Title: Downtown Santa Barbara Travel Guide: Best of Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara](https://expedia.co.uk/Downtown-Santa-Barbara-Santa-Barbara-Hotels.0-n6336854-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Santa Barbara](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Santa-Barbara.d602277.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Santa Barbara](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Santa-Barbara.d602277.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Downtown Santa Barbara Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Downtown-Santa-Barbara.d6336854.Car-Hire-Guide)[Downtown Santa Barbara Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Downtown-Santa-Barbara.d6336854.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Downtown Santa Barbara Travel Guide ## Santa Barbara ![urban landscape of the city of Santa Barbara, California ; Shutterstock ID 398939668](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6336854/2e5d0a91-532a-4c4b-8c8a-45b25eae41ce.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![urban landscape of the city of Santa Barbara, California ; Shutterstock ID 398939668](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6336854/2e5d0a91-532a-4c4b-8c8a-45b25eae41ce.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![If there's one thing you do on your visit to Santa Barbara, you need to visit the top deck of the County Courthouse. This picture is only a section of the 360 degree views you'll experience of the entire city. The grounds also contain a collection of palms and specimen trees from more than 25 countries. #SantaBarbara #California #lifeatexpedia #weloveourmarkets #AMER](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/602277/08127fef-ed7f-42b7-a9d9-bc1c942f97f0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Purple Mountains Magesty](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/602277/be5f1939-b5f1-4743-9381-ee0af296fda8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Fountain in the old city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/602277/e1254a03-d17d-4c97-9317-89caa111cfde.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Downtown Santa Barbara Things to do Hotels Where to stay [Santa Barbara travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Barbara.dx602277) --- ### Popular places to visit ![Santa Barbara County Courthouse featuring a luxury hotel or resort and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6177264/35515636-c1e2-4fd8-9ed4-32c9dd451a7f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Santa Barbara County Courthouse 4.5/5(11 reviews) See the best views of Santa Barbara and enjoy a stunning variety of architectural styles at the city’s historic courthouse. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Barbara-County-Courthouse-Downtown-Santa-Barbara.d6177264.Attraction) ![Sant Barbara. USA](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/602277/89b80b8c-86aa-4873-82b9-a3e4f6cd17ef.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Paseo Nuevo Mall 4/5(1 review) 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Paseo-Nuevo-Mall-Santa-Barbara.d6249506.Attraction) ![Chapel of El Presidio de Santa Barbara](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6063355/9efd016a-3fba-4591-a944-d1f155466fa5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Presidio Santa Barbara 5/5(5 reviews) 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Presidio-Santa-Barbara-Downtown-Santa-Barbara.d6063355.Attraction) #### Arlington Theater Enjoy a show at Arlington Theater, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or experience its lively festivals. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Arlington-Theater-Santa-Barbara.d6065949.Attraction) #### Lobero Theater Enjoy a performance at Lobero Theater, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's seaside or simply savour its top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Lobero-Theater-Santa-Barbara.d6065961.Attraction) #### Santa Barbara Museum of Art 4/5(1 review) You can study the exhibits at Santa Barbara Museum of Art, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Barbara-Museum-Of-Art-Santa-Barbara.d6063351.Attraction) ### Things to do ![Santa Barbara Trolley Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1247677/f40fd037-ab30-40b5-bf4c-f29e61420bbf.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Santa Barbara Trolley Tour £21 per adult **90%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/santa-barbara-trolley-tour.a1247677.activity-details) ![Helicopter Beach Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47868883/c6a28ada-d593-46d5-8ad3-850c0fab486b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour £51 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/santa-barbara-beach-and-coastline-helicopter-tour.a47868883.activity-details) ![Visit the Rescued Cats of Cat Therapy](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/49965347/cc9b081e-041c-4ce1-b661-266bdf8cbc76.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Visit the Rescued Cats of Cat Therapy £19 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/visit-the-rescued-cats-of-cat-therapy.a49965347.activity-details) ![Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/44649102/1306d2d4-212e-48eb-b9f3-6d4c69322053.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map £26 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/santa-barbara-full-day-7-speed-bike-rental-with-area-map.a44649102.activity-details) ![Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/44652338/55369f36-2fca-4cb2-824e-2cf29cff189e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental £34 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/santa-barbara-electric-bike-rental.a44652338.activity-details) ![Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/3462615/05d6c63a-2a51-4112-bbbd-8bc53230649b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental £19 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/kayak-or-stand-up-paddle-board-rental.a3462615.activity-details) [See all activities in Santa Barbara](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Santa-Barbara.d602277.Travel-Guide-Activities) --- ## Top hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara ![Hotel Santa Barbara](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/70000/67500/67458/009f4bea_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Santa Barbara 533 State St Santa Barbara CA £218 23 Feb - 24 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,172 reviews) Beautiful property, newly renovated, nice features and amenities. Very clean. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara making walking or biking easy to most attractions. Valet parking and free bikes available. Because of it’s central location, it was very noisy on weekends with ... Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=23%2F02%2F2026&endDate=24%2F02%2F2026&selected=67458&PinnedHotelID=67458&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6336854) ![Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/85000000/84140000/84135300/84135249/26c071f3_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels 524 State St Santa Barbara CA £222 5 Mar - 6 Mar includes taxes & fees Stay at this hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ... 