Downtown Santa Barbara Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
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.
Arlington Theater
Enjoy a show at Arlington Theater, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's waterfront or experience its lively festivals.
Paseo Nuevo Mall
You can enjoy retail therapy at Paseo Nuevo Mall during your stay in 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 trip to Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's waterfront or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
Lobero Theater
Enjoy a performance at Lobero Theater, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's waterfront or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
Granada Theatre
Enjoy a performance at Granada Theatre, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Activities
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
Our pick of the best Downtown Santa Barbara Hotel Deals
Hotel Santa Barbara
The only issue was a dog barking for a couple of hours last night. Staff found owners and handled the situation.
Reviewed on 27 Dec 2025
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
Very clean, comfortable room. Cozy, quiet. And coffee in the morning was delicious.
Reviewed on 26 Dec 2025
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
Everything was great! My bestfriend and Insoent a girls weekend and Kimpton made our stay amazing. Tommy at the front was always there to help, the gentlemen at the door always greeted us with a warm smile when we’d come in, and special thank you to the gentlemen who invited us to the rooftop party! ...
Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
The staff for sure! They were so welcoming and warm to us. The hotel is it’s clean and well maintained.
Reviewed on 24 Dec 2025
Haley Hotel
Very welcoming to pets! Easy parking, parking is not included.
Reviewed on 23 Dec 2025
Private Rental - sleeps up to 24 in Santa Barbara on State Street!
Check Downtown Santa Barbara hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Santa Barbara
Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Historic Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Lobero Theater or Santa Barbara Museum of Art might round out your trip.
Laguna
Laguna might not have many top sights, but Lobero Theater and Santa Barbara Bowl are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Lower State
While visiting Lower State, you might make a stop by sights like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Moreton Bay Fig Tree.
The Funk Zone
Travellers 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
If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and Carriage and Western Art Museum are top sights worth seeing.
Upper East
While visiting Upper East, you might make a stop by sights like Mission Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Natural History Museum.
