Santa Barbara

Travel Guide

Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara County Courthouse featuring heritage architecture and a luxury hotel or resort
Channel Islands National Park
El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park which includes a church or cathedral
Santa Barbara County Courthouse which includes an administrative buidling, heritage architecture and a garden

The American Riviera offers historic adobe architecture, plenty of art galleries, wineries and beautiful beaches. 

Santa Barbara is famous for its expensive hotels, large mansions and trendy boutiques, but it also has beautiful beaches and many museums and festivals dedicated to celebrating the city’s past.

Be sure to visit Santa Barbara’s picture-perfect beaches. Lie on the soft sand and read a book, or grab a board and hit the surf. Conditions are great for beginners, but on the right day there are some good breaks for those of all skill levels. 

Marvel at the Franciscan–Spanish architecture of the old Santa Barbara Mission. You’ll find artifacts and documents from old missionaries, a still-operating chapel, and the mission’s impressive and well-kept grounds. For more old architecture, visit the adobe Rafael Gonzalez house or the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Head up the bell tower for great views of the surrounding area. History buffs will also want to check out the Presidio of Santa Barbara, a Spanish fortress from the 1780s. 

Learn how modern-day Santa Barbara came about as you wander through the exhibits at the city’s Historical Museum. For a look at the evolution of plant and wildlife in the area and beyond, spend some time at the Museum of Natural History. 

Art lovers will enjoy the city’s excellent institutions. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art has an extensive collection of European, American and Asian art, and plays host to some world-class exhibitions. For a look at more recent works, wander over to the Contemporary Arts Forum. This gallery is artist-run and funded, and is dedicated to exhibiting the highest-quality work in the region. 

To enjoy other local products, organize a tour of the region’s wineries. 

Santa Barbara enjoys the sophisticated charm of a much larger city but maintains a quaint, friendly atmosphere. Throw in a fascinating history, loads of cultural activities and excellent beaches, and it’s not hard to see why it attracts visitors from around the world.

Where to stay in Santa Barbara

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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.

Montecito
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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.

Santa Barbara Beach
Santa Barbara showing a coastal town

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 Santa Barbara County Courthouse might round out your trip.

Downtown Santa Barbara
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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.

East Beach
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West Beach

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

West Beach
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The Mesa

While visiting The Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Leadbetter Beach and Arroyo Burro Beach.

The Mesa
Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn

Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn

3 out of 5
3850 State St, Santa Barbara, CA
The price is P9,216 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P9,216
P10,524 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
"Great property"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

3 out of 5
533 State St, Santa Barbara, CA
The price is P13,853 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P13,853
P15,951 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"This hotel just finished renovation when I was there for my stay. I loved the new look. My room was also newly renovated. I was last here 2 years ago so the change was very welcome...not as creepy and old as before. But I didn't mind it then. There's a black and white photo of 2 little girls on the ..."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Hotel Santa Barbara
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

3 out of 5
4770 Calle Real, Hwy 101 and Turnpike Road, Santa Barbara, CA
The price is P10,827 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P10,827
P12,580 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,011 reviews)
"excellent staff, very informative about the area and places to dine. Pool is large and great for the kids"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
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.
Casa Jardin

Casa Jardin

2.5 out of 5
1018 Garden St, Santa Barbara, CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (190 reviews)
"Everything was great"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Casa Jardin
Casa Riviera

Casa Riviera

4 out of 5
800 Garden St, Santa Barbara, CA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and Netflix. Popular attractions Santa Barbara Bowl and Santa Barbara Harbor ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
"Quite cozy cute little kitchen area, super comfy bed"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Casa Riviera
Tide Pool Villas

Tide Pool Villas

4.5 out of 5
26 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Santa Barbara Harbor and Santa ...
6/10 (71 reviews)
Quick trip
"Check in process is very slow and our room was not ready Beautiful property and great location"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Tide Pool Villas
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.

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