8.2/10 Very Good! (411 reviews) Hotel side of things was all pretty good. I saw some other rooms that housekeeping was in and some of these rooms a scary small. I'm glad I opted for a more expensive room so we had the extra room space. The view was great, room styling and decor was awesome. Location is about the best for the area ... Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=05%2F03%2F2026&endDate=06%2F03%2F2026&selected=84135249&PinnedHotelID=84135249&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6336854) ![Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1160000/1157100/1157070/e17251ae_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG 31 W Carrillo St Santa Barbara CA £334 16 Feb - 17 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (998 reviews) The room was nice and clean. They need soft close toilets … makes for a lot of loud bangs when your used to the others. If you book through Expedia you don’t get IHG points evidently. Something you should be more upfront about or negotiate the points into your deal with them. Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=16%2F02%2F2026&endDate=17%2F02%2F2026&selected=1157070&PinnedHotelID=1157070&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6336854) ![Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/210000/200800/200768/8a0ab72c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton 17 W Haley St Santa Barbara CA £192 8 Mar - 9 Mar includes taxes & fees Stay at this hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ... 8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews) Great location! Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=08%2F03%2F2026&endDate=09%2F03%2F2026&selected=200768&PinnedHotelID=200768&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6336854) ![Haley Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/28000000/27170000/27160800/27160797/w6000h3992x0y0-df5161f4_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Haley Hotel 26 E Haley St Santa Barbara CA £116 24 Feb - 25 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free bicycles on-site and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ... 8.6/10 Excellent! (601 reviews) Fantastic place! People are super friendly, the room was clean and nice, and very conveniently located. Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=24%2F02%2F2026&endDate=25%2F02%2F2026&selected=27160797&PinnedHotelID=27160797&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6336854) ![Private Rental - sleeps up to 24 in Santa Barbara on State Street! ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/112000000/111800000/111794100/111794015/d1f7a93a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Private Rental - sleeps up to 24 in Santa Barbara on State Street! Santa Barbara CA Stay at this hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Santa Barbara Harbor and El Capitan Lake are located ... [Get rates](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=22%2F02%2F2026&endDate=23%2F02%2F2026&selected=111794015&PinnedHotelID=111794015&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6336854) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=22%2F02%2F2026&endDate=23%2F02%2F2026&selected=111794015&PinnedHotelID=111794015&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6336854) [See all 1,529 properties in Downtown Santa Barbara](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=09%2F02%2F2026&endDate=10%2F02%2F2026®ionId=6336854) 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. ## Check Downtown Santa Barbara hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6336854&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09)[8 Feb - 9 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6336854&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6336854&startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10)[9 Feb - 10 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6336854&startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6336854&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[13 Feb - 15 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6336854&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026) --- ### Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Santa Barbara ![Aerial view of Santa Barbara historic city center with Santa Ynez Mountains at the background, from top of the clock tower of Santa Barbara County Courthouse, California CA, USA. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6323990/0efd817a-2a13-44f5-94b9-71d4061369d9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Barbara-Historic-Downtown-Santa-Barbara.dx6323990) ![El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6161030/a3ebc912-e936-42b1-9cb1-46f1414e5f4e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Laguna Laguna might not have many top sights, but Presidio Santa Barbara and Lobero Theater are two attractions nearby that you can check out. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Barbara-Laguna.dx553248635976472581) ![Santa Barbara's Moreton Bay Fig Tree](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6323588/6cfccf8f-35e6-4214-9482-932efc78f72a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Lower State 5/5(2 area reviews) While visiting Lower State, you might make a stop by sights like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Paseo Nuevo Mall. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Barbara-Lower-State.dx553248635976470304) ![Santa Barbara Pier](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248633938969740/d0017c53-40d2-488e-9f07-ea44c89c5fd2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### The Funk Zone 5/5(6 area reviews) 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Barbara-The-Funk-Zone.dx553248633938969740) ![Santa Barbara Beach, California](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/602277/2035ad5d-4b5d-4daa-8939-f3895b2840a7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Barbara-West-Beach.dx553248635976474091) ![Founded on December 4, 1786, the mission is the namesake of the city of Santa Barbara as well as of Santa Barbara County. The grounds occupy a rise between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains granting beautiful views in all directions. Mission Santa Barbara is the only mission to remain under the leadership of the Franciscan Friars since its founding, Relax on the lawn, take a tour of the inside and even explore the rose gardens on a warm summer day, #SantaBarbara #California #lifeatexpedia #weloveourmarkets #AMER #StunningStructures](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/602277/44cfd205-5536-4c95-8ff1-b094ac8f8047.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Upper East 5/5(4 area reviews) While visiting Upper East, you might make a stop by sights like Mission Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Natural History Museum. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Barbara-Upper-East.dx553248635976468975) --- --- - [Stays](?pwaLob=wizard-hotel-pwa-v2) - [Packages](?pwaLob=wizard-package-pwa) - [Flights](?pwaLob=wizard-flight-pwa) - [Things to do](?pwaLob=wizard-lx-pwa) - [Cruises](?pwaLob=wizard-cruise-pwa) - [Cars](?pwaLob=wizard-car-pwa) # Downtown Santa Barbara Travel Guide ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app