Waterfront Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
Santa Barbara Harbor
Explore the waterfront in Santa Barbara with a trip to Santa Barbara Harbor. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Leadbetter Beach
If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Leadbetter Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Santa Barbara. While you're in the area, stroll along the marina.
East Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at East Beach during your trip to Santa Barbara? Stroll along the waterfront or seek out the cycling trails.
Cabrillo Pavillion
Cabrillo Pavillion is just one of the places to see in Santa Barbara, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the waterfront or seek out the cycling trails.
Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center
Explore the lovely green spaces of Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center and enjoy the cycling trails in Santa Barbara. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Chase Palm Park
Chase Palm Park is just one of the places to see in Santa Barbara, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the top-notch restaurants in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.
Activities
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
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 Waterfront Hotel Deals
Hotel Santa Barbara
Very nicely remodeled & refurbished old hotel. Great location on State Street - lots of restaurants, bars, and interesting shops. Walking distance to wharf & some historical sites. Hotel could use some sheer shades on windows. Only choice was "no shades/windows totally uncovered," or black out shades ...
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
We stayed here and there was blood , eye liner , and hair on the sheets. As well the room smelled pretty bad like rotten eggs. Also there was no conditioner amongst other things. Not including the homeless people outside your balcony fighting and acting like zombies at 3:00 am. We reached out to ...
Reviewed on 15 May 2026
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
Spectacular scenery, so polite and kind and supportive staff, affordable, and cozy.
Reviewed on 16 May 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
Staff was friendly and helpful. Ample parking, breakfast was provided, slightly more than continental.
Reviewed on 16 May 2026
The Milo
Hotel was an easy walk to State St, the Funk Zone and directly across the street from the Bay and Wharf. Though on a very bust street, noise was tolerable. Staff was incredible, especially Jeramiah at the front desk who went above and beyond to satisfy our room needs.
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Everything was perfect. Beach across the street. Bikes available for a quiet ride. Fun time. S’mores on the fire with a beach view. Hard to beat. Back soon!
Reviewed on 15 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Waterfront
Santa Barbara Beach
Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.
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.
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.
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.
Eastside
While Eastside isn't home to many top sights, Santa Barbara Zoo and East Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.
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.
