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, (1,139 reviews)
"Great Stay"
United States
RODOLFO
The price is HK$1,714
HK$1,993 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Jan - 28 Jan
Hotel Santa Barbara

Haley Hotel

Haley Hotel
3.5 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (594 reviews)
"Took the amtrak train here. Hotel location is walkable from the depot. ."
United States
Dennis
The price is HK$982
HK$1,198 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Jan - 29 Jan
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)
"Can't beat the location! One block from the promenade street with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Not too far from the pier as well!"
United States
Leonardo
The price is HK$1,656
HK$1,891 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Feb - 9 Feb
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

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, (404 reviews)
"Great location!"
United States
Wesley
The price is HK$1,845
HK$2,107 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Feb - 17 Feb
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

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)
"This pet friendly hotel was beautifully "
United States
Martin
The price is HK$2,316
HK$3,038 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Feb - 2 Feb
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel

Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel
4.0 star property
East Beach, 2.7 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (988 reviews)
"A wonderful hotel to stay in very clean very new absolutely loved it and it had a fireplace which was so cute"
United States
Yveta
The price is HK$905
HK$1,031 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Feb - 11 Feb
Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel

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, (2,066 reviews)
"Clean rooms, great location"
United States
Oscar
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

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, (1,221 reviews)
"Great location for eating out inexpensively. "
United States
Amenda
The price is HK$762
HK$870 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Jan - 27 Jan
Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - 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)
"Nice staff Clean room with outstanding view and sounds of the ocean!"
United States
mike
The price is HK$1,010
HK$1,135 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Jan - 30 Jan
Cliff House Inn On The Ocean

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, (1,393 reviews)
"Clean room & the hot tub was very relaxing. "
United States
Felix
The price is HK$1,021
HK$1,176 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Jan - 27 Jan
Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carpinteria by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carpinteria by IHG
2.5 star property
17.9 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,007 reviews)
"Nice stay, good location"
United States
Richard
The price is HK$1,318
HK$1,518 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Jan - 23 Jan
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carpinteria by IHG

The Inn at East Beach

The Inn at East Beach
2.5 star property
East Beach, 2.9 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (1,007 reviews)
"Our stay was quick, efficient, and most importantly customer service was excellent!"
United States
jAvier
The Inn at East Beach

West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.6 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,108 reviews)
"Great complimentary breakfast and location. "
United States
Kristine
The price is HK$1,186
HK$1,352 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Jan - 27 Jan
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.6 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,117 reviews)
"Place is clean, spacious and good breakfast plus walking distance to the beach was a big plus!"
United States
Elizabeth
The price is HK$839
HK$959 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Feb - 5 Feb
Beachside Inn

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, (1,000 reviews)
"Perfect location, great value, cute rooms"
United States
Stan
The price is HK$975
HK$1,113 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Jan - 27 Jan
Castillo Inn at the Beach

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$1,474
HK$2,007 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Feb - 4 Feb
Montecito Inn

Inn By The Harbor

Inn By The Harbor
3.5 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,855 reviews)
"Convenient location and beautiful area. "
United States
Agnieszka
The price is HK$1,304
HK$1,489 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Feb - 11 Feb
Inn By The Harbor

Motel 6 Carpinteria, CA - Santa Barbara - North

Motel 6 Carpinteria, CA - Santa Barbara - North
2.0 star property
15.7 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
7.8 out of 10, Good, (1,042 reviews)
"Helpful and attentive staff, quick check "
United States
Souren
The price is HK$564
HK$666 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Jan - 27 Jan
Motel 6 Carpinteria, CA - Santa Barbara - North

Casa Riviera

Casa Riviera
4.0 star property
Laguna, 0.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (102 reviews)
"Absolutely phenomenal stay check in and check out was so easy. The room was always clean in a great area with plenty of things to do with 100% recommend staying in this beautiful place."
United States
Luis
The price is HK$1,085
HK$1,815 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Jan - 26 Jan
Casa Riviera

Marina Beach Motel

Marina Beach Motel
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,015 reviews)
"Great staffs and excellent location. "
United States
Nick
The price is HK$1,090
HK$1,243 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Jan - 26 Jan
Marina Beach Motel
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.

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 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.

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 25 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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