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 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.
A sunset over a calm body of water with a distant shoreline and a building on the right.

Stay near popular Santa Barbara Beach attractions

A pier with lights reflecting on the water, a flag, and buildings in the background.

Stearns Wharf

9.0/10 (4,143 reviews)
Explore the waterfront of Stearns Wharf and enjoy other activities such as cycling in Santa Barbara. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
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Activities

Helicopter Beach Tour

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

NZ$119
per adult
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

NZ$64
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

NZ$66
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor

Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

NZ$102
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

NZ$61
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental

Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental

NZ$78
per adult
Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental
See all activities in Santa Barbara

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
The price is NZ$304 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
NZ$304
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,345 reviews)
"Very good experience at this hotel. Great location.. walking distance to the beach and some good restaurants. Hotel is across the street from a park, so there were a few unsavory people hanging around from time to time but left us alone. Our room was a great size for my wife and I and had a nice ..."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2026

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Inn By The Harbor

Inn By The Harbor

3.5 out of 5
433 W Montecito St Santa Barbara CA
The price is NZ$543 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
NZ$543
25 Aug - 26 Aug
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 ...
Inn By The Harbor
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

4 out of 5
633 E Cabrillo Blvd Santa Barbara CA
The price is NZ$569 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
NZ$569
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Santa Barbara. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants and 6 outdoor pickleball courts. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (400 reviews)
"The Hilton Beachfront Resort is perfectly located across the street from the beach with an amazing view of the ocean. The staff was very friendly and helpful. My family and I really enjoyed our stay there."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2026

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Hotel Californian

Hotel Californian

5 out of 5
36 State Street Santa Barbara CA
The price is NZ$899 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
NZ$899
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
Hotel Californian
The Franciscan Hotel

The Franciscan Hotel

2.5 out of 5
109 Bath Street Santa Barbara CA
The price is NZ$339 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
NZ$339
2 Sept - 3 Sept
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 ...
The Franciscan Hotel
Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn

3 out of 5
336 W. Cabrillo Blvd Santa Barbara CA
The price is NZ$386 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
NZ$386
7 Sept - 8 Sept
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
See all 1,543 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 coastal beach with palm trees, a sandy shore, and a clear blue sky.

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 coastal town with a prominent white building with a red roof, palm trees, and mountains in the background.

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 Presidio Santa Barbara or Arlington Theater might round out your trip.

A marina with multiple boats docked, calm water, and a clear sky.
Photo by Adam Hoggatt
Open Photo by Adam Hoggatt

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 Santa Barbara Zoo and East Beach.

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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