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Our top choices for Waterfront hotels

1. Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
4.0 star property
East Beach, 0.5 km from Waterfront
7.8 out of 10, Good, (451 reviews)
"Amazing beach loved it here"
United States
McKenna
The price is NT$7,234
NT$9,683 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 21 - Sep 22
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

2. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,116 reviews)
"Great place"
United Kingdom
Richard
The price is NT$6,613
NT$7,539 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 7 - Sep 8
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

3. Santa Barbara Inn

Santa Barbara Inn
4.0 star property
East Beach, 0.9 km from Waterfront
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,007 reviews)
"Very clean and nice in appearance for a small inn."
United States
Oscar
The price is NT$11,865
NT$13,553 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Santa Barbara Inn

4. Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach
2.0 star property
East Beach, 1 km from Waterfront
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,471 reviews)
"Great location. The room was small, clean and simple and the staff was friendly."
United States
David S
The price is NT$4,531
NT$5,174 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

5. La Playa Inn

La Playa Inn
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.4 km from Waterfront
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,004 reviews)
"Perfect location! Great room. Great continental breakfast."
United States
Greer
The price is NT$7,503
NT$8,554 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 7 - Sep 8
La Playa Inn

6. Harbor View Inn

Harbor View Inn
3.5 star property
West Beach, 0.9 km from Waterfront
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,006 reviews)
"A great stay in the most perfect location in Santa Barbara."
United States
Gabriel
The price is NT$9,017
NT$10,280 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 5 - Oct 6
Harbor View Inn

7. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.4 km from Waterfront
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (2,384 reviews)
"Great comfortable stay and nice breakfast"
Canada
Julia
The price is NT$5,097
NT$6,058 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 8 - Sep 9
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

8. Inn By The Harbor

Inn By The Harbor
3.5 star property
West Beach, 1.6 km from Waterfront
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,943 reviews)
"Staff was very helpful and hotel was quiet."
United States
Amanda
The price is NT$7,194
NT$8,215 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Inn By The Harbor

9. Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,271 reviews)
"Great stay! Loved the workers so nice, so clean and loved the breakfast"
United States
Rosslyn
The price is NT$4,983
NT$5,691 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 8 - Sep 9
Beachside Inn

10. Mason Beach Inn

Mason Beach Inn
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,004 reviews)
"Great hotel and location!"
United States
Rachita
The price is NT$6,858
NT$8,021 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Mason Beach Inn

11. Hotel Californian

Hotel Californian
5.0 star property
The Funk Zone, 0.8 km from Waterfront
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,000 reviews)
"It was such an amazing hotel!! They really do everything right. I can’t wait to go back."
United States
Tricia
The price is NT$19,223
NT$24,311 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 13 - Sep 14
Hotel Californian

12. Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach
3.5 star property
West Beach, 1.5 km from Waterfront
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,449 reviews)
"Great location Very nice staff"
United States
Liad
The price is NT$7,875
NT$8,993 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 28 - Sep 29
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

13. Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara
4.0 star property
Lower State, 1.5 km from Waterfront
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,497 reviews)
"Thoroughly enjoyed our 3 night stay at the"
United States
Mark
The price is NT$7,189
NT$8,359 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 23 - Sep 24
Hotel Santa Barbara

14. Marina Beach Hotel

Marina Beach Hotel
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,178 reviews)
"Great place to stay!"
United States
Amy
The price is NT$6,854
NT$7,814 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 5 - Oct 6
Marina Beach Hotel

15. Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
4.0 star property
East Beach, 1.1 km from Waterfront
8.0 out of 10, Very Good, (1,002 reviews)
"Great stay."
United States
Adolfo
The price is NT$8,828
NT$11,343 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

16. The Inn at East Beach

The Inn at East Beach
2.5 star property
East Beach, 1.1 km from Waterfront
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (1,004 reviews)
"Close to beach."
United States
Shubh
The price is NT$4,396
NT$5,011 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 1 - Oct 2
The Inn at East Beach

17. Riviera Beach House

Riviera Beach House
3.5 star property
The Funk Zone, 0.9 km from Waterfront
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (1,005 reviews)
"Room was clean and staff was excellent!"
United States
Karilyn
The price is NT$5,727
NT$6,540 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 6 - Oct 7
Riviera Beach House

18. Lavender Inn by the Sea

Lavender Inn by the Sea
3.5 star property
West Beach, 1.4 km from Waterfront
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,342 reviews)
"Easy and fast check in/out Facility was clean Common area/lawn seatings were appropriately clean Had a great stay!"
United States
Charinda
The price is NT$7,428
NT$8,482 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 6 - Oct 7
Lavender Inn by the Sea

19. The Franciscan Hotel

The Franciscan Hotel
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,276 reviews)
"Lovely stay, Comfortable, friendly, and the kitchenette was a plus."
United States
Naomi
The price is NT$4,899
NT$5,585 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 7 - Sep 8
The Franciscan Hotel

20. The Milo

The Milo
4.0 star property
West Beach, 1.1 km from Waterfront
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,624 reviews)
"Great location and lovely accommodation."
United States
Shane
The price is NT$9,354
NT$10,681 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 23 - Sep 24
The Milo
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 Waterfront

Find the best Waterfront areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.

