Historic Downtown Santa Barbara Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Popular places to visit
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.
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.
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 beautiful beaches 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.
Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum
You can browse the exhibits at Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's waterfront or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
Activities
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Our pick of the best Historic Downtown Santa Barbara Hotel Deals
Hotel Santa Barbara
The location is central and great. The exterior is the historic part, which is beautiful, but marketing suggests the lobby/bar is a time capsule, which it is not. The double queen room was a great size. Water pressure in the shower was mid and the sink drained slowly.
Reviewed on 30 Mar 2026
The Upham Hotel
The property and staff were top notch! I also love the location of the Upham—walking distance to State Street but off the beaten path enough for a quiet vibe.
Reviewed on 30 Mar 2026
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
Stayed in a comfy room. It was small, but very efficient and had everything I needed for a comfortable 1 night stay for a work trip. It would have been tight for 2 people, but doable to a long weekend where you are planning outdoor activities. Overall great location and value
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
I was disappointed with my stay …I paid a 5 star rate for a 2 star experience. The was stuffy, no water or amenities other than at the front desk. Not a terrible hotel … just not worth the $$! charged.
Reviewed on 31 Mar 2026
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Great location walkable to everything we wanted, wonderful 2nd floor covered patio area. I had a tough time getting someone there on the phone ahead of the trip, eventually called the reservation line in hopes they could help but they had to get someone at the hotel and connect me, and it’s been ...
Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026
Haley Hotel
Parking was right next door, but by the time I was reminded to check in digitally twice, and had to download an app for the key, I did not appreciate the additional needed download of the parking app. The staff was very nice and the grounds have a lot of options for gathering. The room was clean ...
Reviewed on 30 Mar 2026
Check Historic Downtown Santa Barbara hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
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 Paseo Nuevo Mall or Santa Barbara Museum of Art might round out your trip.
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.
Laguna
Laguna might not have many top sights, but Santa Barbara Bowl and Santa Barbara Museum of Art are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
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.
Oak Park
While Oak Park isn't home to many top sights, Mission Santa Barbara and Arlington Theater are some notable places to visit nearby.
