Travel to Santa Barbara

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Where to stay in Santa Barbara

Find the best Santa Barbara areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santa Barbara

Things to do in and around Santa Barbara

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, the Camino Real Marketplace, located 16.1km away, offers a vibrant public market atmosphere. In Santa Barbara, you can enjoy shopping at Paseo Nuevo Mall, which provides a delightful mix of business and entertainment, along with the Rafael Gonzalez House for unique store finds.

Recreation

Explore Elings Park for a serene retreat amidst nature, offering scenic trails and picnic spots perfect for relaxation. Experience vibrant performances at the Santa Barbara Bowl, where music and entertainment blend beautifully. Finally, enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the Arlington Theatre, showcasing diverse cultural performances for all ages.

Adventure

Cycle along the scenic Cabrillo Bikeway, soaking in coastal views, or embark on an exhilarating hike through Rattlesnake Canyon Trail, where stunning landscapes await. For a thrilling experience, challenge yourself at the Municipal Tennis Center, perfect for those seeking adventure and a bit of friendly competition.

Nightlife

Cold Spring Tavern offers a charming atmosphere with a touch of romance. Enjoy a delightful selection of drinks while soaking in the lively entertainment vibes. This inviting pub is perfect for a relaxed night out in Santa Barbara, where you can unwind and connect with fellow visitors.

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

Find the best attractions in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara offers an ideal vacation for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike, featuring beautiful beaches, urban parks, and historic churches. This charming destination is perfect for those seeking cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy the stunning Santa Barbara beach and explore various local attractions that cater to a diverse range of interests, ensuring a memorable holiday for everyone.

  • Westmont College: Nestled in the scenic hills of Santa Barbara, Westmont College offers a blend of modern architecture and lush landscapes. Explore its beautiful campus, engage with students and faculty, and enjoy the vibrant city atmosphere that surrounds this prestigious institution.
  • MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation: A fascinating destination for all ages, MOXI is a hands-on museum that ignites curiosity through interactive exhibits in science, technology, and art. Experience the vibrant culture of Santa Barbara as you engage in innovative learning and creative exploration.
  • West Beach: Relax on the golden sands of West Beach, where stunning ocean views and playful waves create a perfect seaside escape. Enjoy beach activities, scenic strolls along the waterfront, and the lively local atmosphere that makes this beach a beloved spot for both locals and tourists.

Best time to go to Santa Barbara

The best time to visit Santa Barbara is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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

Tips to save on your trip to Santa Barbara

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Santa Barbara.
  • Consider traveling to Santa Barbara during the low season (January to February and November) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Santa Barbara Beach Holiday

There's nothing like a Santa Barbara holiday to give you a little extra bounce in your step. The sound of rolling surf and the smell of salty sea air will rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. To be near the centre of town on your trip to Santa Barbara, find a hotel around Butterfly Beach (only 6 kilometers away). If you're planning to hang around a while, look into our Santa Barbara holiday packages. Not only can you save some cash, you'll also have other beautiful beaches around you to explore, like Miramar Beach and East Beach. Now that's a win-win!

Things You Should Know About Santa Barbara

  • If your idea of the perfect holiday is fresh ocean breezes and strolls along the shore, check out our Santa Barbara beach hotels. You'll forget the stresses of daily life at these perfectly located retreats.
  • No matter your style and budget, you'll find a great place to stay for your holiday in Santa Barbara. Why not browse through some private holiday homes, like Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels and AGAVE INN HOTEL? They're popular with visitors of all types.
  • There are tons of activities that keep the 91,800 or so residents of Santa Barbara entertained. Checking out our Santa Barbara things to do page will show you what this place has to offer.
  • Santa Barbara holiday deals are a great way to save on fun experiences. Some ideas, including Vandenberg Air Force Base, Chumash Casino and Chumash Casino, should be at the top of your to-do list.

Top hotels in Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

3 out of 5
533 State St Santa Barbara CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM966 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
RM966
RM1,123 total
9 Mar - 10 Mar
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,170 reviews)
Beautiful location and hotel

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

Hotel Santa Barbara
Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge

2 out of 5
3525 State St Santa Barbara CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM384 per night from 17 Feb to 18 Feb
RM384
RM437 total
17 Feb - 18 Feb
includes taxes & fees
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,159 reviews)
Clean, safe, peaceful and surrounded by shopping

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

Sandpiper Lodge
Santa Barbara Inn

Santa Barbara Inn

4 out of 5
901 E Cabrillo Blvd Santa Barbara CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM1,102 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
RM1,102
RM1,258 total
16 Feb - 17 Feb
includes taxes & fees
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
Great communication from staff, all our needs were met.

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

Santa Barbara 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.

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What to do in Santa Barbara

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