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.

Downtown Santa Barbara

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Presidio Santa Barbara or Arlington Theater might round out your trip.

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 Santa Barbara Zoo and East Beach.

Top Waterfront Hotel Reviews

Find out more about Waterfront

Top reasons to visit Waterfront

  • Stunning Pacific Vistas: Enjoy breathtaking ocean views along the beautiful coastline.
  • Vibrant Art Scene: Explore local art galleries and immerse yourself in the area's rich culture.
  • Outdoor Adventures: Take surf lessons or relax on picturesque beaches, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Santa Barbara Harbor: Experience the lively harbor, offering sightseeing cruises and marina activities.
  • Diverse Accommodation Options: Choose from luxurious hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts for a perfect stay.

Find great hotels near Waterfront

Discover the perfect beachfront getaway in Santa Barbara's charming Waterfront area, where a variety of accommodation options awaits you. From luxurious hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts, you'll find the ideal spot to relax and enjoy the ocean breeze. Whether you seek adventure, pet-friendly experiences, or simply a serene beach retreat, Waterfront hotels offer everything you need for an unforgettable vacation in this beautiful coastal destination.

  • Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort: Experience a beachfront paradise at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, a 4-star gem located a mere 483m from Waterfront. Perfect for adventure seekers, this resort offers direct access to the beach and a variety of thrilling activities such as windsurfing, sailing, and kayaking. For those who love to explore, hiking and biking trails are also nearby. The resort’s amenities include a stunning outdoor pool, on-site dining options, and beautifully appointed rooms that blend comfort with coastal charm, ensuring a memorable beach vacation experience.
  • The Milo: The Milo is a welcoming 3.5-star hotel located 1.1km from Waterfront, ideal for travelers seeking a pet-friendly and city-themed getaway. With direct beach access, guests can enjoy the sun and surf while being just steps away from the vibrant city center. The Milo is known for its accommodating pet policy, allowing dogs and cats, making it a perfect choice for furry companions. The hotel's charming decor, friendly service, and convenient amenities create a relaxing atmosphere that appeals to both pet owners and beach lovers alike.
  • Avania Inn of Santa Barbara: Discover the beauty of Santa Barbara at the Avania Inn, a cozy motel situated 1.4km from Waterfront, catering to business travelers and nature enthusiasts alike. With direct beach access, guests can unwind in the sun or take a leisurely stroll along the shore. The inn offers essential amenities and a comfortable environment, providing the perfect base for exploring the area's natural beauty. Whether on a business trip or a nature escape, Avania Inn promises a delightful stay with easy access to the best of Santa Barbara.

Where to stay near Waterfront

Waterfront in Santa Barbara, California, is the perfect destination for families seeking outdoor adventures and city-themed vacations. Explore the stunning coastal city, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of State Street, and relax on the beautiful beaches with ravishing coastlines. With friendly locals and a rich history, this area offers unforgettable excursions and picturesque scenery, making it an ideal spot for travelers wanting to immerse themselves in a unique Californian experience.

  • Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara, a picturesque city located along California's Central Coast, is renowned for its Mediterranean-style architecture and stunning coastal views. The Waterfront area is a vibrant hub, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities such as exploring educational venues, attending theater performances, and experiencing arena entertainment. Local landmarks like the beach and tourist precinct offer a delightful blend of relaxation and fun, making Santa Barbara a year-round destination, particularly vibrant from June to August.
  • Santa Barbara Beach: Nestled around the Waterfront, Santa Barbara Beach is a charming neighborhood that captures the essence of coastal living. The area is ideal for families looking for outdoor adventures and beach activities. With a variety of shopping areas and educational attractions, visitors can easily spend a day soaking up the sun or enjoying theme park rides. The beach and family-friendly tourist precinct are just steps away, ensuring a fun-filled experience for all ages, with peak visitors arriving in the summer months.
  • East Beach: Located a mere 322m from the Waterfront, East Beach is a beloved neighborhood known for its family-friendly atmosphere and outdoor activities. This beautiful stretch of coastline offers an array of entertainment options, including educational attractions and theater performances. With its marina and local beaches, East Beach is perfect for those looking to enjoy the sun or partake in leisurely strolls. The area thrives during the summer, attracting visitors who seek both relaxation and adventure in a stunning seaside setting.

Things to do near Waterfront

The Waterfront in Santa Barbara, California, is perfect for family-friendly, outdoor, and city-themed vacations. Visitors can enjoy stunning Pacific vistas, take surf lessons at local surf schools, explore vibrant art galleries, and experience live music. For a unique perspective of the area, consider a sightseeing cruise. With nearby shopping areas and a theater providing arena entertainment, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this beautiful destination.

Shopping

Visit Paseo Nuevo Mall, located 1.6km from Waterfront, for a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment and family-friendly vibes. Also, check out Santa Barbara Public Market, 3.2km away, featuring a variety of local goods in a lively atmosphere perfect for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

The Santa Barbara Bowl, located 3.2km from Waterfront, offers a vibrant atmosphere for music lovers. Enjoy the Santa Barbara Golf Club, 6.4km away, where you can engage in invigorating outdoor sports. For relaxation, visit Elings Park, 4.8km from Waterfront, perfect for leisurely strolls and wellness activities.

Adventure

The Cabrillo Bikeway, located 1.6km from Waterfront, offers a scenic outdoor experience perfect for cycling enthusiasts. For hiking adventurers, the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail, 4.8km away, provides breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature. Additionally, the Cabrillo Bike Path, also 1.6km away, is ideal for leisurely rides.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Granada Theatre, just 1.6km from Waterfront, offering romance and culture. For a cozy pub vibe, visit Cold Spring Tavern, 19.3km away, or enjoy family fun at Zodo's - Bowling and Beyond, located 14.5km from Waterfront, where adventure awaits.

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

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Waterfront

To save on your visit to Waterfront, Santa Barbara, plan your trip during the cheapest months: January, February, and November, avoiding the high summer season. Tuesdays typically offer the lowest hotel rates, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's search tool to find affordable accommodations by sorting prices and filtering for eco-certified hotels. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities with an Expedia package for extra savings. Also, look for deals with flexible cancellation options to ensure the best rates for your travel plans.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Waterfront 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 Waterfront is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Waterfront is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to choose your budget, preferred destination, and additional criteria. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Waterfront hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions near Waterfront

The Waterfront in Santa Barbara, California, is perfect for family-friendly, outdoor, and city-themed vacations. Visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches, fascinating museums, and the scenic marina. Key attractions include the Santa Barbara beachfront resort, stunning ocean views, and the vibrant Santa Barbara Harbor. This area offers a rich cultural experience and a range of activities for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike, making it an ideal getaway destination.

  • Santa Barbara Harbor: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Santa Barbara Harbor, a picturesque marina offering adventure and outdoor activities. Enjoy stunning views, waterfront dining, and opportunities for kayaking, sailing, and fishing, all while soaking up the beach vibes.
  • Stearns Wharf: Visit Stearns Wharf, a charming jetty where you can explore shops, restaurants, and marine life exhibits. This iconic pier provides breathtaking views of the coastline and is perfect for leisurely strolls, making it a delightful spot to relax and enjoy the ocean breeze.
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse: Discover the beauty of the historic Santa Barbara County Courthouse, a stunning architectural gem. With its vibrant murals and lush gardens, this civic building reflects the region's rich culture and offers panoramic views from its clock tower.

Best time to go to Waterfront

The best time to visit Waterfront can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Waterfront falls in August, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Waterfront falls in February, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
February55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainSunnyModerately 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 RainSunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July72.1°F (22.3°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August72.9°F (22.7°C)No RainSunnyModerately 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 RainSunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
December55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainSunnyModerately LowAverage

The nearest major airports for your trip to Waterfront

Traveling to Waterfront, Santa Barbara, California, is convenient with several nearby airports. Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is just 14.5km away, with luxury accommodations like The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, 8.0km from the airport, and Hotel Californian, 12.9km away. Santa Ynez Airport (SQA) is 41.8km distant, featuring options like Chumash Casino Resort and The Genevieve, both under 1.6km from the airport. Oxnard Airport (OXR), located 49.9km from Waterfront, offers hotels such as Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, 3.2km away, and Ventura Beach Marriott, 9.7km from the airport. Each hotel provides various transportation services for easy access to their respective airports.

Frequently asked questions

What is Waterfront like?
Travelers to the Waterfront neighborhood in Santa Barbara will be sure to enjoy their stay. Be sure to check out West Beach and East Beach as part of your Waterfront travel plans.
If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Waterfront, will I receive a refund?
Yes! Most hotel reservations are fully refundable if you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline, which often is within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. If you booked a non-refundable reservation, it might still be possible to cancel it and receive a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Add dates, click "Search", then use the "fully refundable" filter to get the best deals available in Waterfront.
Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip to Waterfront?
For more information about changing or cancelling your trip to Waterfront, go to https://www.expedia.com/service/.
What is there to do around this Santa Barbara neighborhood?
West Beach, East Beach, and Leadbetter Beach are great spots if you want to spend some time by the water during your stay in Waterfront. You could also plan a visit to Santa Barbara Harbor or Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center while you're in the neighborhood. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center, Stearns Wharf, and Santa Barbara Art Foundry are just a few of the places to visit in and around Waterfront. MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Reagan Ranch Center are also worth a visit when you're out sightseeing in Santa Barbara.

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