Downtown Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara
Visit Downtown Santa Barbara
Popular places to visit
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
See the best views of Santa Barbara and enjoy a stunning variety of architectural styles at the city’s historic courthouse.
Paseo Nuevo Mall
You can enjoy retail therapy at Paseo Nuevo Mall during your trip to Santa Barbara. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Presidio Santa Barbara
You can study the exhibits at Presidio Santa Barbara, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's seaside, or simply savor its top-notch restaurants.
Arlington Theater
Get tickets for a show at Arlington Theater, a storied theater in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its lively festivals.
Lobero Theater
Get tickets for a show at Lobero Theater, a storied theater in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches, or simply savor its top-notch restaurants.
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
You can study the exhibits at Santa Barbara Museum of Art, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Things to do
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Santa Barbara Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Full Bar
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Top hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
Very well appointed hotel but had issues with the air conditioning system and could not get the room cool enough for sleeping. Kind of a bummer. It would be nice if there was a restaurant or room service. Also didn’t loce having to pay $30 a night for parking.
Reviewed on May 10, 2026
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
The room was excellent, the rooftop pool, coffee bar in the morning, and wine reception at night were all top-notch. The staff was very friendly, the manager shook my hand and introduced himself.
Reviewed on Apr 30, 2026
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
Great location - but very pricey for what it is. Tiny tiny rooms
Reviewed on May 3, 2026
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Clean, spacious room, and totally walkable area of town.
Reviewed on Apr 20, 2026
Haley Hotel
We enjoyed our stay here. The property was very centrally located and clean.
Reviewed on May 10, 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
The shower door was open and water sprinkled a little bit on the floor. The tv was not user friendly.
Reviewed on May 10, 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Santa Barbara
Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Historic Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Lobero Theater or Paseo Nuevo Mall might round out your trip.
Laguna
Though Laguna might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Presidio Santa Barbara and Lobero Theater.
Lower State
While visiting Lower State, you might make a stop by sights like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Paseo Nuevo Mall.
The Funk Zone
Travelers come to The Funk Zone for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Santa Barbara Art Foundry while you're in town.
West Beach
While visiting West Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Santa Barbara Harbor and Carriage and Western Art Museum.
Upper East
While visiting Upper East, you might make a stop by sights like Mission Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Natural History Museum.
