A coastal town with red-tiled roofs, palm trees, and mountains in the background.

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Our top choices for Historic Downtown Santa Barbara hotels

1. Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
4.0 star property
Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,002 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel in great location. Beautiful roof top pool and walking access to downtown. Really nice hotel."
United States
Paul
The price is ₹33,290
₹42,831 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Sept - 2 Sept
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

2. Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara
4.0 star property
Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,483 reviews)
"Great location and fun updated hotel. "
United States
Marilyn
The price is ₹23,117
₹26,881 total
includes taxes & fees
9 Sept - 10 Sept
Hotel Santa Barbara

3. The Upham Hotel

The Upham Hotel
4.0 star property
Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,009 reviews)
"Strongly recommend if you go to Santa barbara- very nice hotel with nice garden and lounge."
United States
JONATHAN CHARLES
The price is ₹20,642
₹23,532 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
The Upham Hotel

4. Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
3.5 star property
Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (485 reviews)
"The location of the Drift was fantastic and it was a darling place to stay."
United States
Shari
The price is ₹26,527
₹30,292 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

5. Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4.0 star property
Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,002 reviews)
"Loved this hotel. Great location"
United States
Cayley
The price is ₹24,951
₹28,493 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

6. Haley Hotel

Haley Hotel
3.5 star property
Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (688 reviews)
"We had complimentary coffee and oatmeal. Fridge in our room and microwave were a plus! Very charming decor and close to the main downtown area."
United States
Diana
The price is ₹15,648
₹18,792 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Sept - 2 Sept
Haley Hotel

7. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.5 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,110 reviews)
"Great place"
United Kingdom
Richard
The price is ₹19,936
₹22,727 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

8. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (2,367 reviews)
"Great comfortable stay and nice breakfast"
Canada
Julia
The price is ₹13,369
₹15,982 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Sept - 2 Sept
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

9. La Playa Inn

La Playa Inn
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.4 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,005 reviews)
"Perfect location! Great room. Great continental breakfast."
United States
Greer
The price is ₹23,425
₹26,704 total
includes taxes & fees
21 Sept - 22 Sept
La Playa Inn

10. Casa Riviera

Casa Riviera
4.5 star property
Laguna, 0.6 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (299 reviews)
"Amazing Stay"
United States
Monica
The price is ₹16,740
₹26,152 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
Casa Riviera

11. Inn By The Harbor

Inn By The Harbor
3.5 star property
West Beach, 1.2 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,934 reviews)
"Great location within walking distance to the beach and many restaurants. Pool area is also a nice option for a relaxing day with a good book."
United States
Kalle
The price is ₹23,469
₹26,801 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Sept - 2 Sept
Inn By The Harbor

12. Lavender Inn by the Sea

Lavender Inn by the Sea
3.5 star property
West Beach, 1.2 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,337 reviews)
"The Lavender Inn by the Sea was such a cute and charming place to stay! I loved the smaller, more intimate atmosphere, the delicious breakfast each morning, and the relaxing pool. It’s also conveniently located near Stearns Wharf. I truly enjoyed my stay and would happily come back!"
United States
Paulina
The price is ₹23,874
₹27,263 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Sept - 3 Sept
Lavender Inn by the Sea

13. Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

Best Western Plus Santa Barbara
3.5 star property
Oak Park, 2.1 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,001 reviews)
"Great place to stay for a show at the Bowl!"
United States
Patty
The price is ₹16,135
₹18,425 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Sept - 28 Sept
Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

14. Casa Jardin

Casa Jardin
3.0 star property
Laguna, 0.6 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (300 reviews)
"Had a great stay, ideal stay and close to Santa Barbara bowl."
United States
Yessica
The price is ₹13,057
₹21,954 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Sept - 3 Sept
Casa Jardin

15. Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach
3.5 star property
West Beach, 1.2 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,434 reviews)
"Great location Very nice staff"
United States
Liad
The price is ₹23,742
₹27,113 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Sept - 30 Sept
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

16. Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.5 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,267 reviews)
"Great hotel"
United States
Liam
The price is ₹15,495
₹17,695 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Sept - 4 Sept
Beachside Inn

17. Mason Beach Inn

Mason Beach Inn
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.4 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,003 reviews)
"Great hotel and location!"
United States
Rachita
The price is ₹22,525
₹26,295 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Sept - 3 Sept
Mason Beach Inn

18. Palihouse Santa Barbara

Palihouse Santa Barbara
4.0 star property
0.5 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (435 reviews)
"This is my new favorite place to stay in Santa Barbara. The decor is outstanding, the rooms quiet, the pool a nice size, the staff helpful, the location perfect to walk to downtown destinations. They even have bikes which I rode to the bike path that goes along the beach. The parking is very convenient downstairs."
United States
sonia
The price is ₹33,385
₹38,124 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Sept - 3 Sept
Palihouse Santa Barbara

19. Marina Beach Hotel

Marina Beach Hotel
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.4 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,174 reviews)
"Great place to stay!"
United States
Amy
The price is ₹18,039
₹20,565 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Sept - 2 Sept
Marina Beach Hotel

20. Hyatt Place Santa Barbara

Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
3.5 star property
5.8 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,180 reviews)
"Great breakfast, clean rooms, nice."
United States
Robert
The price is ₹18,567
₹21,860 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Sept - 9 Sept
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
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 Historic 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
1,483 reviews
View
Lobby
The Upham Hotel
4.0 star property
9.2
Wonderful
1,009 reviews
View
Exterior
Haley Hotel
3.5 star property
8.8
Excellent
688 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
1,002 reviews
View
Shopping centre
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4.0 star property
8.6
Excellent
1,002 reviews
View

Where to stay in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Find the best Historic Downtown Santa Barbara areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Santa Barbara Beach

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

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

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 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 Santa Barbara Zoo and East Beach.

Top Historic Downtown Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

Find out more about Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Exploring Spanish colonial charm in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara, nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara city center, offers a charming blend of history, culture, and entertainment. Stroll through the downtown's picturesque streets and discover a plethora of shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes. Imbibe the lively atmosphere while enjoying live music and dancing at local venues. Don't miss the vibrant festivals that take place throughout the year. With its proximity to the beach, you can also relish in the sun, sand, and surf. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the unique galleries and exhibitions scattered throughout this historic district. Stay in Santa Barbara and immerseyourself in the rich tapestry of its downtown.

Top reasons to visit Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

  • Charming Streets: Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets of Historic Downtown Santa Barbara and discover a plethora of shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes.
  • Vibrant Atmosphere: Imbibe the lively atmosphere of this area, where you can enjoy live music, dancing, and vibrant festivals throughout the year.
  • Proximity to the Beach: With its close proximity to the beach, you can relish in the sun, sand, and surf while exploring Historic Downtown Santa Barbara.
  • Art Galleries: Art enthusiasts will appreciate the unique galleries and exhibitions scattered throughout this historic district.
  • Rich Cultural Heritage: Immerse yourself in history and culture by visiting attractions such as Presidio Santa Barbara and El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park.

Find your hotel in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

When it comes to accommodation in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara, you'll find a variety of options to suit your preferences. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly choices, there's something for everyone in this vibrant area.

  • 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 beautiful views and access to natural parks, it's a popular choice for those seeking a cultural experience in Santa Barbara.
  • Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton - With a 3.0-star rating, this hotel offers entertainment options, access to natural parks, and is close to the university, museums, and the beach. Its friendly staff and concierge service make it a popular choice for visitors.
  • Haley Hotel - Rated 3.5 stars, this hotel is known for its shopping and dining options, as well as its proximity to the beach and lively music venues. With a vibrant atmosphere and access to art and festivals, it's a great choice for those looking to experience the lively side of Santa Barbara.

Staying in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara offers a unique experience, with its rich history, cultural attractions, and vibrant atmosphere. With a range of hotels to choose from, you'll be able to enjoy the city's museums, theaters, shopping areas, and natural parks with ease. Whether you're interested in history, shopping, or simply enjoying the local culture, Historic Downtown Santa Barbara has something for everyone.

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

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara is a vibrant and exciting area with a range of attractions and experiences to offer.

  • Downtown Santa Barbara: This area is a hub of activity, featuring shopping, dining, beaches, bars, live music, cafes, dancing, festivals, and art. It's the perfect place to explore and immerse yourself in the local culture.
  • Presidio Neighborhood: Located just 0.41 km away from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara, this neighborhood offers a similar range of experiences and amenities. It's a great place to shop, dine, enjoy live music, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
  • Laguna: Situated 0.86 km away from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara, Laguna is another fantastic area to visit. With its shopping options, dining establishments, beaches, bars, cafes, festivals, and art scene, there's plenty to see and do here.

Each of these areas provides unique geographic features, landmarks, and local experiences that will make your holiday in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara truly memorable.

