Hotels in East Beach, Santa Barbara

Known as the American Riviera, the beautiful coastal city of Santa Barbara is famous for its Mission-style architecture, swaying palm trees and four miles of sweeping white sandy beaches. Located just south of downtown Santa Barbara and fringed by palm trees, volleyball courts and beach cafes, East Beach is Santa Barbara's most popular beach and stretches nearly two miles along the southern flank of the city.

Hotels and Resorts near East Beach

There’s one thing that Santa Barbara is not short of, and that’s good accommodation. Catering for all budgets, this Mediterranean-influenced city offers everything from low-key beach hostels and budget roadside inns right up to five-star beach resorts and boutique hotels. Most accommodation in Santa Barbara has outdoor pools or on-site bars and restaurants, while some hotel have spas and bike hire, too. Book a room near East Beach and you'll be in the heart of the Santa Barbara action.

Explore East Beach from Your Hotel

As the city's main beach, East Beach is fully equipped with picnic areas, volleyball courts and kids’ playgrounds, as well as public showers, beach-wheelchair hire and a beachfront bar and restaurant.

Hire a quirky canopied bike for two or three and explore East Beach’s lengthy promenade between Stearns Wharf and the Andree Clark Bird Refuge. Another family attraction close to East Beach’s hotels is Santa Barbara Zoo, one of the state's best small zoos. Located a 15-minute stroll east of the beach, the zoo's famous Masai giraffes, Humboldt penguins and Asian elephants are a treat for kids young and old.

Where to Eat near Your East Beach Hotel

West of East Beach is the historic Stearns Wharf, an old wooden pier-turned-shopping, dining and entertainment hub. Look out for the playful sea lions and brown pelicans who live around the pier. After splashing in the warm Pacific, why not refresh with a margarita or two in one of the city's cool beach bars.

From basic roadside inns, hip beach hostels to swanky ocean-facing resorts, Santa Barbara has hotels for all budgets. Use Expedia's search tools to find the best hotel deals for your next Californian holiday.