Historic Downtown Santa Barbara Travel Guide
Santa Barbara
Visit Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Popular places to visit
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.
Arlington Theater
Enjoy a show at Arlington Theater, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's waterfront or experience its lively festivals.
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
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.
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.
La Arcada
You can enjoy retail therapy at La Arcada during your trip to Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Things to do
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Top hotels in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
Clean updated rooms , loved the water system , amenities , location , staff was all very friendly , bar in hotel and valet was great! Will stay here again!
Reviewed on 14 Mar 2026
The Upham Hotel
We didn’t get out in the area but the room and outdoor surroundings were lovely.
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
Hotel was very clean and location was great. Room was very small.
Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
Super cute hotel with such a welcoming atmosphere. The staff was incredibly friendly - from valet to the front desk, as well as everyone at the restaurant and bar. I especially loved that they offered a texting option for any requests, which made everything feel so convenient and seamless. The room ...
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Everything was great…just that our room did not have a fridge and one less chair. It was our third stay in the last 2 months.
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026
Haley Hotel
Hands down we’d stay there again. Great location and boutique hotel.
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Downtown Santa Barbara
The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Lobero Theater or Presidio Santa Barbara might round out your trip.
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.
Laguna
Laguna might not have many top sights, but Presidio Santa Barbara and Lobero Theater are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
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 Carriage and Western Art Museum are top sights worth seeing.
Oak Park
While Oak Park isn't home to many top sights, Mission Santa Barbara and Arlington Theater are some notable places to visit nearby.
