A historic building with arched windows and a bell tower, surrounded by palm trees and greenery.

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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, (1,526 reviews)
"Loved this hotel, staff, location everything was wonderful"
United States
Karri
The price is SAR 853
SAR 992 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Oct - 19 Oct
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, (498 reviews)
"Great hotel"
United States
Emeterio
The price is SAR 875
SAR 1,000 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Oct - 19 Oct
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)
"Very nice and clean hotel."
United States
Irina
The price is SAR 860
SAR 982 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Oct - 30 Oct
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

4. Haley Hotel

Haley Hotel
3.5 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (699 reviews)
"Great place and walking distance to fun bars"
United States
Rodney J
The price is SAR 600
SAR 721 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Oct - 29 Oct
Haley Hotel

5. 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 SAR 1,311
SAR 1,686 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Oct - 13 Oct
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

6. 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, (1,024 reviews)
"Perfect location"
United States
Rana
The price is SAR 916
SAR 1,044 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Oct - 27 Oct
The Upham Hotel

7. 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, (282 reviews)
"Wonderful place to stay"
United States
Erica
The price is SAR 875
SAR 997 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Downtown

8. 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, (708 reviews)
"Very quaint and quiet inn. Highly recommend a stay! Innkeepers were very personable yet discreet. Hope to stay again!"
United States
Raymond
The price is SAR 772
SAR 881 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages

9. Palihouse Santa Barbara

Palihouse Santa Barbara
4.0 star property
0.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (441 reviews)
"Location. The Hotel is so beautiful, chic and close to everything. Very friendly staff."
United States
Maria
The price is SAR 1,502
SAR 1,715 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Oct - 30 Oct
Palihouse Santa Barbara

10. 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, (1,357 reviews)
"Charming little hotel. Great for a quick trip to Santa Barbara at a fair deal."
United States
Noah
The price is SAR 944
SAR 1,078 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Oct - 8 Oct
Lavender Inn by the Sea

11. 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, (327 reviews)
"Casa Riviera is nice, our stay was quiet and enjoyable. The location is located in a nice area not to far from the beach and many restaurants"
United States
Patrice
The price is SAR 683
SAR 1,057 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Oct - 28 Oct
Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel

12. Moxy Santa Barbara

Moxy Santa Barbara
3.5 star property
The Funk Zone, 1.1 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (824 reviews)
"noisy because it is near 101 and expensive"
United States
Hongtao
The price is SAR 924
SAR 1,055 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Oct - 26 Oct
Moxy Santa Barbara

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, (1,112 reviews)
"Amazing place to stay!"
United States
Amanda
The price is SAR 859
SAR 979 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Oct - 28 Oct
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

14. 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, (1,947 reviews)
"Pleasant stay with excellent breakfast."
United States
emiliano
The price is SAR 1,108
SAR 1,266 total
includes taxes & fees
21 Oct - 22 Oct
Inn By The Harbor

15. 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, (1,453 reviews)
"Good for vacation staying near the beach"
United States
hoan
The price is SAR 1,032
SAR 1,179 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Oct - 29 Oct
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

16. 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 and location!"
United States
Rachita
The price is SAR 814
SAR 952 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Oct - 5 Oct
Mason Beach Inn

17. 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, (1,002 reviews)
"Great location right by the beach, walkable there as well as State street which has all the local events (farmers mkt, etc)"
United States
Arlen
The price is SAR 827
SAR 942 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
La Playa Inn

18. 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, (1,183 reviews)
"easy parking, very nice place"
United States
hampton
The price is SAR 767
SAR 874 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Oct - 5 Oct
Marina Beach Hotel

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, (312 reviews)
"Great location, within walking distance of most things. Parking was easy."
United States
Maria
The price is SAR 461
SAR 804 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Oct - 27 Oct
Casa Jardin, a ZenStay Hotel

20. 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)
"The location, amenities, room and staff were all exceptional!!"
United States
Mary
The price is SAR 596
SAR 680 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Riviera Beach House
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
1,526 reviews
View
An outdoor patio with wooden tables and benches, surrounded by lush tropical plants.
Haley Hotel
3.5 star property
8.8
Excellent
699 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
498 reviews
View

Where to stay in Downtown Santa Barbara

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

Santa Barbara Beach

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

Montecito

Celebrity-favored Montecito offers backcountry hiking trails and attractions like Lotusland and El Fureidis. Easily accessible via State Route 192 and the U.S. 101 Freeway, it's well-connected to Santa Barbara County.

West Beach

While visiting West Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Santa Barbara Harbor and West Beach.

East Beach

East Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like East Beach and Santa Barbara Zoo.

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Historic Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Lobero Theater or Arlington Theater might round out your trip.

