Downtown Santa Barbara Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Downtown Santa Barbara
Popular places to visit
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
See the best views of Santa Barbara and enjoy a stunning variety of architectural styles at the city’s historic courthouse.
Paseo Nuevo Mall
You can enjoy retail therapy at Paseo Nuevo Mall during your stay in Santa Barbara. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Presidio Santa Barbara
You can study the exhibits at Presidio Santa Barbara, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's seaside or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
Arlington Theater
Enjoy a show at Arlington Theater, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its lively festivals.
Lobero Theater
Enjoy a performance at Lobero Theater, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
Granada Theatre
Enjoy a performance at Granada Theatre, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Activities
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Our pick of the best Downtown Santa Barbara Hotel Deals
Hotel Santa Barbara
Great location and great rooms. The only thing that keeps this hotel from 5 stars is the nighttime noise from the bar (s) below if you are on the front side of the building. It’s extremely disruptive to a good nights sleep and seems to be every night. We stayed on a Saturday and Sunday and both nights ...
Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
Great location!
Reviewed on 8 Jan 2026
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
This pet friendly hotel was beautifully
Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Great hotel. Cute. Clean. Quaint… comfortable beds
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
Haley Hotel
The room was very clean, and the staff were super helpful and friendly. The hotel was very welcoming and had great amenities. I loved the location, it is within walking distance to great shopping and restaurants. Although the hotel accepts pets, there was no smell of pets at all, which is so awesome, ...
Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026
Santa Barbara Inn
Room was beautiful, clean. comfortable. All staff very kind.
Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026
Check Downtown Santa Barbara hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Santa Barbara
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 Paseo Nuevo Mall might round out your trip.
Laguna
Laguna might not have many top sights, but Presidio Santa Barbara and Lobero Theater are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
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.
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.
West Beach
If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and West Beach are top sights worth seeing.
Upper East
While visiting Upper East, you might make a stop by sights like Mission Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Natural History Museum.
