A historic building with arched windows and a bell tower, surrounded by palm trees and greenery.

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Our top choices for Downtown Santa Barbara hotels

1. Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara
4.0 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,548 reviews)
"We loved it here!"
United States
Morgan
The price is NT$7,901
NT$9,187 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 27 - Oct 28
Hotel Santa Barbara

2. 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, (506 reviews)
"Great hotel"
United States
Emeterio
The price is NT$8,186
NT$9,348 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

3. Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
4.0 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,002 reviews)
"Excellent hotel and staff. Loved Santa Barbara. We will be back !"
United States
Gavin
The price is NT$10,889
NT$14,080 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 18 - Nov 19
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

4. 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, (1,001 reviews)
"Great location. Great staff at desk and valet. Very nice room. We’ll want to stay there again."
United States
John
The price is NT$6,924
NT$7,907 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

5. Haley Hotel

Haley Hotel
3.5 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (715 reviews)
"Great place and walking distance to fun bars"
United States
Rodney J
The price is NT$5,246
NT$6,306 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Haley Hotel

6. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Downtown
3.0 star property
Oak Park, 1 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (290 reviews)
"To expensive for a motel like room"
Canada
Mariola
The price is NT$7,599
NT$8,663 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Downtown

7. The Upham Hotel

The Upham Hotel
4.0 star property
Historic Downtown Santa Barbara, 0.8 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,015 reviews)
"Super cute place!"
United States
Luan
The price is NT$7,949
NT$9,062 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 28 - Oct 29
The Upham Hotel

8. Palihouse Santa Barbara

Palihouse Santa Barbara
4.0 star property
0.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (443 reviews)
"Location. The Hotel is so beautiful, chic and close to everything. Very friendly staff."
United States
Maria
The price is NT$12,714
NT$14,519 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Palihouse Santa Barbara

9. 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, (1,123 reviews)
"Amazing place to stay!"
United States
Amanda
The price is NT$6,346
NT$7,234 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 18 - Nov 19
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

10. Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach
3.5 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,470 reviews)
"Very clean , staff was great.loved the room. We would stay there again."
United States
David
The price is NT$7,632
NT$8,715 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 28 - Oct 29
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

11. 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, (1,967 reviews)
"Really enjoyed my stay. Lovely helpful staff. Great location to walk to the Beach and restaurants."
United Kingdom
Tricia
The price is NT$7,368
NT$8,413 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 27 - Oct 28
Inn By The Harbor

12. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.4 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (2,452 reviews)
"Excellent location, clean and comfortable room."
United States
Anne
The price is NT$4,665
NT$5,572 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 27 - Oct 28
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

13. Lavender Inn by the Sea

Lavender Inn by the Sea
3.5 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,360 reviews)
"Great location, close to beach, grounds well kept and very clean rooms. Stayed here multiple times and will continue."
United States
Brandon
The price is NT$6,051
NT$6,910 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Lavender Inn by the Sea

14. Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel

Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel
4.5 star property
Laguna, 0.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (351 reviews)
"Great place to stay in Santa Barbara!"
United States
Melissa
The price is NT$5,467
NT$8,648 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel

15. Harbor View Inn

Harbor View Inn
3.5 star property
West Beach, 1.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,006 reviews)
"The location was great"
United States
Mario
The price is NT$9,291
NT$10,592 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 27 - Oct 28
Harbor View Inn

16. Simpson House Inn

Simpson House Inn
5.0 star property
Upper East, 1 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (734 reviews)
"One of the best places we have stayed in."
United States
Victor
The price is NT$9,683
NT$13,248 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 27 - Oct 28
Simpson House Inn

17. La Playa Inn

La Playa Inn
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.4 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,003 reviews)
"Amazing stay and great location!"
United States
Nick
The price is NT$6,459
NT$7,364 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 1 - Nov 2
La Playa Inn

18. The Presidio

The Presidio
2.0 star property
1.1 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (881 reviews)
"Well located and clean room. Easy to park."
United States
Rhea
The price is NT$4,206
NT$4,794 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 27 - Oct 28
The Presidio

19. Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

Best Western Plus Santa Barbara
3.5 star property
Oak Park, 2 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,011 reviews)
"Great place at amazing place very clean with fantastic area to walk around the staff"
United States
DAVID
The price is NT$5,514
NT$6,297 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

20. Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages

Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages
3.0 star property
Oak Park, 1.1 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (711 reviews)
"Marvelous staff!! We felt right at home from the moment we walked through the door. Beautiful accommodations and all food was deliciously prepared. Can’t wait for our next stay."
United States
Cheryl
The price is NT$8,933
NT$10,201 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages
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
A spacious interior with high ceilings, wooden beams, and a central column.
Hotel Santa Barbara
4.0 star property
9.4
Exceptional
1,548 reviews
View
An outdoor patio with wooden tables and benches, surrounded by lush tropical plants.
Haley Hotel
3.5 star property
8.8
Excellent
715 reviews
View
A rooftop terrace with outdoor seating, umbrellas, and a pool.
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
4.0 star property
8.8
Excellent
1,002 reviews
View
A courtyard with outdoor seating, a fountain, and white buildings with arches.
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4.0 star property
8.6
Excellent
1,001 reviews
View
A modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a central island, and large windows.
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
3.5 star property
8.4
Very good
506 reviews
View

