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 Arlington Theater and Lobero 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 Arlington Theater, Lobero Theater and Santa Barbara Museum of Art can be part of your cultural tour of Historic Downtown Santa Barbara. Paseo Nuevo Mall and La Arcada 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 Casa de la Guerra. While you're out sightseeing, De la Guerra Plaza and Presidio Santa Barbara are a couple of additional sights to visit in Santa Barbara.

Top 10 Historic Downtown Santa Barbara Hotels of 2026

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

Change your mind
Book hotels with free cancellation
Treat yourself
Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
Sign in
Be picky
Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Tonight

Tomorrow

Next weekend

In two weeks

Our top choices for Historic Downtown Santa Barbara hotels

A spacious interior with high ceilings, wooden beams, and a central column.

1. Hotel Santa Barbara

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Mark

RM1,069 total

includes taxes & fees

9 Sept - 10 Sept

A rooftop terrace with outdoor seating, umbrellas, and a pool.

2. Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Paul

RM1,816 total

includes taxes & fees

13 Sept - 14 Sept

A bright kitchen with large windows, wicker furniture, and a wooden countertop.

3. The Upham Hotel

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Eila

RM998 total

includes taxes & fees

8 Sept - 9 Sept

A modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a central island, and large windows.

4. Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Shari

RM1,284 total

includes taxes & fees

13 Sept - 14 Sept

A courtyard with outdoor seating, a fountain, and white buildings with arches.

5. Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Irina

RM1,211 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Sept - 8 Sept

An outdoor patio with wooden tables and benches, surrounded by lush tropical plants.

6. Haley Hotel

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Diana

RM868 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Sept - 8 Sept

A multi-story hotel with a sign reading "LA PLAYA INN Santa Barbara, California".

7. La Playa Inn

West Beach, 1.4 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Greer

RM1,093 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Sept - 8 Sept

A modern hotel with a pool, lounge chairs, and palm trees.

8. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Downtown

Oak Park, 1.1 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Erica

RM1,240 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Oct - 5 Oct

A large, two-story building with a tiled roof, surrounded by palm trees and a well-maintained garden.

9. Inn By The Harbor

West Beach, 1.2 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Amanda

RM1,050 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Sept - 28 Sept

A bedroom with a bed, bedside lamps, a mirror, and a window with curtains.

10. Palihouse Santa Barbara

0.5 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

sonia

RM1,940 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Sept - 8 Sept

A living room with a sofa, a coffee table, and a view through a glass door to the outdoors.

11. Casa Riviera

Laguna, 0.6 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Monica

RM1,331 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Sept - 8 Sept

A modern bedroom with a large bed, a bedside table, a mirror, and a wardrobe.

12. Casa Jardin

Laguna, 0.6 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Yessica

RM865 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Sept - 8 Sept

A multi-story building with a curved entrance, palm trees, and a staircase leading to the entrance.

13. Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

West Beach, 1.2 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Liad

RM1,150 total

includes taxes & fees

28 Sept - 29 Sept

A marina with boats docked, palm trees, and a building labeled "Sea Landing."

14. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

West Beach, 1.5 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Richard

RM964 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Sept - 8 Sept

A hotel room with a large bed, a sofa, a desk, and a nightstand.

15. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

West Beach, 1.3 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Julia

RM774 total

includes taxes & fees

8 Sept - 9 Sept

A traditional building with a white facade, arched windows, and a balcony with a railing.

16. Casa De La Vina

0.7 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Richard

RM1,141 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Sept - 28 Sept

A sunny outdoor seating area with tables and chairs, surrounded by lush tropical plants and flowers.

17. Marina Beach Hotel

West Beach, 1.4 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Amy

RM999 total

includes taxes & fees

5 Oct - 6 Oct

A white building with a sign reading "Mason Beach Inn" and a balcony with a railing.

18. Mason Beach Inn

West Beach, 1.4 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Rachita

RM1,025 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Sept - 8 Sept

A two-story house with a front porch, a black front door, and a chandelier.

19. The De La Vina Inn

0.7 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Sanjay

RM707 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Sept - 8 Sept

A bright kitchen with a large island, white cabinetry, and a view through glass doors to an outdoor patio.

20. Lavender Inn by the Sea

West Beach, 1.2 km from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Charinda

RM1,084 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Oct - 7 Oct

View all properties

Where to stay in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

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

A coastal town with a pier extending into the ocean, a beach, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings.

Santa Barbara Beach

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

See properties

A coastal beach with palm trees, a sandy shore, and a clear blue sky.

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.

See properties

A coastal town with a prominent white building with a red roof, palm trees, and mountains in the background.

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.

See properties

A marina with multiple boats docked, calm water, and a clear sky.

West Beach

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

See properties

A beach with palm trees, a pier, and the ocean at sunset.

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.

See properties

Top Historic Downtown Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

Beachside Inn

10/10 Excellent

"We loved our stay! The hotel was right by the beach and a Short walk from restaurants and boardwalk. The room was a lot bigger than we expected and a perfect size for my husband and toddler. Very clean as well . Will definitely stay here again next time. The staff were so friendly and accommodating."

The Milo

8/10 Good

"Overall, we enjoyed our stay. We stayed in newly remodeled room 2215, which was clean, comfortable, and well maintained. The complimentary bikes were a very nice touch, and we also appreciated the hot chocolate, s’mores, and convenient selection of wine, champagne, and cold drinks available on-site. The pools and hot tubs were clean and well maintained. The staff was friendly, and the valet attendants were respectful, hardworking, and attentive. However, there is a serious safety issue that needs immediate attention. An air-conditioning unit approximately two rooms down from ours was leaking water across the walkway. Because the water blended into the painted floor, it was extremely difficult to see and made the surface dangerously slippery. I slipped at least five times and fell once, although I was able to catch myself. I also witnessed two other guests nearly fall. Had I been older, intoxicated, or not in good physical condition, I could have been seriously injured. This presents a significant liability and should be repaired immediately. The valet also misplaced our Tesla key card. We were told it would be replaced, and our contact information was taken, but we checked out Monday and, as of Saturday, no one has contacted us. I hope the hotel follows through promptly. The coffee service could also use an upgrade. The current selection and presentation do not match the quality, style, or price point of the property. We paid approximately $700 per night, including ta"

Hotels in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

Filter by

Star rating

Guest rating

Our top choices for Historic Downtown Santa Barbara hotels

1. Hotel Santa Barbara

2. Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

3. The Upham Hotel

4. Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

5. Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

6. Haley Hotel

7. La Playa Inn

8. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Downtown

9. Inn By The Harbor

10. Palihouse Santa Barbara

11. Casa Riviera

12. Casa Jardin

13. Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

14. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

15. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

16. Casa De La Vina

17. Marina Beach Hotel

18. Mason Beach Inn

19. The De La Vina Inn

20. Lavender Inn by the Sea

Where to stay in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Beach

Montecito

Downtown Santa Barbara

West Beach

East Beach

Top Historic Downtown Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

Beachside Inn

Frequently asked questions

Explore a world of travel with Expedia