Beach Hotels in Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara and neighbouring beachfront towns of Goleta and Carpinteria is known as the American Riviera, thanks to sweeping white sand beaches, a year-round Mediterranean climate and over 300 days of sunshine each year. Santa Barbara is great for a weekend or longer, or to use as a base for a tour of the Californian coast.

Beachfront Hotels in Santa Barbara

With some of America's best beaches, Santa Barbara has a wide variety of oceanfront hotels, from casual inns with swimming pools and diners, small, family-run hotels right up to sprawling luxury beach resorts.

There is a number of hotels and inns within moments of Santa Barbara's East and West beaches, and within easy walking distance of the shops, bars and restaurants downtown.

Stay near Santa Barbara's Surf Beaches

Californian coast is renowned for its world-class surf spots and Carpinteria's Rincon Beach is one of the state's top surf destinations. Give surfing a try with lessons from one of the town's many surf schools, or try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding or windsurfing.

Or relax with the locals on Carpinteria State Beach, one of the world's safest beaches thanks to its flat, clean sands and shallow, reef-protected waters. Explore the rockpools, have a picnic or just lounge on the beach, listening to the shore birds and the waves.

Santa Barbara's Dining and Nightlife

After a day on the beach or catching some waves, head back to your Santa Barbara hotel for a shower and a relaxing drink in the bar, before venturing out to sample the city's vibrant nightlife.

Lower State Street downtown is brimming with hip pubs, craft breweries and cocktail bars, as well as trendy SoCal restaurants. It worth remembering that Thursday night is college night, when the city's students make their way to the many local bars to take advantage of their drink deals.

From oceanfront inns and chain hotels, to swanky beach resorts, use Expedia to find the best deals on Santa Barbara’s beach hotels.