great deals and cheap hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara

  • Consider staying in a hostel or guesthouse in Downtown Santa Barbara for a more affordable stay. These options often provide basic amenities and are a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.
  • Take advantage of the location of Downtown Santa Barbara, which is known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. This means you can easily explore the area on foot, saving on transportation costs.
  • Plan your visit during off-peak times to get better deals on hotels and attractions. Avoid peak tourist seasons, such as summer, when prices tend to be higher.
  • Explore the local festivals and events that take place in Downtown Santa Barbara. Many of these events are free to attend and offer a great opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of the city without spending a fortune.

Discover the flavours of Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara offers a delightful dining experience with its local cuisine and unique dishes. California is renowned for its fresh and innovative culinary scene, and you can find a taste of it in the heart of Santa Barbara. Leta Restaurant is a must-visit, where you can indulge in California-inspired dishes crafted with local ingredients.

If you're craving tacos, head to Sandbar for their famous Taco Tuesday. This lively spot serves up delicious tacos with a variety of fillings, perfect for satisfying your Mexican food cravings. For a memorable dining experience, visit Santa, a charming restaurant that combines modern Californian cuisine with a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

When it comes to sushi, Soho Restaurant is a top choice. This sleek and contemporary establishment offers an extensive menu of sushi and sashimi, prepared with the freshest seafood. And if you're in the mood for a unique dining experience, Seat Sushi Bar is a hidden gem. This intimate sushi bar offers an omakase-style menu, allowing the chef to create a personalized culinary journey for you.

In Downtown Santa Barbara, you'll find a range of popular restaurants with diverse culinary styles. Dargan's Irish Pub & Restaurant is a fantastic spot to enjoy North American cuisine with an Irish twist. Savoy Cafe & Deli is another local favorite, serving up delicious North American dishes in a cozy setting. For a taste of Asian and North American fusion, head to The Blue Owl, where you can indulge in flavourful sandwiches and other delectable dishes.

Best time to go to Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara boasts a year-around average temperature of 15.0°C, peaking at 18.9°C in August, its warmest month, and dipping to an average low of 11.1°C in December, the coolest. Rainfall averages at 36.6mm annually, with February seeing the heaviest showers and June, July, August, September being the driest month.

Monthcalendar iconTemperature (Celcius)temperature iconRainfall (mm)rain icon
January11.288.9
February12.1100.6
March13.180.8
April14.225.4
May15.68.6
June16.90.0
July18.60.0
August18.90.0
September18.30.0
October16.420.6
November13.539.4
December11.174.7

The nearest major airports for your trip to Downtown Santa Barbara

Accessing Downtown Santa Barbara is convenient with three major airports nearby. Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is located 13km away and offers excellent hotel options like The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, and El Encanto Santa Barbara, both around 5 to 13km from the airport. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is 130km away, with nearby luxurious hotels such as Fairmont Miramar Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, situated 4 to 13km from LAX. BURbank Airport (BUR) is 127km from Downtown, with top-rated hotels like The Sun Rose West Hollywood and 1 Hotel West Hollywood, both approximately 11km from the airport.

The Downtown Santa Barbara info point: What you need to know

Category
Details
LocationSanta Barbara, California, United States of America
What to seeStearns Wharf, Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Santa Barbara Mission, State Street
Most popular monthJune, July, August
Length of stay3-5 days
WeatherMild Mediterranean climate with warm summers and cool winters
Don't missButterfly Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor, Lotusland, Santa Barbara Zoo
CuisineFarm-to-table cuisine, seafood, Mexican, Italian
Where to goFunk Zone, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Frequently asked questions

What's it like in Downtown Santa Barbara?
Travellers love the Downtown Santa Barbara neighbourhood for its beautiful beaches, array of dining options and major shopping area. Make sure that you visit Lobero Theater and Presidio Santa Barbara as part of your Downtown Santa Barbara travel plans.
What's the best place to stay in Downtown Santa Barbara?
Based on our traveller data, Hotel Santa Barbara is one of the top choices for your stay in Downtown Santa Barbara. This hotel is a short 13-minute walk from Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and it offers a 24-hour fitness centre and free WiFi. Other good choices for your stay in the area include Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG and Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels.
How many hotels will I be able to find in Downtown Santa Barbara?
With 17 Expedia hotels and other accommodation options in Downtown Santa Barbara to choose from, this is a good starting point for exploring the greater Santa Barbara area.
If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Downtown Santa Barbara, will I receive a refund?
Yes, you'll find most hotel reservations are refundable if you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before the scheduled arrival. If you have a non-refundable reservation, it might still be possible to cancel it and receive a refund within 24 hours of your booking. Add your dates and click on "Search", then filter by "fully refundable" to review top deals in Downtown Santa Barbara.
What can I see and do in this Santa Barbara neighbourhood?
Presidio Santa Barbara, Hill-Carrillo Adobe and El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park are some local landmarks to explore in Downtown Santa Barbara. As you're discovering the neighbourhood, Lobero Theater and Arlington Theater are some other places worth a visit. A few places to visit in the area around Downtown Santa Barbara include La Arcada, Casa de la Guerra and De la Guerra Plaza. While you're out sightseeing in Santa Barbara, make sure that you visit other sights such as Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum or Paseo Nuevo Mall.

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