Santa Barbara Holidays

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Our guide on where to stay in Santa Barbara

Find the best Santa Barbara areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santa Barbara
A coastal town with a pier extending into the ocean, a beach, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings.

Santa Barbara Beach

3 out of top 10 points of interest in this area
5/5(20 area reviews)

Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and East Beach.

Find hotels in Santa Barbara Beach

Santa Barbara Holiday

Things to do in and around Santa Barbara

Shopping

For a quaint shopping experience, visit the Montecito Village Shopping Center, where you’ll find a mix of boutiques and eateries. The Santa Barbara Public Market offers local produce and artisanal goods. If you’re up for a drive, check out the Rafael Gonzalez House for unique gifts.

Recreation

Experience live performances at the Santa Barbara Bowl, where vibrant music and energy fill the air. For a round of golf, head to Rancho San Marcos Golf Course, surrounded by stunning landscapes. Unwind with a rejuvenating body treatment at Soma Get Fit, embracing complete wellness and relaxation.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at Zodo's - Bowling and Beyond, an arcadeAdventureZone 11.3km from Santa Barbara, perfect for family fun. For a scenic hike, explore the Ventura to Ojai Paved Bike Path, located 37.0km away, offering stunning outdoor views. Enjoy the Cabrillo Bikeway right in Santa Barbara for a delightful outdoor experience.

Nightlife

Santa Barbara's nightlife offers a charming blend of romance and entertainment. Visit Cold Spring Tavern for a cozy pub atmosphere, where you can enjoy delightful drinks and live music, surrounded by the vibrant local culture. It's a perfect spot to unwind and soak in the lively vibes.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California, is a fantastic destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts, featuring beautiful beaches, urban parks, and historic churches. Visitors can explore highlights such as the Santa Barbara Harbour and County, making it ideal for a beach vacation. With a rich cultural scene and numerous attractions, Santa Barbara caters to diverse interests, ensuring a memorable experience for all types of travellers.

  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse: This stunning historic building boasts beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture and intricate tile work. Climb the clock tower for panoramic views of the city and ocean, immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Santa Barbara.
  • Stearns Wharf: A charming jetty that offers picturesque views of the coastline and the Santa Barbara skyline. Enjoy fresh seafood at local eateries, browse unique shops, and take in the vibrant atmosphere as you stroll along the pier.
  • Lotusland: This enchanting botanical garden features diverse plant species in stunning landscapes. Perfect for a romantic outing or a family day out, Lotusland invites you to explore its serene pathways and lush gardens.

Best time to go to Santa Barbara

The best time to visit Santa Barbara is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April60.3°F (15.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June68.2°F (20.1°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July72.1°F (22.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August72.9°F (22.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September71.6°F (22.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October66.7°F (19.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage

Tips to save on your trip to Santa Barbara

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Santa Barbara.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically January to February and November) for more affordable package holidays to Santa Barbara.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Santa Barbara Beach Holiday

There's nothing like a Santa Barbara holiday to give you a little extra bounce in your step. The sound of rolling surf and the smell of salty sea air will rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. To be near the centre of town on your trip to Santa Barbara, find a hotel around Butterfly Beach (only 6 kilometres away). If you're planning to hang around a while, look into our Santa Barbara holiday packages. Not only can you save some cash, you'll also have other beautiful beaches around you to explore, like Miramar Beach and East Beach. Now that's a win-win!

Things You Should Know About Santa Barbara

  • If your idea of the perfect holiday is fresh ocean breezes and strolls along the shore, check out our Santa Barbara beach hotels. You'll forget the stresses of daily life at these perfectly located retreats.
  • No matter your style and budget, you'll find a great place to stay for your holiday in Santa Barbara. Why not browse through some private holiday homes, like Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels and AGAVE INN HOTEL? They're popular with visitors of all types.
  • There are tons of activities that keep the 91 800 or so residents of Santa Barbara entertained. Checking out our Santa Barbara things to do page will show you what this place has to offer.
  • Santa Barbara holiday deals are a great way to save on fun experiences. Some ideas, including Vandenberg Air Force Base, Chumash Casino and Chumash Casino, should be at the top of your to-do list.

