Hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara

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Our top choices for Downtown Santa Barbara hotels

Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara
3.0 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,217 reviews)
"Beautiful location and hotel "
United States
Samantha
The price is RM1,025
RM1,192 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Mar - 3 Mar
Hotel Santa Barbara

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)
"Great location!"
United States
June
The price is RM889
RM1,015 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Mar - 9 Mar
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

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, (416 reviews)
"Great location!"
United States
Wesley
The price is RM801
RM915 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Mar - 11 Mar
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
4.0 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,000 reviews)
"This pet friendly hotel was beautifully "
United States
Martin
The price is RM1,356
RM1,745 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Mar - 2 Mar
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

Haley Hotel

Haley Hotel
3.5 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (607 reviews)
"Great central location, staff were all very friendly, felt safe! "
United States
Margarita
The price is RM555
RM672 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Mar - 2 Mar
Haley Hotel

Cliff House Inn On The Ocean

Cliff House Inn On The Ocean
3.0 star property
25.1 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,002 reviews)
"Had an awesome restaurant right on property and all staff very friendly"
United States
cathy
The price is RM606
RM681 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Mar - 2 Mar
Cliff House Inn On The Ocean

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
4.0 star property
East Beach, 2.3 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
7.6 out of 10, Good, (218 reviews)
"Great room and staff"
United States
JEFFREY
The price is RM953
RM1,263 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Mar - 16 Mar
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

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, (1,014 reviews)
"Nice room and ambiance with good hospitality "
United States
Ankush
The price is RM657
RM764 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Mar - 3 Mar
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

Motel 6 Carpinteria, CA - Santa Barbara - South

Motel 6 Carpinteria, CA - Santa Barbara - South
2.0 star property
17.7 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (1,255 reviews)
"Nice location , clean and friendly staff.."
United States
MARIDIE
The price is RM329
RM379 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Mar - 2 Mar
Motel 6 Carpinteria, CA - Santa Barbara - South

Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn

Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn
3.5 star property
16.3 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,412 reviews)
"Staff was very polite and helpful with recommendations for dinner. The rooms were clean and comfortable."
United States
Kimberly
The price is RM558
RM643 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Mar - 11 Mar
Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn

Inn on Summer Hill

Inn on Summer Hill
3.0 star property
9.9 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (344 reviews)
"Room was spotless and view of the ocean from the room was beautiful. "
United States
Joseph
The price is RM874
RM1,014 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Mar - 5 Mar
Inn on Summer Hill

El Encanto Santa Barbara

El Encanto Santa Barbara
5.0 star property
1.9 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (551 reviews)
"Great room and nice facility."
United States
John
The price is RM2,312
RM2,924 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Mar - 26 Mar
El Encanto Santa Barbara

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carpinteria by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carpinteria by IHG
2.5 star property
17.9 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,000 reviews)
"Nice stay, good location"
United States
Richard
The price is RM665
RM766 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Mar - 9 Mar
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carpinteria by IHG

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, (1,001 reviews)
"This hotel is so cute, super friendly staffs and location is perfect. "
United States
Vivian
The price is RM790
RM900 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Mar - 4 Mar
La Playa Inn

Coast Village Inn - Santa Barbara

Coast Village Inn - Santa Barbara
2.5 star property
5.2 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,000 reviews)
"Beautiful room.staff was lovely."
United States
Jeanine
Coast Village Inn - Santa Barbara

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, (1,045 reviews)
"Staff was excellent and the room was great. Very comfortable bed."
United States
William
The price is RM621
RM734 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Mar - 11 Mar
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara

Hideaway Santa Barbara, A Kirkwood Collection Property

Hideaway Santa Barbara, A Kirkwood Collection Property
4.0 star property
Santa Barbara Beach, 1.3 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (379 reviews)
"Room was really clean and dog friendly. Staff was great and very helpful. "
United States
Ver
The price is RM1,042
RM1,187 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Mar - 24 Mar
Hideaway Santa Barbara, A Kirkwood Collection Property

The Inn at East Beach

The Inn at East Beach
2.5 star property
East Beach, 2.9 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,001 reviews)
"Our stay was quick, efficient, and most importantly customer service was excellent!"
United States
jAvier
The Inn at East Beach

Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach
2.0 star property
East Beach, 2.8 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,259 reviews)
"Nice Rooms great location "
United States
Erika
The price is RM476
RM543 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Mar - 11 Mar
Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

Town and Country Inn

Town and Country Inn
2.5 star property
2.9 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
7.6 out of 10, Good, (1,000 reviews)
"Great hotel, love the staff!"
Canada
Bernard
The price is RM307
RM362 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Mar - 2 Mar
Town and Country 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
3.0 star property
9.2
Wonderful
1,217 reviews
View
Exterior
Haley Hotel
3.5 star property
8.8
Excellent
607 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
1,000 reviews
View
View from room
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
3.5 star property
8.4
Very good
416 reviews
View

Where to stay in Downtown Santa Barbara

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

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.

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.

West Beach

If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and Carriage and Western Art Museum 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 East Beach and Santa Barbara Zoo.

The Mesa

While visiting The Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Leadbetter Beach and Arroyo Burro Beach.

Top Downtown Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

Find out more about Downtown 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.

*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 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.

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

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.

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 Presidio Santa Barbara as part of your Downtown Santa Barbara travel plans.
What's the best place to stay in Downtown Santa Barbara?
Based on Expedia customer reviews, Hotel Santa Barbara is the highest ranked property 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 top choices in the neighbourhood include Haley Hotel and Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.
How many hotels will I be able to find in Downtown Santa Barbara?
If you're searching for places to stay in Santa Barbara, Expedia has something to meet your needs with 24 Downtown Santa Barbara hotels and other accommodation options to choose from.
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?
Presidio Santa Barbara, El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park and Hill-Carrillo Adobe are some local landmarks to explore in Downtown Santa Barbara. As you're discovering the neighbourhood, Lobero Theater and Paseo Nuevo Mall 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 Santa Barbara Museum of Art.

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