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

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$482 per night from 25 May to 26 May
NZ$482
25 May - 26 May
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,366 reviews)
"LOVE this hotel and cannot wait to come back and stay again. The whole place felt like a serene spa with the cleanliness and aromatics radiating throughout the property and each floor. The little details such as the hydration station to refill water bottles and the pump hand soap instead of bar soap ..."

Reviewed on 22 May 2026

Hotel Santa Barbara
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$294 per night from 27 May to 28 May
NZ$294
27 May - 28 May
includes taxes & fees
9/10 Wonderful! (2,242 reviews)
"First thing staff, Gloria was great, Super nice, helpful, polite, and willing to go out her way to make guests comfortable. Rooms nice the only thing I didn’t like are the doors, can hear everything outside so I’m sure they can hear everything inside walking by."

Reviewed on 23 May 2026

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
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$356 per night from 25 May to 26 May
NZ$356
25 May - 26 May
includes taxes & fees
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,146 reviews)
"The bathrooms are pathetic. Toilet is designed for a person the size of a ten year old, very small and are in the same room as make up and toiletries. Room was ok otherwise. Not worth the amount you charge."

Reviewed on 23 May 2026

Ramada by Wyndham 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.

Discover the most popular places to visit in Santa Barbara

What to do in Santa Barbara

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