Downtown Santa Barbara hotels in Santa Barbara

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Our top choices for Downtown Santa Barbara hotels

Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara
3.0 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,184 reviews)
"Beautiful location and hotel "
United States
Samantha
The price is HK$1,993
HK$2,318 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Feb - 24 Feb
Hotel Santa Barbara

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, (413 reviews)
"Great location!"
United States
Wesley
The price is HK$1,701
HK$1,942 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Mar - 11 Mar
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

Haley Hotel

Haley Hotel
3.5 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (601 reviews)
"Great central location, staff were all very friendly, felt safe! "
United States
Margarita
The price is HK$992
HK$1,208 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Mar - 11 Mar
Haley Hotel

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)
"Great location!"
United States
June
The price is HK$1,788
HK$2,042 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Mar - 9 Mar
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
4.0 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,001 reviews)
"This pet friendly hotel was beautifully "
United States
Martin
The price is HK$2,806
HK$3,599 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
4.0 star property
East Beach, 2.3 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
7.8 out of 10, Good, (208 reviews)
"Great room and staff"
United States
JEFFREY
The price is HK$1,916
HK$2,540 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Feb - 23 Feb
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Inn on Summer Hill

Inn on Summer Hill
3.0 star property
9.9 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (343 reviews)
"Room was spotless and view of the ocean from the room was beautiful. "
United States
Joseph
The price is HK$1,759
HK$2,040 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Feb - 16 Feb
Inn on Summer Hill

Castillo Inn at the Beach

Castillo Inn at the Beach
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.6 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,004 reviews)
"Nice place."
Canada
Thomas
The price is HK$899
HK$1,026 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Feb - 25 Feb
Castillo Inn at the Beach

Cliff House Inn On The Ocean

Cliff House Inn On The Ocean
3.0 star property
25.1 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,001 reviews)
"Best stay ever "
United States
Tammy
The price is HK$1,183
HK$1,329 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Feb - 23 Feb
Cliff House Inn On The Ocean

Coast Village Inn - Santa Barbara

Coast Village Inn - Santa Barbara
2.5 star property
5.2 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,000 reviews)
"Beautiful room.staff was lovely."
United States
Jeanine
Coast Village Inn - Santa Barbara

The Inn at East Beach

The Inn at East Beach
2.5 star property
East Beach, 2.9 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,001 reviews)
"Our stay was quick, efficient, and most importantly customer service was excellent!"
United States
jAvier
The Inn at East Beach

The Craft House Inn

The Craft House Inn
4.0 star property
0.8 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (15 reviews)
"Home/room felt like home while our short stay away from home. Host was very helpful throughout our stay."
United States
Norma
The price is HK$1,688
HK$1,928 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Feb - 17 Feb
The Craft House Inn

Montecito Inn

Montecito Inn
4.0 star property
5.6 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,000 reviews)
"The hotel is older architecture and had that classic feel. The rooms are small but comfortable. The hotel is at the beginning of a very nice street with restaurants and shopping. The staff is great !"
United States
Joseph
The price is HK$1,329
HK$1,843 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Feb - 16 Feb
Montecito Inn

Santa Barbara Inn

Santa Barbara Inn
4.0 star property
East Beach, 2.7 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,004 reviews)
"Great room, great location, loved this spot. "
United States
Susan
The price is HK$1,941
HK$2,218 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Feb - 23 Feb
Santa Barbara Inn

Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn

Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn
3.5 star property
16.3 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,409 reviews)
"Nice room with good amenities, convenient location."
United States
Philip
The price is HK$1,056
HK$1,217 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Feb - 23 Feb
Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn

Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach
2.0 star property
East Beach, 2.8 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,250 reviews)
"Nice Rooms great location "
United States
Erika
The price is HK$890
HK$1,017 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Feb - 23 Feb
Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

The Milo

The Milo
4.0 star property
West Beach, 1.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,526 reviews)
"Staff was fantastic, lots of great amenities."
United States
Seth
The price is HK$1,704
HK$1,946 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Mar - 12 Mar
The Milo

Casa Del Sol

Casa Del Sol
2.5 star property
17.9 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
7.0 out of 10, Good, (639 reviews)
"Nice place "
United States
Everardo
Casa Del Sol

El Encanto Santa Barbara

El Encanto Santa Barbara
5.0 star property
1.9 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (550 reviews)
"Great room and nice facility."
United States
John
The price is HK$4,651
HK$5,880 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Mar - 9 Mar
El Encanto Santa Barbara

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, (1,055 reviews)
"Great brunch, beautiful property and helpful staff"
United States
Kritika
The Franciscan Hotel
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.

