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Our top choices for Downtown Santa Barbara hotels

1. Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge
2.0 star property
North State, 4 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (2,596 reviews)
"Amazing stay!! We’ll definitely be back!"
United States
Emily
The price is ₹14,002
₹15,963 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Aug - 17 Aug
Sandpiper Lodge

2. Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara
4.0 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,444 reviews)
"Best place I’ve stayed in Santa Barbara and the location is unmatched!"
United States
Dominique
The price is ₹28,431
₹33,060 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Aug - 11 Aug
Hotel Santa Barbara

3. 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, (1,898 reviews)
"Great location"
United States
Richard
The price is ₹29,502
₹33,690 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Aug - 13 Aug
Inn By The Harbor

4. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.4 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (2,348 reviews)
"Great place to stay and great location."
United States
Martin
The price is ₹16,778
₹19,877 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

5. The Milo

The Milo
4.0 star property
West Beach, 1.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,605 reviews)
"Great location and hotel. Would definitely come back and stay again."
United States
Karen
The price is ₹27,372
₹31,258 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Aug - 24 Aug
The Milo

6. Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
4.0 star property
East Beach, 2.3 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
7.8 out of 10, Good, (376 reviews)
"Amazing beach loved it here"
United States
McKenna
The price is ₹28,373
₹36,698 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Aug - 12 Aug
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

7. Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
3.0 star property
8.3 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,298 reviews)
"It was a perfect stay. Really lovely hotel."
United States
Mark
The price is ₹18,852
₹21,904 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Aug - 27 Aug
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

8. 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, (1,408 reviews)
"Great position, friendly staff, property design & appearance great, rooms comfortable"
Australia
David
The price is ₹25,253
₹28,837 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Aug - 25 Aug
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

9. 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, (1,029 reviews)
"Great place to stay. Wish we had booked another night or two...property is lovely."
Canada
Michael
The price is ₹21,963
₹25,038 total
includes taxes & fees
9 Aug - 10 Aug
The Upham Hotel

10. 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, (1,241 reviews)
"Great location amd very friendly staff. "
United States
Marcella
The price is ₹17,340
₹19,768 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
The Franciscan Hotel

11. 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, (1,346 reviews)
"Very nice stay with a great location"
United States
Brian
The price is ₹28,647
₹32,714 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Aug - 18 Aug
Lavender Inn by the Sea

12. Hyatt Place Santa Barbara

Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
3.5 star property
5.8 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,134 reviews)
"Super clean and great staff."
United States
Omar
The price is ₹19,431
₹22,864 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Aug - 18 Aug
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara

13. Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.6 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,241 reviews)
"Stay went great would definitely be stopping in again on the next trip out…"
United States
Oscar
The price is ₹26,018
₹29,711 total
includes taxes & fees
5 Aug - 6 Aug
Beachside Inn

14. Casa Riviera

Casa Riviera
4.5 star property
Laguna, 0.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (266 reviews)
"Very clean and quiet, great location, easy check-in and out, and extra amenities made the stay very comfortable and enjoyable."
United States
Madelaine
The price is ₹19,646
₹29,484 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Aug - 26 Aug
Casa Riviera

15. Lemon Tree Inn

Lemon Tree Inn
3.5 star property
North State, 2.9 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,342 reviews)
"Very nice stay"
United States
michael
The price is ₹12,568
₹14,353 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Aug - 26 Aug
Lemon Tree Inn

16. Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

Best Western Plus Santa Barbara
3.5 star property
Oak Park, 2 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,020 reviews)
"Great hotel!"
United States
Yoshiko
The price is ₹15,366
₹17,546 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

17. Marina Beach Hotel

Marina Beach Hotel
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,156 reviews)
"Great place to stay!"
United States
Amy
The price is ₹22,906
₹26,113 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
Marina Beach Hotel

18. Santa Barbara Inn

Santa Barbara Inn
4.0 star property
East Beach, 2.7 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,002 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay. Conveniently located to the beach"
United States
Mario
The price is ₹24,439
₹27,917 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Aug - 5 Aug
Santa Barbara Inn

19. Riviera Beach House

Riviera Beach House
3.5 star property
The Funk Zone, 1.3 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,000 reviews)
"Pet-friendly, good location"
United States
Laurette
The price is ₹18,904
₹21,587 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Aug - 27 Aug
Riviera Beach House

20. Mason Beach Inn

Mason Beach Inn
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,001 reviews)
"Great hotel."
United States
Dayne
The price is ₹30,603
₹35,521 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Aug - 28 Aug
Mason Beach 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
Reception
Hotel Santa Barbara
4.0 star property
9.4
Exceptional
1,444 reviews
View
Exterior
Haley Hotel
3.5 star property
8.8
Excellent
676 reviews
View
Outdoor pool, open 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, pool loungers
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
4.0 star property
8.8
Excellent
1,000 reviews
View
Shopping centre
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4.0 star property
8.6
Excellent
1,001 reviews
View
View from room
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
3.5 star property
8.4
Very good
469 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 Santa Barbara Zoo and East Beach.

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 Arlington Theater 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 Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels and Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG.
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?
El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park, Presidio Santa Barbara and Hill-Carrillo Adobe 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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