Hotels recommended for families in Downtown Santa Barbara

Where to stay in Downtown Santa Barbara

Find the best Downtown Santa Barbara areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Downtown Santa Barbara
Learn more about Downtown Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Beach

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

Montecito

Celebrity-favored Montecito offers backcountry hiking trails and attractions like Lotusland and El Fureidis. Easily accessible via State Route 192 and the U.S. 101 Freeway, it's well-connected to Santa Barbara County.

West Beach

While visiting West Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Santa Barbara Harbor and West Beach.

East Beach

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

Lower State

While visiting Lower State, you might make a stop by sights like Reagan Ranch Center and Moreton Bay Fig Tree.

Top Downtown Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

Find out more about Downtown Santa Barbara

Top reasons to visit Downtown Santa Barbara

  • Historic Downtown Area: Explore the charming streets filled with beautiful architecture and rich history, offering insights into Santa Barbara's heritage.
  • Vibrant Shopping and Dining: Enjoy a variety of local shops and restaurants, including delightful taco tours and unique culinary experiences.
  • Art and Culture: Discover local art galleries and catch a live performance at one of the city's theaters for a taste of Santa Barbara's vibrant cultural scene.
  • Beautiful Beaches: Relax on stunning beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying picturesque coastal views.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Engage in numerous outdoor activities and attractions suitable for all ages, making it an ideal destination for families.

Find great hotels near Downtown Santa Barbara

Discover the charm of Downtown Santa Barbara, where a variety of hotels and motels await to accommodate your every need. Whether you're seeking adventure, a relaxing beach getaway, or a pet-friendly experience, you'll find excellent options like Hotel Santa Barbara, Hotel Californian, and Santa Barbara Inn. Enjoy your stay in this picturesque coastal city, surrounded by stunning views and vibrant culture.

  • Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort: This 4-star resort offers a true beachfront experience just 3km from Downtown Santa Barbara. The Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is designed for travelers seeking sun, sand, and relaxation. Guests can enjoy direct access to the beach, making it easy to indulge in seaside activities. The property features spacious accommodations with ocean views, a pool, fitness center, and multiple dining options. Whether you want to relax by the beach or explore the local attractions, this resort provides a serene escape with all the necessary amenities.
  • Sandpiper Lodge: A budget-friendly option rated 8.6 out of 10, Sandpiper Lodge is located 3km from Downtown Santa Barbara. This motel-style lodging offers a cozy atmosphere with complimentary continental breakfast daily. Guests can enjoy various recreational activities nearby, including bicycle rentals and golf. Entertainment options feature premium TV channels and flat-screen TVs in the rooms. The Lodge provides a convenient base to explore the city while keeping costs manageable, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers.
  • The Milo: Rated 8.6 out of 10 and situated just 2km from Downtown Santa Barbara, The Milo is a 3.5-star hotel that embodies a relaxed beach vibe. With direct access to the beach, this hotel is tailored for those looking to soak up the sun. The Milo features stylish accommodations, a pool, and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages guests to unwind. Its proximity to downtown makes it easy to explore local shops and restaurants, making it a great choice for both relaxation and adventure.

Where to stay near Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara offers a vibrant urban experience perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Stroll through the charming city center, where you can explore historic sites, enjoy stunning city views, and indulge in local cuisine. The friendly atmosphere, along with picturesque scenery, makes it an ideal destination for memorable excursions. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique culture and beauty of this coastal gem during your visit.

  • Santa Barbara: Nestled along the scenic California coastline, Santa Barbara is a vibrant city known for its stunning Mediterranean architecture and beautiful landscapes. Downtown Santa Barbara serves as the heart of the city, where visitors can enjoy a mix of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and family-friendly attractions. The city boasts a variety of theaters, educational institutions, and entertainment venues, making it a hub for arts and culture. With its picturesque beaches and charming tourist precincts, Santa Barbara is perfect for those looking to explore a lively urban setting while enjoying the natural beauty of the coast.
  • Santa Barbara Beach: Located just 1.6km from Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Beach is a popular neighborhood that offers a quintessential beach experience for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Known for its sandy shores and inviting ocean, this area is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and beachside activities. Visitors can also explore nearby shopping areas and enjoy theme park rides, making it a great destination for a fun-filled day. The beach's proximity to Downtown Santa Barbara allows for easy access to the city's attractions while providing a relaxing coastal atmosphere.
  • Historic Downtown Santa Barbara: Just 322m from Downtown Santa Barbara, Historic Downtown Santa Barbara is a charming neighborhood steeped in history and culture. Visitors flock to this area to experience its unique blend of family-friendly activities, outdoor spaces, and city-themed attractions. The neighborhood features an array of theaters, shopping areas, and educational opportunities, making it a vibrant place to explore. With its close proximity to the beach and other local landmarks, Historic Downtown Santa Barbara offers a perfect balance of relaxation and entertainment for travelers.

