Find hotels in Waterfront, Santa Barbara

  • Change your mind

    Book hotels with free cancellation
  • Treat yourself

    Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
  • Be picky

    Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Filter by

Guest rating
Guest rating
Star rating

Our top choices for Waterfront hotels

Studio 6 Suites Carpinteria, CA–Santa Barbara - South

Studio 6 Suites Carpinteria, CA–Santa Barbara - South
2.0 star property
15.9 km from Waterfront
8.0 out of 10, Very Good, (231 reviews)
"Room was clean, beds were comfy, staff was cool."
United States
Bianca
The price is NT$3,536
NT$4,066 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 22 - Jan 23
Studio 6 Suites Carpinteria, CA–Santa Barbara - South

Casa Del Sol

Casa Del Sol
2.5 star property
15.9 km from Waterfront
7.0 out of 10, Good, (633 reviews)
"Nice atmosphere and garden seating area on property. "
United States
Ben
Casa Del Sol

Inn on Summer Hill

Inn on Summer Hill
3.0 star property
8.1 km from Waterfront
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (341 reviews)
"Yes, I love staying here. Staff is very kind, considerate and helpful. I will recommend this hotel to any person who wants a place to relax and enjoy a getaway weekend. "
United States
david
The price is NT$6,708
NT$7,647 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 28 - Jan 29
Inn on Summer Hill

Motel 6 Carpinteria, CA - Santa Barbara - South

Motel 6 Carpinteria, CA - Santa Barbara - South
2.0 star property
15.8 km from Waterfront
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (1,232 reviews)
"Room was clean, great restaurants near by and a short distance from Santa Barbara."
United States
Andrea
The price is NT$2,778
NT$3,200 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 25 - Jan 26
Motel 6 Carpinteria, CA - Santa Barbara - South

Moxy Santa Barbara

Moxy Santa Barbara
3.5 star property
The Funk Zone, 1 km from Waterfront
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (807 reviews)
"Love this place. Will definitely be back. Close to many cool things. "
United States
Matthew
The price is NT$6,408
NT$7,318 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 3 - Feb 4
Moxy Santa Barbara

Casa Del Mar Inn

Casa Del Mar Inn
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.2 km from Waterfront
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (1,000 reviews)
"clean room, friendly staff and great location"
United States
Jiaxin
The price is NT$5,019
NT$5,722 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 25 - Jan 26
Casa Del Mar Inn

Bath Street Inn

Bath Street Inn
3.5 star property
Oak Park, 3.3 km from Waterfront
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (327 reviews)
"Super clean, wonderful staff, beautiful quiet elegant place. Great amenities.."
United States
Donna
The price is NT$5,019
NT$5,836 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 22 - Jan 23
Bath Street Inn

ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel

ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel
2.0 star property
Lower State, 1 km from Waterfront
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (183 reviews)
"Highly recommended "
United States
Naya
ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel

The Eagle Inn

The Eagle Inn
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,002 reviews)
"Great stay at Eagle Inn! The location is awesome and the place is clean and comfortable. The staff were the highlight—super friendly, helpful, and always happy to assist with anything we needed. Would definitely stay here again when visiting Santa Barbara"
United States
Ricardo
The price is NT$7,538
NT$8,594 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 1 - Feb 2
The Eagle Inn

Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages

Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages
3.0 star property
Oak Park, 3.1 km from Waterfront
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (675 reviews)
"Wonderful property , charming hosts and great breakfasts!"
United States
Jeff
The price is NT$8,087
NT$9,235 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 22 - Jan 23
Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages

Hideaway Santa Barbara, A Kirkwood Collection Property

Hideaway Santa Barbara, A Kirkwood Collection Property
4.0 star property
Santa Barbara Beach, 1.6 km from Waterfront
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (365 reviews)
"Friendly staff and clean place."
United States
Nikhil
The price is NT$5,177
NT$5,902 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 9 - Feb 10
Hideaway Santa Barbara, A Kirkwood Collection Property

The Steward, Santa Barbara, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

The Steward, Santa Barbara, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
4.0 star property
12.5 km from Waterfront
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (217 reviews)
"Clean room, nice staff. "
United States
Michael
The price is NT$6,692
NT$7,642 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 1 - Feb 2
The Steward, Santa Barbara, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Coast Village Inn - Santa Barbara

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

The De La Vina Inn

The De La Vina Inn
3.5 star property
2.7 km from Waterfront
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (68 reviews)
"Place is very welcoming and gorgeous back yard. Staff very helpful."
United States
Catherine
The price is NT$4,995
NT$6,605 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 22 - Jan 23
The De La Vina Inn

Palmoro House

Palmoro House
3.0 star property
East Beach, 1.1 km from Waterfront
7.6 out of 10, Good, (312 reviews)
"Understaffed and unfortunately delayed in checking in until close to 8 PM"
United States
Basheer
The price is NT$3,944
NT$5,443 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 5 - Feb 6
Palmoro House

Harbor House Inn

Harbor House Inn
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.2 km from Waterfront
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,001 reviews)
"Very clean room and nice, hospitable staff. The place has about 10 rooms, bungalows with free parking right on property [U-shape, sitting area in the middle and all the bungalows facing the parking lot]. The room had everything I needed: fridge, water bottles, snacks available in the lobby]. I didn't use the free bicycles because of my itinerary, but was a nice amenity. I would stay again for sure."
United States
Otilia
The price is NT$4,693
NT$5,350 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 25 - Jan 26
Harbor House Inn

Motel 6 Carpinteria, CA - Santa Barbara - North

Motel 6 Carpinteria, CA - Santa Barbara - North
2.0 star property
13.8 km from Waterfront
7.8 out of 10, Good, (1,042 reviews)
"Helpful and attentive staff, quick check "
United States
Souren
The price is NT$2,284
NT$2,694 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 6 - Feb 7
Motel 6 Carpinteria, CA - Santa Barbara - North

Casa De La Vina

Casa De La Vina
4.0 star property
1.6 km from Waterfront
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (137 reviews)
"Beautiful place. Highly recommend. Everything was just perfect!"
United States
Jaime
Casa De La Vina

Secret Garden Inn and Cottages

Secret Garden Inn and Cottages
3.0 star property
Oak Park, 3.6 km from Waterfront
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (1,001 reviews)
"Nice staff and great breakfast!"
United States
Yoshiko
The price is NT$6,372
NT$7,354 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 25 - Jan 26
Secret Garden Inn and Cottages

Casa Jardin

Casa Jardin
3.0 star property
Laguna, 2 km from Waterfront
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (237 reviews)
"Great room in a quiet area in walking distance to many restaurants and bars. The kitchenette was outfitted well which made my stay very comfortable with a night in with take out food. "
United States
Jeff
The price is NT$3,287
NT$6,086 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 26 - Jan 27
Casa Jardin
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.

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.

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 MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.

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 Lobero Theater or Presidio Santa Barbara 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 East Beach and Santa Barbara Zoo.

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 East Beach and Santa Barbara Harbor 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?
East Beach, Leadbetter Beach, and West 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, Santa Barbara Deep Sea, and Stearns Wharf are just a few of the places to visit in and around Waterfront. Santa Barbara Art Foundry and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation are also worth a visit when you're out sightseeing in Santa Barbara.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia