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

Santa Barbara Hotel Guide. Hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, United States of America

  • Change your mind

    Book hotels with free cancellation
  • Treat yourself

    Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
  • Be picky

    Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Filter by

Star rating

Guest rating

Selecting then applying a filter from this group will update the results on a new page

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, (1,483 reviews)
"Great location and fun updated hotel. "
United States
Marilyn
The price is €241
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
Hotel Santa Barbara

2. Haley Hotel

Haley Hotel
3.5 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (686 reviews)
"We had complimentary coffee and oatmeal. Fridge in our room and microwave were a plus! Very charming decor and close to the main downtown area."
United States
Diana
The price is €176
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
Haley Hotel

3. 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, (485 reviews)
"The location of the Drift was fantastic and it was a darling place to stay."
United States
Shari
The price is €273
includes taxes & fees
13 Sept - 14 Sept
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

4. 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)
"Loved this hotel. Great location"
United States
Cayley
The price is €252
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

5. Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
4.0 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,000 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel in great location. Beautiful roof top pool and walking access to downtown. Really nice hotel."
United States
Paul
The price is €433
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

6. Casa Iglesia

Casa Iglesia
4.5 star property
Oak Park, 1.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (58 reviews)
"Great location and comfortable rooms."
United States
Rich
The price is €216
includes taxes & fees
1 Sept - 2 Sept
Casa Iglesia

7. Casa Jardin

Casa Jardin
3.0 star property
Laguna, 0.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (300 reviews)
"Had a great stay, ideal stay and close to Santa Barbara bowl."
United States
Yessica
The price is €191
includes taxes & fees
21 Sept - 22 Sept
Casa Jardin

8. Casa Riviera

Casa Riviera
4.5 star property
Laguna, 0.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (295 reviews)
"Amazing Stay"
United States
Monica
The price is €232
includes taxes & fees
21 Sept - 22 Sept
Casa Riviera

9. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.4 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (2,410 reviews)
"Great comfortable stay and nice breakfast"
Canada
Julia
The price is €164
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

10. 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, (1,049 reviews)
"Cutest stay with the nicest staff!"
United States
Olivia
The price is €211
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
The Upham Hotel

11. Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.6 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,265 reviews)
"Great hotel"
United States
Liam
The price is €176
includes taxes & fees
31 Aug - 1 Sept
Beachside Inn

12. Casa De La Vina

Casa De La Vina
4.0 star property
0.8 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (207 reviews)
"Great location. Very comfortable room; nice amenities. Within walking distance to many great places. Would definitely stay here again."
United States
Jane Hodges
The price is €244
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
Casa De La Vina

13. 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, (481 reviews)
"The staff was amazing"
United States
Elliott
The price is €146
includes taxes & fees
13 Sept - 14 Sept
Hideaway Santa Barbara, A Kirkwood Collection Property

14. The Presidio

The Presidio
2.0 star property
1.1 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (839 reviews)
"The location and ease of getting to the hotel were perfect for a one night trip to Santa Barbara for a concert at the bowl."
United States
Sarah
The price is €145
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
The Presidio

15. Casa Castillo

Casa Castillo
4.0 star property
0.7 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (6 reviews)
"Amazing property!"
United States
David
The price is €253
includes taxes & fees
23 Sept - 24 Sept
Casa Castillo

16. The Franciscan Hotel

The Franciscan Hotel
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.4 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,280 reviews)
"Lovely stay, Comfortable, friendly, and the kitchenette was a plus."
United States
Naomi
The price is €191
includes taxes & fees
27 Sept - 28 Sept
The Franciscan Hotel

17. Beach House Inn

Beach House Inn
2.0 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (13 reviews)
"excellent location, accessible, clean and spacious! friendly staff."
United States
Sharon
The price is €217
includes taxes & fees
13 Sept - 14 Sept
Beach House Inn

18. Orange Tree Inn

Orange Tree Inn
2.5 star property
Upper East, 1.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
7.8 out of 10, Good, (871 reviews)
"The staff went above and beyond to make my visit to Santa Barbara enjoyable."
United States
Lucia
The price is €116
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
Orange Tree Inn

19. 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, (272 reviews)
"Wonderful place to stay"
United States
Erica
The price is €263
includes taxes & fees
8 Sept - 9 Sept
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Downtown

20. Bath Street Inn

Bath Street Inn
3.5 star property
Oak Park, 1.3 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (376 reviews)
"What a wonderful B&B. Great location, quiet/private room, friendly staff and delicious breakfast. One of the nicest B&B I have ever stayed at. Highly recommend."
United States
Stephen
The price is €218
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
Bath Street 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.