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

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara is a vibrant area with a variety of attractions to explore:

  • Presidio Santa Barbara: Immerse yourself in history as you visit this historic fort. Discover the charm of its architecture, explore the surrounding shops and restaurants, or enjoy live music and festivals.
  • El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park: Step back in time and experience the rich history of this tourist precinct. Stroll through beautiful gardens, learn about the area's cultural heritage, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse: Marvel at the stunning architecture of this historic civic government building. Take a guided tour, enjoy panoramic views from the clock tower, or simply relax in the picturesque surroundings.

These attractions offer a unique blend of shopping, dining, beach activities, live music, cafes, dancing, festivals, and art, creating a memorable experience in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara.

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

  • Consider booking your trip during the off-peak season to get better deals on hotels and travel expenses. This is usually between November and March.
  • Look for special packages or promotions that include both accommodation and activities in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara. These can provide additional savings on your overall travel expenses.
  • Take advantage of the search filters on the Expedia website to find hotels that meet your budget requirements. You can filter by price range, amenities, and location to find the best options for your stay.
  • Consider staying in budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels or bed and breakfasts. These can often provide a comfortable stay at a lower cost compared to larger hotels.
  • Consider using public transportation or walking to explore Historic Downtown Santa Barbara. This can save you money on transportation costs and allow you to experience the city on foot.
  • Take advantage of the free or low-cost activities in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara, such as walking along the beach, visiting art galleries, or attending local festivals and live music events.

Discover the flavours of Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara offers a delightful dining experience with its local cuisine and unique dishes. Start your culinary journey by visiting Santa Barbara's renowned restaurants, such as Leta Restaurant for its California-inspired dishes and Visit Santa for its innovative and world-class cuisine. Don't miss Taco Tuesday at Sandbar, where you can indulge in delicious tacos.

When it comes to popular restaurants in the neighborhood, Dargan's Irish Pub & Restaurant is a must-visit for its North American fare. Savoy Cafe & Deli also offers delectable North American dishes in a charming setting. For a fusion experience, head to The Blue Owl, which serves Asian and North American cuisines along with mouthwatering sandwiches. Explore Historic Downtown Santa Barbara and satisfy your taste buds with these culinary delights.

Best time to go to Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

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

Category
Details
LocationSanta Barbara, California, United States of America
Historical SignificancePreserved Spanish Colonial architecture, historical landmarks, cultural heritage
Main AttractionsState Street, Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Santa Barbara Museum of Art
ShoppingPaseo Nuevo Shopping Center, La Arcada Plaza, Antique shops
DiningFarm-to-table restaurants, wine tasting rooms, international cuisine
Outdoor ActivitiesBeach activities, biking, hiking, whale watching
EventsFiesta, Summer Solstice Parade, Old Spanish Days

Frequently asked questions

What is Historic Downtown Santa Barbara like?
Travellers love the Historic Downtown Santa Barbara neighbourhood for its beautiful beaches, array of dining options and major shopping area. Are you looking for Historic Downtown Santa Barbara travel tips? Make sure that you visit Lobero Theater and Arlington Theater while you're in the neighbourhood.
What's a favourite place to stay in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara?
Based on our traveller data, Hotel Santa Barbara is one of the top choices for your stay in Historic 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 options for your stay in the neighbourhood include The Upham Hotel and Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG.
How many hotels are there in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara?
Expedia has 25 hotels and other accommodation options in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara to choose from, making this an ideal home base for exploring the greater Santa Barbara area.
If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara, will I receive a refund?
Yes! You'll find that most hotel bookings are refundable provided that you cancel prior to the hotel's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before the scheduled arrival. If you have a reservation that's non-refundable, you might be able to cancel it and be given a refund within a 24-hour period of booking. Enter your dates, click on "Search", then use the filter option "fully refundable" to get the top deals on offer in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara.
What is there to do in this Santa Barbara neighbourhood?
Sights like Lobero Theater, Arlington Theater and Santa Barbara Museum of Art can be part of your cultural tour of Historic Downtown Santa Barbara. Paseo Nuevo Mall and De la Guerra Plaza are also a couple of places to visit in the neighbourhood. A few places to visit in the area around Historic Downtown Santa Barbara include Hill-Carrillo Adobe, Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum and La Arcada. While you're out sightseeing, Casa de la Guerra and Presidio Santa Barbara are a couple of additional sights to visit in Santa Barbara.

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