West Beach Travel Guide
Santa Barbara
Popular places to visit
Santa Barbara City College
Explore the campus of Santa Barbara City College during your stay in Santa Barbara. Discover the top-notch restaurants in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.
Santa Barbara Harbor
Explore the waterfront in Santa Barbara with a trip to Santa Barbara Harbor. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
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.
Stearns Wharf
Explore the waterfront of Stearns Wharf and enjoy other activities such as cycling in Santa Barbara. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Santa Barbara Bowl
Enjoy a show at Santa Barbara Bowl, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Santa Barbara Zoo
Why not meet the animals who call Santa Barbara Zoo home during your holiday in 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 West Beach
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
This hotel is great for its proximity to the beach, museums, the zoo, and restaurants. Lots to do in such a small area. We come up every spring break and stay at different hotels each time. This one is value for your buck! With 3 littles we need budget friendly. While there are more luxury places ...
Reviewed on 27 Mar 2026
The Milo
Cute, boutique hotel on the beach. Staff were very friendly Easy check in. Nice fire pits with s'mores available.
Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026
Inn By The Harbor
Very friendly and attentive staff. Enjoyed the happy hour free wine, complete with crackers and cheese. Love how it is close to downtown and funk zone.
Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026
Harbor View Inn
Nice resort located right across the street from the wharf. Nice pool area. Great stay.
Reviewed on 27 Mar 2026
La Playa Inn
The hotel is beautiful and the staff was super kind as well as helpful. The location is walkable to the end of State Street and 10 minutes from a lovely coffee shop (Dart) at the SB Harbor. The hotel was a great value for what I paid. I would recommend being cautious if you are a light sleeper because ...
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026
Beachside Inn
We were greeted immediately and accommodated while the room was prepared for us --- a short wait. So we stored our luggage at the front desk and went for a quick walkabout. The staff was super friendly and helpful the entire time. I was also particularly impressed with the breakfast offerings and ...
Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around West Beach
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.
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.
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.
East Mesa
If you're spending some time in East Mesa, Leadbetter Beach and 1000 Steps Beach are top sights worth seeing.
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 Paseo Nuevo Mall might round out your trip.
Santa Barbara Beach
Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.
