Santa Barbara Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A coastal town with a pier extending into the ocean, a beach, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings.
A row of palm trees silhouetted against a sunset sky.
A marina with numerous boats docked, a pier extending into the water, and a backdrop of mountains and a sunset sky.
A pier with lights reflecting on the water, a flag, and buildings in the background.
A calm body of water with a pier extending into it, a ship docked at the pier, and mountains in the background.

Stay near popular Santa Barbara Beach attractions

An elephant in a zoo enclosure with a rocky background and mountains in the distance.

Santa Barbara Zoo

9.0/10 (1,101 reviews)
Why not meet the animals who call Santa Barbara Zoo home during your holiday in Santa Barbara? Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
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Activities

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

NZ$67
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Helicopter Beach Tour

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

NZ$122
per adult
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

NZ$65
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Santa Ynez Valley: Adventure Park Course

Santa Barbara: High Ropes Adventure Course

NZ$113
per adult
Santa Barbara: High Ropes Adventure Course
Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental

Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental

NZ$79
per adult
Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental
Happy kayakers

Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

NZ$104
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
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Our pick of the best Santa Barbara Beach Hotel Deals

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

2.5 out of 5
128 Castillo St Santa Barbara CA
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and premium TV channels. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
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Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
The Milo

The Milo

4 out of 5
202 W Cabrillo Blvd Santa Barbara CA
The price is NZ$500 per night from 30 Nov to 1 Dec
NZ$500
30 Nov - 1 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and free bicycles on-site. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
The Milo
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

3.5 out of 5
223 Castillo St Santa Barbara CA
The price is NZ$499 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
NZ$499
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,462 reviews)
"The staff was very welcoming. Nice amenities."

Reviewed on 4 Nov 2026

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach
The Franciscan Hotel

The Franciscan Hotel

2.5 out of 5
109 Bath Street Santa Barbara CA
The price is NZ$282 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
NZ$282
1 Dec - 2 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and free bicycles on-site. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,332 reviews)
"We booked this hotel last minute during our stay in Santa Barbara, and I’ll admit I was a little hesitant at first since it wasn’t a well-known hotel. However, I’m so glad we gave it a chance! The property was incredibly clean, peaceful, and well-maintained. The atmosphere was calm and relaxing, ..."

Reviewed on 5 Nov 2026

The Franciscan Hotel
Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn

3 out of 5
336 W. Cabrillo Blvd Santa Barbara CA
The price is NZ$287 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
NZ$287
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
Beachside Inn
Inn By The Harbor

Inn By The Harbor

3.5 out of 5
433 W Montecito St Santa Barbara CA
The price is NZ$477 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
NZ$477
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,965 reviews)
"Clean room and the bikes were so fun"

Reviewed on 6 Nov 2026

Inn By The Harbor
See all 1,547 properties in Santa Barbara Beach
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.

Our guide on where to stay in Santa Barbara Beach

Find the best Santa Barbara Beach areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santa Barbara Beach
Learn more about Santa Barbara Beach
A beach with a pier, buildings, and mountains in the background.

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.

A white colonial building with a bell tower, surrounded by palm trees and a clear blue sky.

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 Presidio Santa Barbara might round out your trip.

A beach with a pier extending into the water, mountains in the background, and several flags on the pier.

West Beach

If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and West Beach are top sights worth seeing.

A beach with palm trees, a pier, and the ocean at sunset.

East Beach

East Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like East Beach and Santa Barbara Zoo.

A large tree with dense foliage in a park.

Lower State

While visiting Lower State, you might make a stop by sights like Reagan Ranch Center and Moreton Bay Fig Tree.

Santa Barbara Beach Travel Guide

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