Top Downtown Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

Find out more about Downtown Santa Barbara

Top reasons to visit Downtown Santa Barbara

  • Charming Urban Center: Experience a vibrant downtown filled with unique boutiques, diverse dining options, and stunning architecture.
  • Beautiful Waterfront: Enjoy leisurely strolls along the picturesque Santa Barbara Harbor, perfect for breathtaking views.
  • Cultural Attractions: Discover museums, theaters, and historical sites that highlight the rich cultural heritage of the area.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Explore numerous parks and outdoor adventures that cater to visitors of all ages.
  • Exceptional Accommodations: Choose from a range of lodging options, including pet-friendly hotels and cozy bed and breakfasts.

Find great hotels near Downtown Santa Barbara

Discover an array of exceptional lodging options in Downtown Santa Barbara, where adventure meets relaxation. Whether you prefer a vibrant hotel or a cozy bed and breakfast, you'll find accommodations tailored to your needs. Enjoy pet-friendly stays, beach access, and easy proximity to local attractions. From the renowned Hotel Californian to other top-rated hotels, Downtown Santa Barbara offers the perfect backdrop for your unforgettable vacation experience.

  • Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort: Embrace the ultimate beach vacation experience at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, a luxurious 4-star retreat located just 3.2km from Downtown Santa Barbara. This resort is perfect for both business travelers and leisure seekers, featuring direct access to the sandy shores. Guests can indulge in a full range of spa treatments, including body treatments, manicures, and relaxing sessions in the hot tub. The property’s inviting pool service adds to the serene atmosphere, making it a prime choice for those looking to unwind and rejuvenate while enjoying the coastal beauty.
  • The Milo: A family-friendly haven, The Milo is a charming 3.5-star hotel situated 1.6km from Downtown Santa Barbara, ideal for beach-loving families. With direct beach access, this hotel provides a safe and enjoyable environment for children, featuring amenities such as beach toys and a well-equipped pool area. Parents will appreciate the thoughtful services that ensure a stress-free stay, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking a fun-filled beach vacation with the whole family.
  • Sandpiper Lodge: For a more budget-friendly option, Sandpiper Lodge offers a cozy motel experience just 3.2km from Downtown Santa Barbara. Guests can enjoy a complimentary daily breakfast, including continental options, to start their day right. The lodge features various recreational activities, such as nearby bicycle rentals and golf, catering to active travelers. With entertainment options like premium TV channels and flat-screen televisions, Sandpiper Lodge provides a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the vibrant city and its surroundings.

Where to stay near Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara offers a charming blend of history and modernity, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Explore the vibrant city center, where you can enjoy shopping, dining, and beautiful architecture. Don't miss the stunning Santa Barbara waterfront, ideal for leisurely strolls and picturesque views. With its friendly atmosphere and scenic excursions, Downtown Santa Barbara invites travelers to immerse themselves in a truly unforgettable Californian experience.

  • Santa Barbara: Nestled along the picturesque coast of California, Santa Barbara is a vibrant city that boasts a unique blend of outdoor activities, family-friendly attractions, and cultural entertainment. With a peak tourist season from June to August, visitors flock to experience its beautiful beaches and bustling tourist precincts. Explore local landmarks such as the stunning beaches and various educational and theatrical venues that offer a taste of the city's rich culture. Whether you're enjoying a day at the beach or attending a performance at an arena, Santa Barbara promises an unforgettable travel experience.
  • Santa Barbara Beach: just 1.6km from Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Beach is a sun-soaked paradise perfect for families and beach lovers. This neighborhood attracts visitors year-round, particularly during the summer months when outdoor activities abound. Enjoy shopping and entertainment options nearby, including exciting theme park rides. With its serene sandy shores and inviting ocean, Santa Barbara Beach is an ideal spot for relaxation and family fun, making it a must-visit destination during your vacation.
  • Historic Downtown Santa Barbara: Located a mere 322m from Downtown Santa Barbara, Historic Downtown Santa Barbara is steeped in charm and history. This neighborhood is particularly popular during the spring and summer months, attracting families and city explorers alike. Visitors can indulge in a variety of activities, including shopping in quaint boutiques, savoring local cuisine, and immersing themselves in the arts at theaters and educational venues. With nearby attractions like the marina and beautiful beaches, Historic Downtown Santa Barbara is a vibrant hub that encapsulates the spirit of the city.

Things to do in and around Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara offers a perfect blend of family-friendly activities and urban charm. Visitors can enjoy educational experiences, diverse shopping options, and vibrant theater performances. Daily excursions and various downtown attractions provide plenty of entertainment, making it an ideal destination for outdoor adventures and city exploration alike. Don’t miss the chance to explore its unique boutiques and delicious eateries during your stay.