Where to stay in Downtown Santa Barbara

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

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.

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.

West Beach

If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and West Beach 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.

Lower State

While visiting Lower State, you might make a stop by sights like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Reagan Ranch Center.

Top Downtown Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

Find out more about Downtown Santa Barbara

Top reasons to visit Downtown Santa Barbara

  • Charming Architecture: Explore the historic downtown area, showcasing beautiful Spanish-style buildings and vibrant streets.
  • Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural scene with art galleries, local theatres, and engaging museums.
  • Delightful Shopping: Enjoy a pleasant array of shopping options, from boutique stores to unique local shops.
  • Scenic Beaches: Relax on stunning beaches that provide a perfect backdrop for leisure and outdoor activities.
  • Diverse Accommodation: Choose from a variety of hotels, from charming motels to luxurious retreats, catering to all travellers.

Find great hotels near Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara offers a delightful array of hotel accommodations perfect for every traveller. From charming motels to luxurious hotels, you'll find options that cater to adventure seekers, beach lovers, and even those with pets. Notable choices include Hotel Santa Barbara, Hotel Californian, and Santa Barbara Inn, each providing unique experiences and amenities. Discover the ideal base for your Californian getaway in this picturesque coastal city.

  • The Milo: Nestled just 1.6km from Downtown Santa Barbara, The Milo is a charming 3.5-star hotel that offers a delightful beach getaway. With a guest rating of 8.6 out of 10, this property is an excellent choice for those seeking a relaxed coastal experience. Guests can enjoy direct access to the beach, allowing for sun-kissed days and refreshing ocean breezes. The Milo features a lovely outdoor pool, complementary Wi-Fi, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal retreat for beach enthusiasts.
  • Best Western Plus Santa Barbara: This 3.5-star hotel is also located 1.6km from Downtown Santa Barbara and boasts a commendable guest rating of 9.0 out of 10. Best Western Plus Santa Barbara is tailored for the business traveller, featuring a well-equipped business centre and meeting facilities. Guests can unwind in comfortable rooms with modern amenities or take advantage of the complimentary breakfast to start their day right. The property’s convenient location makes it easy to explore local attractions while enjoying a productive stay.
  • Hotel Californian: A luxurious 5-star accommodation, Hotel Californian stands 1.6km from Downtown Santa Barbara and has an impressive guest rating of 9.2 out of 10. This hotel embodies the elegance of coastal living, with direct beach access and stunning views. Guests can indulge in exquisite dining options, a lavish spa, and beautifully appointed rooms that reflect the charm of the area. Ideal for those pursuing a sophisticated beach holiday, the Hotel Californian promises a memorable experience with its upscale amenities and attentive service.

Where to stay near Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara offers a delightful blend of vibrant city life and scenic beauty, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Stroll through the charming streets, where friendly locals welcome you to explore historical landmarks and enjoy picturesque city views. Don't miss the opportunity to visit nearby attractions, where you can immerse yourself in the region's rich culture and stunning landscapes, creating unforgettable memories in this urban oasis.

