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 marina with numerous boats docked, a pier extending into the water, and a backdrop of mountains and a sunset sky.

Santa Barbara Harbor

9.2/10 (2,746 reviews)
Explore the waterfront in Santa Barbara with a trip to Santa Barbara Harbor. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
See properties

Activities

Helicopter Beach Tour

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

NZ$115
per adult
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

NZ$62
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

NZ$64
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

NZ$100
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor

Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

NZ$99
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$59
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
See all activities in Santa Barbara

Our pick of the best Santa Barbara Beach Hotel Deals

Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn

3 out of 5
336 W. Cabrillo Blvd Santa Barbara CA
The price is NZ$359 per night from 29 Sept to 30 Sept
NZ$359
29 Sept - 30 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. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,287 reviews)
"Prime location across from beach and walking distance to downtown restaurants, bars and shops. Great value compared to many surrounding properties."

Reviewed on 20 Sept 2026

Beachside Inn
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

2.5 out of 5
128 Castillo St Santa Barbara CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$315 per night from 30 Sept to 1 Oct
NZ$315
30 Sept - 1 Oct
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 ...
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
The Milo

The Milo

4 out of 5
202 W Cabrillo Blvd Santa Barbara CA
The price is NZ$587 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
NZ$587
20 Oct - 21 Oct
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
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$568 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
NZ$568
19 Oct - 20 Oct
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! (471 reviews)
"😊"

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2026

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
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$628 per night from 29 Sept to 30 Sept
NZ$628
29 Sept - 30 Sept
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! (1,454 reviews)
"Check in and out was smooth. Friendly staff with recommendations for local favorites"

Reviewed on 23 Sept 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$353 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
NZ$353
19 Oct - 20 Oct
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! (1,292 reviews)
"Staff very helpful and goodsie clean rooms. Pool was very small"

Reviewed on 21 Sept 2026

The Franciscan Hotel
See all 1,535 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 church, palm trees, and mountains in the background.
Photo by Rachel M
Open Photo by Rachel M

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 marina filled with sailboats at sunset.
Photo by robb image
Open Photo by robb image

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 coastal town with red-tiled roofs, palm trees, and mountains in the background.

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 Arlington Theater might round out your trip.

Santa Barbara Beach Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip:

Explore a world of travel with Expedia