Compare popular hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara

Property
Property class
Guest rating
Breakfast included
Pool
Spa
Pet-friendly
WiFi included
Reception
Hotel Santa Barbara
3.0 star property
9.2
Wonderful
1,184 reviews
View
Exterior
Haley Hotel
3.5 star property
8.8
Excellent
601 reviews
View
Outdoor pool, open 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, pool loungers
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
4.0 star property
8.8
Excellent
1,001 reviews
View
Shopping centre
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4.0 star property
8.6
Excellent
1,000 reviews
View
View from room
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
3.5 star property
8.4
Very good
413 reviews
View

Where to stay in Downtown Santa Barbara

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

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.

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.

West Beach

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

The Mesa

While visiting The Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Leadbetter Beach and Arroyo Burro Beach.

Top Downtown Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

Find out more about Downtown Santa Barbara

Top reasons to visit Downtown Santa Barbara

  • Historic Charm: Discover iconic adobe buildings and structures that showcase Santa Barbara's unique architectural heritage.
  • Vibrant Atmosphere: Stroll through lively streets filled with friendly locals, independent shops, and delightful eateries.
  • Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy a range of family-friendly activities at urban parks, museums, and marinas.
  • Cultural Experiences: Explore art galleries and partake in local art festivals that celebrate the region's creativity.
  • Convenient Accommodation: Choose from diverse lodging options, including pet-friendly motels and hotels with beach access.

Find great hotels near Downtown Santa Barbara

Discover a variety of accommodation options in Downtown Santa Barbara, where comfort meets convenience. Whether you seek a pet-friendly motel or a hotel with easy beach access, you'll find the perfect spot for your stay. Many establishments offer accessible rooms and complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring a delightful experience for all travellers. Embrace the charm of adobe residences while enjoying the vibrant local culture and stunning coastal views.

  • Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort: This luxurious 4-star resort embodies a serene beach-themed experience, perfect for those seeking relaxation by the ocean. Located a mere 3.2km from Downtown Santa Barbara, the resort boasts direct beach access, allowing guests to enjoy sun-soaked days by the shore. The full-service spa offers a range of rejuvenating treatments, including massage, aromatherapy, and manicures, while the outdoor pool provides a refreshing escape. The resort's blend of coastal elegance and pampering amenities ensures a memorable beach vacation for all visitors.
  • The Milo: A vibrant 3.5-star hotel, The Milo caters to adventurous souls and city explorers alike, situated just 1.6km from Downtown Santa Barbara. This pet-friendly property encourages travellers to indulge in various thrilling activities, including horse riding, surfing, and fishing, all available nearby. With a focus on adventure and recreation, The Milo provides a welcoming atmosphere for families and pet owners. Guests particularly appreciate the convenient city-centre location, making it easy to access local attractions while enjoying the comforts of home.
  • Sandpiper Lodge: A charming motel located 3.2km from Downtown Santa Barbara, Sandpiper Lodge offers a delightful blend of comfort and convenience. Guests can start their day with a complimentary continental breakfast before heading off to explore the nearby city centre. With various recreational options, including bicycle rentals and golf, there’s plenty to keep visitors entertained. In-room amenities such as premium TV channels and flat-screen televisions provide a touch of home, making it an ideal choice for both relaxation and adventure seekers.

Where to stay near Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara, known as the American Riviera, offers a delightful blend of historic charm and scenic beauty. Explore its iconic adobe buildings and structures that reflect the region’s unique architectural heritage. Stroll through vibrant streets filled with friendly locals, independent shops, and delightful eateries. Nearby attractions and excursions abound, ensuring a memorable experience for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike, all set against a stunning coastal backdrop.

  • Santa Barbara: Nestled between the mountains and the ocean, Santa Barbara is a vibrant city that embodies the charm of California's coastal lifestyle. Downtown Santa Barbara serves as the heart of the city, offering a delightful mix of cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque beaches, explore educational sites, or attend theatrical performances. The peak tourist season from June to August brings a lively atmosphere, while the quieter months provide a more relaxed experience. With its beautiful architecture and stunning scenery, Santa Barbara is a must-visit destination.
  • Santa Barbara Beach: Located a mile from Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Beach is a tranquil neighbourhood perfect for family outings and outdoor adventures. The beach area boasts a scenic shoreline, ideal for sunbathing and swimming, while nearby shopping areas and attractions add to the experience. Visitors flock here during the summer months, but the beach maintains a welcoming vibe throughout the year. With family-friendly amenities and easy access to the tourist precinct, Santa Barbara Beach is an excellent spot for a leisurely day by the sea.
  • East Beach: Just 1.6km away from Downtown Santa Barbara, East Beach is another splendid neighbourhood that offers a quintessential Californian beach experience. Renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere and outdoor activities, East Beach is perfect for picnics, beach volleyball, and leisurely strolls along the oceanfront. Visitors can explore educational facilities and enjoy nearby entertainment options, such as theatres and arenas. The picturesque marina and vibrant beach scene make East Beach an inviting choice for those looking to soak up the sun and enjoy the coastal lifestyle.

