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.
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 seaside or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
Arlington Theater
Enjoy a show at Arlington Theater, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or experience its lively festivals.
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.
Lobero Theater
Enjoy a performance at Lobero Theater, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's seaside or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
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
Everything was perfect!
Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
Front desk service was so accommodating - both day team and night team. Hotel was clean and so cute. The coffee shop and bar attached to the hotel was a perfect addition.
Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
The room was nice and clean. They need soft close toilets … makes for a lot of loud bangs when your used to the others. If you book through Expedia you don’t get IHG points evidently. Something you should be more upfront about or negotiate the points into your deal with them.
Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Great location!
Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026
Haley Hotel
Fantastic place! People are super friendly, the room was clean and nice, and very conveniently located.
Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026
Private Rental - sleeps up to 24 in Santa Barbara on State Street!
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 Paseo Nuevo Mall might round out your trip.
Laguna
Laguna might not have many top sights, but Presidio Santa Barbara and Lobero Theater 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 Paseo Nuevo Mall.
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.
