Hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara

Top reasons to visit Downtown Santa Barbara

• Stunning Architecture: Explore the iconic adobe buildings that showcase Santa Barbara's rich historical charm.
• Vibrant Arts Scene: Immerse yourself in local culture with art festivals, galleries, and engaging theatre performances.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy a range of attractions suitable for all ages, including museums and urban parks.
• Beautiful Beaches: Relax on picturesque beaches with soft sand and breathtaking views of the coastline.
• Diverse Accommodation: Choose from a variety of hotels catering to every traveller's needs, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Find great hotels near Downtown Santa Barbara

Discover an array of hotel accommodation options in Downtown Santa Barbara, California, catering to every traveller's needs. From pet-friendly motels to accessible hotels, you’ll find the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure. Many establishments offer complimentary Wi-Fi and welcoming adobe residences, ensuring a comfortable experience while exploring the stunning beaches and vibrant atmosphere of this charming coastal city.

• Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort: Nestled along the stunning coastline, this 4-star resort offers a perfect blend of relaxation and luxury. Located 3.2km from Downtown Santa Barbara, the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is ideal for those seeking a beach and spa-themed getaway. The property boasts direct beach access, allowing guests to soak up the sun and enjoy ocean activities. With a full-service spa offering a variety of treatments, including massages, manicures, and facials, relaxation is at your fingertips. The resort's pool area features sun loungers, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
• The Milo: Just 1.6km from Downtown Santa Barbara, The Milo is a stylish 3.5-star hotel that embodies a vibrant beach vacation experience. With direct access to the beach, guests can enjoy the sun, surf, and sand right at their doorstep. The hotel is designed with a fresh, modern aesthetic, providing a welcoming atmosphere for those looking to immerse themselves in Santa Barbara's beach culture. Ideal for couples and families alike, The Milo offers a laid-back yet chic environment to relax and rejuvenate.
• Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn: Situated 4.8km from Downtown Santa Barbara, this 3-star hotel caters to adventure seekers and business travellers alike. The Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, windsurfing, and biking, nearby for those looking to explore the beautiful surroundings. The property is pet-friendly, accommodating furry companions with specific amenities and policies. The hotel strikes a balance between comfort and convenience, making it an excellent choice for both leisure and business visitors.

Where to stay near Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara, often referred to as the American Riviera, offers a delightful blend of historical charm and modern allure. Wander through the iconic adobe buildings that reflect the region's rich heritage, or relax in the scenic parks that dot the area. With friendly locals and inviting excursions, you'll experience the vibrant atmosphere of this family-friendly destination while enjoying its aesthetic appeal and picturesque surroundings. Nearby attractions further enhance the charm of your holiday.

• Santa Barbara: Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara offers a delightful blend of cultural charm and outdoor adventure. The vibrant Downtown area boasts a variety of family-friendly attractions, including theatres and entertainment venues, making it a popular destination year-round. With its stunning beaches and picturesque tourist precinct, Santa Barbara is perfect for those seeking both relaxation and excitement. Visitors can explore local landmarks, enjoy the pleasant climate, and immerse themselves in the city's rich history and art scene.
• East Beach: just 1.6km from Downtown Santa Barbara, East Beach is renowned for its beautiful sandy shores and family-friendly atmosphere. This charming neighbourhood is ideal for those looking to soak up the sun and enjoy outdoor activities. East Beach features various amenities, including a marina and recreational facilities, making it perfect for water sports and leisurely strolls along the shore. The neighbourhood's relaxed vibe and proximity to vibrant local events ensure that visitors will have a memorable experience, whether they are sunbathing or enjoying a picnic with family.
• Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail: Located a mile from Downtown, the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail offers a unique and eco-friendly experience for wine enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. This scenic route features a selection of boutique wineries and tasting rooms, perfect for sampling local wines while exploring the artistic side of Santa Barbara. With its parks, private gardens, and lively atmosphere, the Wine Trail is an excellent spot for leisurely walks, art events, and live music performances, providing a delightful blend of culture and nature.

Things to do in and around Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore charming shopping areas, enjoy educational attractions, and immerse themselves in the vibrant local theatre scene. With art festivals, numerous art galleries, and walkable attractions, it’s the perfect destination for those seeking a city-themed getaway filled with engaging excursions and artistic inspiration.

Shopping

Paseo Nuevo Mall, located 644m from Downtown Santa Barbara, offers a vibrant shopping experience with a mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. Just 805m away, Rafael Gonzalez House invites you to explore unique gifts. Additionally, the Santa Barbara Public Market brings a delightful selection of local goods and flavours.

Recreation

At Santa Barbara Bowl, enjoy live music under the stars, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The Santa Barbara Golf Club offers a refreshing outdoor experience, perfect for golf enthusiasts. Elings Park invites you to unwind in its serene surroundings, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation amidst nature.

Adventure

Experience the Cabrillo Bikeway for a scenic outdoor ride along the coast, immersing yourself in the stunning views of the Pacific. For a thrilling hike, explore Rattlesnake Canyon Trail, where you'll encounter breathtaking scenery and invigorating trails. Don't miss the Municipal Tennis Center for some energetic outdoor tennis fun.

Nightlife

In Downtown Santa Barbara, the Granada Theatre enchants with its cultural performances, while Cold Spring Tavern offers a romantic pub atmosphere. For a more adventurous night, Zodo's - Bowling and Beyond provides fun-filled entertainment only a short drive away.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Downtown Santa Barbara

To save money during your visit to Downtown Santa Barbara, consider travelling in the off-peak months of January to February and November, when accommodation prices are lower compared to the summer months. Tuesday is the cheapest day to stay, while Saturday tends to be the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels, and combine your hotel, flight, and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to check for any reward deals to maximise your savings on your trip.

• 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: Utilise 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 offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation in Downtown Santa Barbara with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in and around Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara is ideal for families and those seeking outdoor adventures or city-themed experiences. Popular attractions include museums, the marina, and urban parks, providing a rich blend of culture and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore various points of interest that cater to family-friendly outings and cultural enrichment, making it a perfect destination for a memorable vacation.

• Santa Barbara Harbor: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Santa Barbara Harbor, a stunning marina where adventure meets relaxation. Enjoy waterfront dining, rent a kayak, or simply stroll along the pier while soaking in the delightful coastal views.
• Santa Barbara County Courthouse: Marvel at the exquisite Spanish-Moorish architecture of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, a historic gem nestled in the heart of Downtown. Its lush gardens and panoramic views from the clock tower offer a unique glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.
• Stearns Wharf: As the oldest working wharf in California, Stearns Wharf invites you to explore its quaint shops and restaurants. Enjoy fresh seafood, take in breathtaking ocean views, or watch sea life from the pier, making it a delightful outing.

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.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	55.0°F (12.8°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
April	60.3°F (15.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
May	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
June	68.2°F (20.1°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	72.1°F (22.3°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	72.9°F (22.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	71.6°F (22.0°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
October	66.7°F (19.3°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
November	60.4°F (15.8°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Downtown Santa Barbara

When visiting Downtown Santa Barbara, you can choose from several major airports. Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is situated 12.9km away, with nearby 5-star hotels like The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara and El Encanto, both offering convenient access to the airport. For those considering Santa Ynez Airport (SQA), located 40.2km away, the Chumash Casino Resort and The Ballard Inn provide excellent accommodations. Alternatively, Oxnard Airport (OXR), 51.5km from Downtown, features hotels such as Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach and Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort. Each hotel offers various transportation services to their respective airports, ensuring a smooth travel experience.