Things to do in Downtown Santa Barbara

Shopping

Visit Downtown Santa Barbara for a charming shopping experience, featuring boutiques along State Street and the historic Paseo Nuevo. Explore local artisan shops at Santa Barbara Public Market, where you’ll find unique gifts and souvenirs. Enjoy picturesque surroundings while you shop.

Recreation

In Downtown Santa Barbara, The Spa at Four Seasons Biltmore offers rejuvenating treatments inspired by local botanicals, set amidst lush gardens. Nearby, Yoga Soup provides a serene space for yoga classes and workshops, promoting mindfulness and relaxation in a welcoming atmosphere.

Adventure

Explore Stearns Wharf for stunning ocean views and fresh seafood dining. Engage in water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding along the picturesque coastline. Don’t miss the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum for a glimpse into local maritime history, offering interactive exhibits and beautiful waterfront scenery.

Nightlife

Downtown Santa Barbara's nightlife buzzes with energy. Sip craft cocktails at The Good Lion or enjoy live music at SoHo Restaurant & Music Club. For a laid-back vibe, check out the Santa Barbara Public Market, where you can sample local bites and drinks while mingling with fellow night owls.

*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 trip to Downtown Santa Barbara, consider visiting in the off-peak months of January to February and November, when hotel prices drop. Book your stay on a Tuesday for the best rates, and use Expedia’s search tool to compare hotel prices and filter for eco-friendly options. Look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional discounts. Lastly, explore the area on foot or by using public transportation to minimize travel costs while enjoying free local attractions.

  • 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 tailor your experience by choosing your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can organize your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay in Downtown Santa Barbara with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in and around Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara is perfect for family-friendly, city-themed, and outdoor vacations. Visitors can explore historic civic government buildings, museums, and beautiful beaches, providing a rich cultural experience. Notable attractions include the historic downtown area, offering insights into the city's heritage. Whether you're seeking family activities or an outdoor adventure, Downtown Santa Barbara has something for everyone.

  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse: This historic Civic Government Building is an architectural gem featuring Spanish Colonial Revival style. Visitors can explore its stunning murals, lush gardens, and panoramic views from the clock tower, immersing themselves in the local culture and history.
  • Santa Barbara Harbor: Located a mile from downtown, this marina offers a vibrant atmosphere for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy activities like sailing, kayaking, or simply strolling along the waterfront while taking in the picturesque views of the coastline.
  • Stearns Wharf: This historic jetty pier is 1.6km away from downtown and features shops, restaurants, and stunning ocean views. It’s a great spot to relax, enjoy fresh seafood, and watch the sunset over the Pacific.

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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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

Traveling to Downtown Santa Barbara is convenient with several airport options. Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is only 13km away, offering easy access to luxury accommodations like The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, El Encanto Santa Barbara, and Hotel Californian. For those flying into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), located 130km away, upscale hotels such as Fairmont Miramar Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, and Casa Del Mar are available nearby. Alternatively, Hollywood BURbank Airport (BUR) is 127km from Downtown, with notable hotels like The Sun Rose West Hollywood and 1 Hotel West Hollywood within reach. Each airport provides excellent transport options for reaching your destination.

Frequently asked questions

What's it like in Downtown Santa Barbara?
Travelers love the Downtown Santa Barbara neighborhood for its beautiful beaches, array of dining options, and major shopping area. Be sure to check out Lobero Theater and Presidio Santa Barbara as part of your Downtown Santa Barbara travel plans.
Where is the best place to stay in Downtown Santa Barbara?
Based on our traveler data, Hotel Santa Barbara is one of the top choices for your stay in Downtown Santa Barbara. This hotel is a short 13-minute walk from Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and it offers a 24-hour fitness center and free WiFi. Other good choices for your stay in the area include Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG and Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels.
How many hotels are there in Downtown Santa Barbara?
With 17 Expedia hotels and other accommodations in Downtown Santa Barbara to choose from, this is a good starting point for exploring the greater Santa Barbara area.
If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Downtown Santa Barbara, will I receive a refund?
Yes! You'll find that most hotel room reservations are fully refundable if cancelled before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of your check-in date. If you have a reservation that's non-refundable, you might be able to still cancel and get a refund within 24 hours of your booking. Enter your dates, click on "Search", then use the "fully refundable" filter to get the top deals on offer in Downtown Santa Barbara.
Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip to Downtown Santa Barbara?
For more information about picking new dates or cancelling your trip to Downtown Santa Barbara, head over to our customer service page.
What can I see and do in this Santa Barbara neighborhood?
Presidio Santa Barbara, Hill-Carrillo Adobe, and El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park are some local landmarks to explore in Downtown Santa Barbara. As you're discovering the neighborhood, Lobero Theater and Arlington Theater 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, be sure to visit other sights like Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum or Paseo Nuevo Mall.

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