Things to do in and around Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities and city adventures, making it perfect for outdoor vacations. Explore educational attractions, vibrant art galleries, and enjoy the local art festival. The area boasts a range of shopping options and a charming theatre scene, all easily accessible on foot, ensuring a fulfilling day of excursions and exploration for visitors.

Shopping

Your shopping experience in Downtown Santa Barbara includes La Cumbre Plaza, a vibrant shopping centre three miles away, offering diverse shops and entertainment. Closer to the heart, the Rafael Gonzalez House is a charming store half 1.6km away, while the Santa Barbara Public Market showcases local delicacies and artisanal goods.

Recreation

At the Santa Barbara Bowl, immerse yourself in vibrant music concerts that elevate your spirits. The Santa Barbara Golf Club offers a serene golfing experience amid beautiful landscapes, while Elings Park invites you to relax and rejuvenate in its tranquil outdoor environment, perfect for wellness seekers.

Adventure

The Cabrillo Bikeway offers a scenic cycling route along the coast, perfect for those seeking outdoor thrills. For a more challenging experience, tackle the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail, renowned for its breathtaking vistas. Alternatively, the Municipal Tennis Center is ideal for adventurous spirits keen on a competitive game.

Nightlife

Experience the enchanting ambiance at Granada Theatre in Downtown Santa Barbara, where romance and culture blend seamlessly. For a lively adventure, head to Zodo's - Bowling and Beyond, just 11.3km away, or enjoy a charming evening at Cold Spring Tavern, 16.1km distant, offering a delightful pub atmosphere.

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

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Downtown Santa Barbara

To save money during your visit to Downtown Santa Barbara, consider travelling in the off-peak months of January to February and November, when prices are generally lower. Tuesdays are the most affordable days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter hotels by budget and eco-certification, ensuring you find the best deals. Additionally, combining flights, accommodation, and activities into a package can yield significant savings. Don’t forget to look for additional rewards that could enhance your travel experience.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Downtown 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 around Downtown Santa Barbara is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Downtown 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 search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you can refine your choices by hotel type—selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your hotel accommodation in Downtown Santa Barbara with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in and around Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara is an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike, offering a delightful blend of cultural and recreational experiences. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including museums, marinas, and urban parks, which cater to those seeking family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures. With its vibrant atmosphere, Downtown Santa Barbara promises a memorable holiday for travellers of all interests.

  • Santa Barbara Harbor: Embrace the vibrant atmosphere of Santa Barbara Harbor, a delightful marina located a mile from Downtown. Enjoy beach activities, outdoor adventures, and stunning views of the ocean. It's an excellent spot for leisurely strolls or indulging in fresh seafood at nearby restaurants.
  • Mission Santa Barbara: Experience the rich cultural heritage at Mission Santa Barbara, situated a mile from Downtown. This historic church, often referred to as the Queen of the Missions, offers insight into California’s Spanish colonial era, with beautifully preserved architecture and serene gardens.
  • Santa Barbara Historical Museum: Located within Downtown, the Santa Barbara Historical Museum showcases the region's fascinating history. Explore captivating exhibits that highlight local culture, art, and historical artefacts, making it a perfect stop for history enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Downtown Santa Barbara

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

The nearest major airports for your trip to Downtown Santa Barbara

Travelling to Downtown Santa Barbara is convenient with several nearby airports. Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is situated 12.9km from the city centre, with luxurious options like The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, just 8.0km away. El Encanto and Hotel Californian are also excellent 5-star choices at the same distance. Oxnard Airport (OXR), located 51.5km away, offers nearby hotels such as Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, 3.2km from the airport, and Ventura Beach Marriott, 9.7km away. Lastly, Santa Ynez Airport (SQA) lies 28.0km from Downtown Santa Barbara, with the Chumash Casino Resort being just 1.1km away, providing a variety of accommodation choices.

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 Lobero Theater and Presidio Santa Barbara as part of your Downtown Santa Barbara travel plans.
What's the best place to stay in Downtown Santa Barbara?
Based on Expedia customer reviews, Hotel Santa Barbara is the highest ranked property in Downtown Santa Barbara. This hotel offers a 24-hour fitness centre and free WiFi. Other top choices in the neighbourhood include Haley Hotel and Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.
How many hotels will I be able to find in Downtown Santa Barbara?
If you're searching for places to stay in Santa Barbara, Expedia has something to meet your needs with 24 Downtown Santa Barbara hotels and other accommodation options to choose from.
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, Lobero Theater and Paseo Nuevo Mall 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 Santa Barbara Museum of Art.

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