Santa Barbara Holidays

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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 Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures, making it an ideal destination for a city-themed holiday. Visitors can enjoy beautiful beach outings, indulge in live music, embark on sailing experiences, and partake in exciting water excursions. The vibrant cultural scene includes educational attractions, theatre performances, and arena entertainment, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy during their stay in this picturesque Californian city.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience, visit Montecito Village Shopping Center, brimming with entertainment and family vibes. The Santa Barbara Public Market offers a vibrant city atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, explore the charming boutiques at Rafael Gonzalez House, perfect for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

The Santa Barbara Bowl hosts enchanting concerts amidst a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for music lovers. The Arlington Theater offers a romantic setting for cultural performances, while the Santa Barbara Golf Club invites you to enjoy outdoor sports in a scenic environment, ideal for relaxation and recreation.

Adventure

Experience the Cabrillo Bikeway, a stunning outdoor path that offers breathtaking views of the coastline. Hike the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail, where adventure meets natural beauty amidst scenic landscapes. For a sporty challenge, visit the Municipal Tennis Center, perfect for tennis enthusiasts seeking excitement in an adventurous atmosphere.

Nightlife

Cold Spring Tavern offers a charming atmosphere with romantic vibes and lively entertainment. Enjoy a drink in this unique pub, where you can immerse yourself in the local scene and savour the delightful experience that Santa Barbara's nightlife has to offer.

*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, California, is an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts, featuring beautiful beaches and urban parks. Visitors can explore cultural attractions such as local churches while enjoying a vibrant city atmosphere. The area offers a perfect blend of outdoor activities and family-friendly experiences, making it a delightful spot for all types of travellers seeking relaxation and adventure by the stunning Santa Barbara beach.

  • Santa Barbara Harbor: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Santa Barbara Harbor, where you can enjoy outdoor adventures such as sailing, kayaking, or simply strolling along the waterfront. The picturesque marina is perfect for soaking up the beach vibes while enjoying stunning ocean views.
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse: Visit this stunning historic civic building, renowned for its beautiful Spanish-Moorish architecture. Explore the lush gardens and climb the clock tower for panoramic views of the city, immersing yourself in the rich culture and history of Santa Barbara.
  • West Beach: Relax at West Beach, a popular sandy stretch perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach activities. Its inviting atmosphere and stunning coastal scenery make it an ideal spot for unwinding and enjoying the Californian sun.

Best time to go to Santa Barbara

The best time to visit Santa Barbara can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Santa Barbara falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature in 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

Tips to save on your trip to Santa Barbara

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • 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 kilometres 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
The price is €224 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
€224
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,155 reviews)
I enjoyed everything about Hotel Santa Barbara. The room, lobby bar, staff, location! I definitely will be coming back!

Reviewed on 26 Jan 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 €88 per night from 11 Feb to 12 Feb
€88
11 Feb - 12 Feb
includes taxes & fees
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,153 reviews)
Nice spacious and clean room. Fit our needs perfect. Staff was friendly and helpful. Only 'negative' was some of the parking spaces are small, so if someone doesn't park straight, you miss out on a parking spot.

Reviewed on 27 Jan 2026

Sandpiper Lodge
Inn By The Harbor

Inn By The Harbor

3.5 out of 5
433 W Montecito St Santa Barbara CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €161 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
€161
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
9/10 Wonderful! (1,857 reviews)
Such a "beautiful" room!!! So spacious, clean, awesome shower, bed suer comfortable!!! A wonderful experience!!!! Very accommodating and kind staff!!!! 4 Stars!!!!

Reviewed on 23 Jan 2026

Inn By The Harbor
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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