Waterfront Travel Guide
Santa Barbara





Popular places to visit

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.

Leadbetter Beach
If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Leadbetter Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Santa Barbara. While you're in the area, stroll along the marina.

East Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at East Beach during your trip to Santa Barbara? Stroll along the waterfront or seek out the cycling trails.

West Beach
Nothing says holiday like spending a lazy day at West Beach, a popular beach in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the seaside or seek out the cycling trails.

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.

Stearns Wharf
Explore the waterfront of Stearns Wharf and enjoy other activities such as cycling in Santa Barbara. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Top hotels in Waterfront

Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
Great
Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Sandpiper Lodge
Great stay all around.
Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
Nice update of property and great customer service.
Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
For the pricepoint, and suites "facing" the ocean on the main floor - amenities were dated - esp the bathrooms in both our rooms. Also the rooms were pricer than usual cause we went on a long weekend for my aunts birthday. It is what it is, don't expect too much.
Reviewed on 3 Oct 2025

Hotel Santa Barbara
Lovely renovated hotel in a great location. Although the address is on State Street, this is now pedestrianized. If arriving by car you need Gota Street to access hotel car park. There is no restaurant only a small bar, but plenty of eating options. The downside is a small single lift and dark (caramel?) ...
Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

The Milo
Nice chill hotel right on the beach
Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Waterfront

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.

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.

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.

Lower State
While visiting Lower State, you might make a stop by sights like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Moreton Bay Fig Tree.

Eastside
While Eastside isn't home to many top sights, Santa Barbara Zoo and East Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

West Beach
If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and West Beach are top sights worth seeing.