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

Santa Barbara Beach

3 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

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

Find hotels in Santa Barbara Beach

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 €279 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
€279
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,449 reviews)
"Great location for a visit to Santa Barbara."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2026

Hotel Santa Barbara
Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge

2 out of 5
3525 State St Santa Barbara CA
The price is €144 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
€144
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,553 reviews)
"Air conditioning was too close to one bed. Continental breakfast was...meh."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2026

Sandpiper Lodge
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

3 out of 5
4770 Calle Real Santa Barbara CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €229 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
€229
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,250 reviews)
"Older hotel. The pool & hot tub were beautiful areas tosplash around/relax. Rooms were big. Breakfast was rehydrated eggs and stale breads. But our one night stay was comfortable enough. Starbucks across the street ended up being our breakfast choice."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2026

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
See all 1,184 properties in Santa Barbara
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.

Stay near popular Santa Barbara attractions

A pier with lights reflecting on the water, a flag, and buildings in the background.

Stearns Wharf

9.0/10 (4,143 reviews)
California's oldest working wharf since 1872, Stearns Wharf combines history with panoramic ocean views. Savour fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants while watching the sunset paint the Santa Ynez Mountains.
See properties

What to do in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

€32
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Helicopter Beach Tour

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

€60
per adult
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Discover Santa Barbara Yacht Cruise

Discover Santa Barbara Yacht Cruise

€39
per adult
Discover Santa Barbara Yacht Cruise
See all activities in Santa Barbara

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Santa Barbara holiday package cost?
Offering great value package deals on Expedia, you'll be surprised at how little a holiday to Santa Barbara costs! Expedia's packages make travel planning easier and your savings go further.
What are the cheapest months to go to Santa Barbara?
You can typically find lower prices and greater availability in December, January and February. Take a look at our cheap Santa Barbara holiday packages and you could score some great off-season deals.
How many days is enough for Santa Barbara?
With around 2 days, you'll have plenty of time to visit popular neighbourhoods like Santa Barbara Beach and West Beach during your Santa Barbara holiday. Be sure to also add Butterfly Beach and Arlington Theatre to your list of must-sees. Searching for more adventures? Consider exploring outside of Santa Barbara on tours and day trips.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Santa Barbara?
It's no wonder a Santa Barbara holiday is on the must-do list of many travellers. Popular attractions like Santa Barbara Zoo are just the start of things to see and do here.
How to find the best Santa Barbara package deals?
Start your search for a Santa Barbara package deal by entering your preferred travel dates and destination under our "Packages" tab. Then apply a few filters, like "Property type" and "Amenities," to tailor the results to your exact needs. You can also sort by "Package discount" and browse offers that come with unbeatable savings. If you don't find the ideal Santa Barbara package deal right away, just tweak your dates and search again. Keep in mind that deals are only available for a limited time, so book early and get your Santa Barbara escape off to a flying start.
Is it cheaper to book a Santa Barbara holiday as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your next Santa Barbara getaway by booking a personalised holiday package. Check the "Package" heading, then enter your destination and travel dates to browse the best flight and hotel prices. Bundling can save travellers hundreds of dollars. Consider adding a rental car and you may land a better deal.
When to book a holiday package to Santa Barbara?
If you've got your Santa Barbara holiday dates locked in, book as soon as you can to score some terrific deals. With Expedia, you can typically reserve some flights up to a year in advance. Prefer spur-of-the-moment adventures? Our last-minute deals are perfect for impromptu escapes.
How to plan a trip to Santa Barbara?

  1. Pick the ideal time to travel: Your schedule, favourite season and the type of weather you enjoy can all impact your decision on when to go to Santa Barbara.
  2. Set a budget: Consider costs such as flights, food and transportation when working out how much to put aside for your trip to Santa Barbara. Then, pick a property that matches your budget, whether that's a wallet-friendly stay or a high-end retreat.
  3. Decide how many days away: Start by making a list of all the sights and activities you want to experience in Santa Barbara. Then, estimate how long you'll need for each, along with any travel time.
  4. Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in place, you can combine your hotels, flights, car rental and more into a personalised Santa Barbara holiday package.

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* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.