Shopping

Experience vibrant shopping in Downtown Santa Barbara at Paseo Nuevo Mall, just 644m away, offering a mix of businesses and entertainment. Explore Rafael Gonzalez House, located 805m away, for unique finds, or visit the Santa Barbara Public Market for local flavors and gifts right in the heart of the city.

Recreation

The Santa Barbara Bowl offers an energetic atmosphere with live music performances, perfect for an entertaining night out. The Santa Barbara Golf Club invites you to enjoy a round of golf amidst beautiful landscapes, while Elings Park provides a tranquil space for relaxation and wellness activities, surrounded by nature.

Adventure

The Cabrillo Bikeway offers a scenic outdoor experience perfect for cycling along the coast. Rattlesnake Canyon Trail, located 3.2km away, features breathtaking views and hiking adventures. For another outdoor option, the Cabrillo Bike Path awaits 4.8km away, providing a refreshing ride with stunning vistas.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Downtown Santa Barbara by catching a show at the historic Granada Theatre, savoring drinks with a romantic ambiance at Cold Spring Tavern, or enjoying fun-filled moments at Zodo's - Bowling and Beyond, where adventure awaits just a short drive away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Downtown Santa Barbara

To save money during your visit to Downtown Santa Barbara, consider traveling in January, February, or November when hotel prices are lower, and aim for a Tuesday stay to benefit from the best rates. Avoid peak season from June to August. Use Expedia to find exclusive discounts and flexible booking options by filtering for your budget and combining flights with hotel packages. Additionally, explore free activities such as visiting the beach or local parks, and utilize the affordable public transport to navigate the area efficiently.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Downtown Santa Barbara are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Downtown Santa Barbara is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Downtown Santa Barbara is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Downtown Santa Barbara with flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in and around Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a blend of culture and adventure. Explore historic downtown, the picturesque Santa Barbara Harbor, and the vibrant urban parks. With attractions like museums and the marina, there's something for everyone to enjoy, making it an ideal destination for an unforgettable vacation experience.

  • Santa Barbara Harbor: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Santa Barbara Harbor, a marina that offers stunning views and outdoor adventures. Enjoy activities like sailing, kayaking, or simply strolling along the waterfront, soaking in the beach vibes.
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse: Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Santa Barbara at the historic County Courthouse. This architectural gem features beautiful murals and stunning gardens, providing a picturesque setting for exploration.
  • Stearns Wharf: Visit Stearns Wharf, a charming pier that allows you to take in the breathtaking ocean views. Enjoy fresh seafood, visit unique shops, and learn about the local marine life at the Sea Center.

Best time to go to Downtown Santa Barbara

The best time to visit Downtown Santa Barbara can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Downtown Santa Barbara falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Downtown Santa Barbara falls in February, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April60.3°F (15.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June68.2°F (20.1°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July72.1°F (22.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August72.9°F (22.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September71.6°F (22.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October66.7°F (19.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage

The nearest major airports for your trip to Downtown Santa Barbara

Traveling to Downtown Santa Barbara is convenient with several nearby airports. Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is located 12.9km away and offers luxurious hotel options like The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, and El Encanto Santa Barbara, both 5-star rated. Santa Ynez Airport (SQA) is 40.2km away, with excellent accommodations such as Chumash Casino Resort and The Genevieve. Oxnard Airport (OXR) is 51.5km from Downtown Santa Barbara, featuring hotels like Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach and Ventura Beach Marriott. Transportation services from these hotels to their respective airports make access simple for travelers.

Frequently asked questions

What's it like in Downtown Santa Barbara?
Travelers love the Downtown Santa Barbara neighborhood for its beautiful beaches, array of dining options, and major shopping area. Be sure to check out Lobero Theater and Presidio Santa Barbara as part of your Downtown Santa Barbara travel plans.
Where is the best place to stay in Downtown Santa Barbara?
Based on our traveler 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 center 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 are there in Downtown Santa Barbara?
With 17 Expedia hotels and other accommodations 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 that most hotel room reservations are fully refundable if cancelled before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of your check-in date. If you have a reservation that's non-refundable, you might be able to still cancel and get a refund within 24 hours of your booking. Enter your dates, click on "Search", then use the "fully refundable" filter to get the top deals on offer in Downtown Santa Barbara.
Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip to Downtown Santa Barbara?
For more information about picking new dates or cancelling your trip to Downtown Santa Barbara, head over to our customer service page.
What can I see and do in this Santa Barbara neighborhood?
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 neighborhood, 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, be sure to visit other sights like Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum or Paseo Nuevo Mall.