Santa Barbara Hotels

Top reasons to visit Santa Barbara

• Stunning Beaches: Santa Barbara boasts picturesque beaches with golden sands and breathtaking sunsets, perfect for relaxation.
• Architectural Tours: Discover the city's rich history through its stunning adobe buildings and unique architectural styles.
• Vibrant Shopping Districts: Explore charming shops and boutiques that line the streets, offering a delightful shopping experience.
• Outdoor Activities: Enjoy a range of outdoor pursuits, from botanical gardens to urban parks, ideal for families and adventure seekers.
• Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in the local culture with captivating theatre performances and educational attractions.

Find great hotels in and around Santa Barbara

Experience the charm of Santa Barbara, California, with a variety of accommodation options tailored to your needs. Whether you're seeking adventure, a beach getaway, or a pet-friendly retreat, you'll find hotels and motels that offer accessible rooms and services. Explore the perfect lodging for your stay, ensuring a memorable visit to this beautiful coastal city.

• Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn: Nestled a mere 16.1km from Santa Barbara, the Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn is a welcoming 3.5-star hotel designed for adventurous travellers and those seeking a golf-themed getaway. This property is LGBTQIA+ friendly and proudly affiliated with LGBTQI travel guides, ensuring a comfortable stay for all. Guests can revel in a plethora of adventure sports, from mountain biking and surfing to skydiving and bicycle rentals. With its focus on outdoor recreation and a vibrant community atmosphere, this hotel is perfect for those looking to explore the natural beauty of California while enjoying a round of golf.
• The Milo: Located in the heart of Santa Barbara, The Milo is a charming 3.5-star hotel that caters to families and beach lovers alike. With direct access to the stunning beach, this property is ideal for a fun-filled family vacation. The Milo prioritises the needs of younger guests, offering amenities such as beach toys and safety features like pool gates. Additionally, the hotel is pet-friendly, allowing dogs and cats with certain restrictions, making it a wonderful choice for those wishing to travel with their furry companions while enjoying the sun and surf.
• Amanzi Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection: Positioned 41.8km from Santa Barbara, the Amanzi Hotel caters to business travellers, city explorers, and nature enthusiasts. This hotel offers essential facilities such as a well-equipped business centre and meeting rooms, making it an excellent choice for corporate stays. Its central location allows easy access to the vibrant city life, while also being in proximity to nature, providing guests with a perfect blend of urban convenience and serene natural beauty. Amanzi Hotel is ideal for those seeking a balanced trip between work and leisure.

Where to stay in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara offers a delightful blend of relaxation and rich history, making it a perfect destination for families and couples alike. Stroll along the scenic beaches, admire the charming adobe buildings, and explore the adorable shops that line the streets. The friendly atmosphere and stunning coastal views create an enchanting experience, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the region's unique vibe and picturesque scenery.

• Montecito: Nestled in the scenic hills surrounding Santa Barbara, Montecito is a charming neighbourhood known for its upscale residences and serene atmosphere. This area experiences a seasonal influx of visitors, with peak arrivals in January, March, and July. Travellers flock to Montecito for its outdoor activities and family-friendly beaches. Highlights include access to pristine beaches, the beautiful national state park, and excellent shopping centres. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely day at the beach or exploring local boutiques, Montecito offers a delightful blend of relaxation and adventure.
• Santa Barbara Beach: A vibrant coastal neighbourhood, Santa Barbara Beach attracts visitors year-round, with peak seasons occurring from June to August. Families and outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to this area for its inviting sandy shores and recreational activities. Alongside beautiful beaches, you'll find a lively shopping area and theme park rides, ensuring fun for all ages. The nearby tourist precinct adds to the charm, making Santa Barbara Beach a perfect destination for those seeking a mix of sun, sand, and entertainment.
• Downtown Santa Barbara: The bustling heart of Santa Barbara, Downtown Santa Barbara is a lively neighbourhood that offers a rich urban experience. With visitor numbers peaking in the summer months, this area is perfect for family outings and cultural exploration. You'll find a variety of shopping options, educational venues, and theatres that highlight the local arts scene. Just a stone's throw from the beach and the family beach, Downtown Santa Barbara is an ideal base for those looking to immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant atmosphere while enjoying the coastal charm.

Things to do in and around Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a delightful mix of activities. Visitors can explore educational attractions, vibrant shopping districts, and captivating theatre performances. A highlight of any trip is the architectural tour, showcasing the city's stunning designs and rich history. With its diverse entertainment options, Santa Barbara promises an engaging experience for all holidaymakers.

Shopping

In Santa Barbara, visit Paseo Nuevo Mall for a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment and family-friendly vibes. Don’t miss the Santa Barbara Public Market for local delights. If you're up for a drive, explore the unique offerings at Rafael Gonzalez House, just a short distance away.

Recreation

At the Santa Barbara Bowl, enjoy live music in a vibrant atmosphere that energises the spirit. For sports enthusiasts, the Santa Barbara Golf Club offers a picturesque course perfect for outdoor recreation. Unwind at Elings Park, where serene surroundings promote wellness and relaxation, ideal for a peaceful retreat.

Adventure

Explore the Cabrillo Bikeway for a scenic outdoor ride along the coast, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. For a thrilling hike, tackle the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail, where adventure meets stunning views. If you're keen on tennis, the Municipal Tennis Center offers exciting matches in a lively setting.

Nightlife

In Santa Barbara, the Arlington Theater enchants with its cultural and romantic atmosphere, perfect for an entertaining evening. For a more relaxed vibe, Cold Spring Tavern offers charming drinks and entertainment. If you're seeking adventure, Zodo's - Bowling and Beyond presents a lively arcade experience just 11.3km away.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Barbara

To save money on your Santa Barbara vacation, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January to February and November, when prices are lower. Utilise free attractions like Santa Barbara Harbor, Stearns Wharf, and the County Courthouse. For transport, biking or taking the trolley can be cost-effective options. Book your accommodations in advance and aim for a Tuesday stay to secure the best rates. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for added savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in 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 in Santa Barbara is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Santa Barbara is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to pinpoint the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your Santa Barbara hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is ideal for family-friendly, outdoor, and entertainment-themed holidays. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including stunning beaches, urban parks, and serene botanical gardens. The region offers a rich blend of cultural experiences and outdoor activities, making it perfect for those seeking both relaxation and adventure with family and friends.

• Santa Barbara Harbor: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Santa Barbara Harbor, a lively marina perfect for outdoor activities. Enjoy beach vibes while engaging in water sports or simply relax by the shore, taking in the stunning coastal views.
• Stearns Wharf: Stroll along Stearns Wharf, a historic jetty that offers picturesque views of the ocean and mountains. Explore charming shops and restaurants or watch local fishermen at work, all while soaking up the maritime heritage of Santa Barbara.
• Santa Barbara County Courthouse: Discover the architectural beauty of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, a historic civic building. Admire its stunning Spanish-Moorish design and cultural significance, and don’t miss the panoramic views from the clock tower.

Best time to go to Santa Barbara

The best time to visit Santa Barbara is dependant 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 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 Santa Barbara

When visiting Santa Barbara, California, you have several airport options. Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is located 12.9km from the city centre, with luxury hotels like The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara and El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel situated nearby. Santa Ynez Airport (SQA) is 40.2km away, offering accommodations such as Hotel Corque and Chumash Casino Resort. Oxnard Airport (OXR) is 51.5km from Santa Barbara, with options like Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach and Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach. Each airport provides various transportation services for convenient access to local hotels, ensuring a pleasant journey.