Our pick of the best Santa Barbara Hotel Deals

Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

3 out of 5
533 State St Santa Barbara CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$536 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
NZ$536
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,431 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel with comfortable upgraded rooms, bikes to borrow, even a sparkling water dispenser on each floor."

Reviewed on 8 July 2026

Hotel Santa Barbara
Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge

2 out of 5
3525 State St Santa Barbara CA
The price is NZ$257 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$257
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,540 reviews)
"This was a great place to stay for a long weekend in Santa Barbara. It's not fancy but it's well renovated, the room was clean, the bed was very comfortable, and it was in a convenient location. Breakfast was adequate, though would have been nicer if there were some form of protein like eggs available. ..."

Reviewed on 7 July 2026

Sandpiper Lodge
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

3 out of 5
4770 Calle Real Santa Barbara CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$483 per night from 28 July to 29 July
NZ$483
28 July - 29 July
includes taxes & fees
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,243 reviews)
"It was a really nice place and the staff was super helpful. The breakfast was good and the property was clean."

Reviewed on 7 July 2026

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
See all 1,167 properties in Santa Barbara
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.

Stay near popular Santa Barbara attractions

A historic building with a clock tower, arched windows, and a central archway.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

9.2/10 (1,499 reviews)
This 1929 Spanish Colonial Revival masterpiece enchants with hand-painted murals and a four-faced clock tower. Climb to the top for breathtaking 360-degree views of Santa Barbara's coastline and mountains.
See properties

What to do in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

NZ$65
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Helicopter Beach Tour

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

NZ$122
per adult
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
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
See all activities in Santa Barbara

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Santa Barbara holiday package cost?
Offering great value package deals on Expedia, you'll be surprised at how little a holiday to Santa Barbara costs! Expedia's packages make travel planning easier and your savings go further.
What are the cheapest months to go to Santa Barbara?
You can typically find lower prices and greater availability in December, January and February. Take a look at our cheap Santa Barbara holiday packages and you could score some great off-season deals.
How many days is enough for Santa Barbara?
With around 2 days, you'll have plenty of time to visit popular neighbourhoods like Santa Barbara Beach and West Beach during your Santa Barbara holiday. Be sure to also add Butterfly Beach and Arlington Theatre to your list of must-sees. Searching for more adventures? Consider exploring outside of Santa Barbara on tours and day trips.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Santa Barbara?
It's no wonder a Santa Barbara holiday is on the must-do list of many travellers. Popular attractions like Santa Barbara Zoo are just the start of things to see and do here.
How to find the best Santa Barbara package deals?
Start your search for a Santa Barbara package deal by entering your preferred travel dates and destination under our "Packages" tab. Then apply a few filters, like "Property type" and "Amenities," to tailor the results to your exact needs. You can also sort by "Package discount" and browse offers that come with unbeatable savings. If you don't find the ideal Santa Barbara package deal right away, just tweak your dates and search again. Keep in mind that deals are only available for a limited time, so book early and get your Santa Barbara escape off to a flying start.
Is it cheaper to book a Santa Barbara holiday as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your next Santa Barbara getaway by booking a personalised holiday package. Check the "Package" heading, then enter your destination and travel dates to browse the best flight and hotel prices. Bundling can save travellers hundreds of dollars. Consider adding a rental car and you may land a better deal.
When to book a holiday package to Santa Barbara?
If you've got your Santa Barbara holiday dates locked in, book as soon as you can to score some terrific deals. With Expedia, you can typically reserve some flights up to a year in advance. Prefer spur-of-the-moment adventures? Our last-minute deals are perfect for impromptu escapes.
How to plan a trip to Santa Barbara?

  1. Pick the ideal time to travel: Your schedule, favourite season and the type of weather you enjoy can all impact your decision on when to go to Santa Barbara.
  2. Set a budget: Consider costs such as flights, food and transportation when working out how much to put aside for your trip to Santa Barbara. Then, pick a property that matches your budget, whether that's a wallet-friendly stay or a high-end retreat.
  3. Decide how many days away: Start by making a list of all the sights and activities you want to experience in Santa Barbara. Then, estimate how long you'll need for each, along with any travel time.
  4. Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in place, you can combine your hotels, flights, car rental and more into a personalised Santa Barbara holiday package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.