  • Historic Downtown Santa Barbara: Nestled a mere 322m from Downtown Santa Barbara, Historic Downtown Santa Barbara is a vibrant neighbourhood that showcases the city’s rich heritage. The area is renowned for its charming architecture and tree-lined streets, making it perfect for leisurely strolls. Visitors flock here for its family-friendly atmosphere, outdoor experiences, and vibrant city life. Highlights include an array of theatres, shopping areas, and educational venues, alongside local landmarks such as the beach and family beach. The peak travel months of March to April and July see a lively influx of tourists, creating a dynamic environment for exploration.
  • Santa Barbara: As the city that encompasses Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara itself is a captivating destination with plenty to offer. Its welcoming ambience and diverse activities attract families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The city boasts a variety of entertainment options, including theatres and arena facilities, alongside educational attractions. With its beautiful beaches and family-friendly precincts, Santa Barbara is a fantastic place to experience Californian coastal life. The peak season from June to August brings a bustling crowd, perfect for soaking up the sun and engaging in local events.
  • Santa Barbara Beach: Located approximately 1.6km from Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Beach is a picturesque neighbourhood ideal for beach lovers. Renowned for its outdoor activities and family-oriented experiences, the beach offers a delightful escape. Visitors can enjoy shopping, educational opportunities, and even theme park rides in nearby areas. With a peak travel season from June to August, the beach area buzzes with energy and excitement, making it an excellent spot for relaxation and fun in the sun. The local tourist precinct and stunning coastal views add to the charm of this beachside retreat.

Things to do in Downtown Santa Barbara

Shopping

Downtown Santa Barbara offers a delightful shopping experience, featuring the Paseo Nuevo Shopping Centre with its array of shops and dining options. Visit the Santa Barbara Public Market for local artisanal goods and unique souvenirs, creating a memorable shopping adventure in this charming coastal city.

Recreation

Yoga Soup offers a tranquil space for yoga and meditation classes, promoting relaxation and mindfulness. For a rejuvenating experience, visit the D’Angelo’s Spa, where you can indulge in therapeutic massages and holistic treatments designed to restore balance and harmony to your body and mind.

Adventure

In Downtown Santa Barbara, explore the beautiful coastline with kayaking adventures around the harbour, or embark on a thrilling bike ride along the scenic waterfront. Experience the vibrant local culture with a visit to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, showcasing diverse exhibits in a charming setting.

Nightlife

Explore the vibrant nightlife at The Good Lion on State Street for craft cocktails and a relaxed vibe. For a lively atmosphere with DJs, check out SOhO Restaurant & Music Club, where you can enjoy live performances and a diverse menu of drinks and bites.

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

Find the best attractions in and around Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara is ideal for family-friendly, city-themed, and outdoor holidays. Visitors can explore historic civic buildings, engaging museums, and beautiful beaches. The area offers a rich cultural experience, making it perfect for those interested in history and outdoor activities. A must-see is the historic downtown, which showcases the charming architecture and vibrant atmosphere of this Californian gem.

  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse: This stunning historic Civic Government Building boasts Spanish-Moorish architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens. Visitors can ascend the clock tower for panoramic views of the city and the ocean, while the vibrant murals and intricate tile work reflect the rich cultural heritage of Santa Barbara.
  • Santa Barbara Harbor: A lively marina offering a variety of water activities, including kayaking and sailing. With beautiful views of the coastline, it's an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the beach vibes, watch local wildlife, or savour fresh seafood at nearby eateries.
  • Stearns Wharf: A picturesque pier featuring shops, restaurants, and stunning ocean vistas. Take a leisurely stroll along the wooden walkway, explore the local marine life at the aquarium, or simply relax while enjoying the sea breeze.

Best time to go to Downtown Santa Barbara

The best time to visit Downtown 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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

Reaching Downtown Santa Barbara is convenient with several major airports nearby. Hollywood BURbank Airport (BUR) is situated 127.1km away, with excellent hotels like the 5-star 1 Hotel West Hollywood and the 4.5-star Sunset Marquis located just 11.3km from the airport. San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) is 123.9km away, offering stays at the 4-star Inn at the Pier Pismo Beach, a mere 11.3km from the airport. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is 130.4km from Downtown Santa Barbara, featuring luxury options such as The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, only 6.4km away. Each airport provides accessible transport to these hotels, ensuring a seamless journey to your destination.

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 Arlington Theater and Lobero Theater as part of your Downtown Santa Barbara travel plans.
What's the best place to stay in Downtown Santa Barbara?
Based on our traveller 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 centre 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 will I be able to find in Downtown Santa Barbara?
With 17 Expedia hotels and other accommodation options 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 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, Arlington Theater and Lobero 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, make sure that you visit other sights such as Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum or Paseo Nuevo Mall.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia