Find hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara from $94

Top reasons to visit Downtown Santa Barbara

• Vibrant Shopping and Dining: Downtown Santa Barbara features State Street, bustling with unique boutiques and delicious local eateries.
• Historic Architecture: Explore stunning historical buildings that reflect the area's rich cultural heritage and charm.
• Outdoor Activities: Enjoy family-friendly parks and relaxing beaches, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Entertainment Venues: Catch a show at the Arlington Theater or enjoy lively performances throughout the area.
• Scenic Vineyards: Take a short trip to nearby vineyards for a taste of local wines and beautiful landscapes.

Find great hotels near Downtown Santa Barbara

Explore the diverse hotel accommodations in Downtown Santa Barbara, where comfort meets luxury. From charming motels to upscale 5-star hotels, options abound for every budget. Whether you're seeking pet-friendly amenities, business facilities, or an adventurous getaway, you'll find a variety of choices including the Hotel Californian and other renowned Santa Barbara hotels. Enjoy the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement in this beautiful coastal city.

• Hotel Milo Santa Barbara: Embrace the coastal charm at Hotel Milo Santa Barbara, a delightful 3.5-star property located only a mile from the heart of Downtown Santa Barbara. Perfect for families and adventure seekers, this hotel boasts direct beach access and a plethora of outdoor activities. Enjoy thrilling experiences like windsurfing, sailing, and motorboating, along with family-friendly amenities such as beach toys and a pool gate for the little ones. With its vibrant Beach and Adventure themes, Hotel Milo is an ideal spot for those looking to soak up the sun and create lasting memories.
• Hotel Corque: Elevate your business travels at Hotel Corque, a refined 4-star accommodation located 27 miles from Downtown Santa Barbara. This hotel caters specifically to the needs of business travelers, featuring multiple meeting rooms, a dedicated business center, and ample conference space. With its professional atmosphere and convenient amenities, Hotel Corque ensures a productive stay, allowing guests to focus on their work while enjoying the comfort of a well-appointed hotel.
• Wine Valley Inn: Discover relaxation and indulgence at Wine Valley Inn, a cozy 3-star hotel situated 28 miles from Downtown Santa Barbara. Ideal for wine enthusiasts and pet lovers, this charming inn offers pet-friendly accommodations along with a full-service spa. Unwind with aromatherapy treatments, reflexology, and deep tissue massages, all while enjoying the picturesque surroundings of nearby winery vineyards. With its Spa, Pet, and Winery themes, Wine Valley Inn promises a serene escape where guests can unwind and savor the finer things in life.

Discover the best areas to stay near Downtown Santa Barbara

Discover the charm of Downtown Santa Barbara, where historic architecture meets a vibrant atmosphere. Explore State Street, the heart of the city, lined with unique shops and delightful eateries. Perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts, this picturesque destination offers a relaxing experience filled with friendly locals. Nearby neighborhoods invite you to soak in the romantic ambiance and rich history, making it an ideal getaway for every traveler.

• Santa Barbara: Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is a stunning coastal city known for its Mediterranean-style architecture and vibrant cultural scene. From family-friendly activities to outdoor adventures, visitors can enjoy the beautiful beaches, explore local shops, and catch a show at the historic theater. With a peak in tourist arrivals during the summer months, Santa Barbara's charm lies in its ability to cater to a range of interests, making it a perfect destination year-round.
• Historic Downtown Santa Barbara: Located just a short distance from Downtown Santa Barbara, Historic Downtown is a delightful neighborhood rich in history and architectural beauty. Known for its walkable streets and charming boutiques, this area attracts visitors seeking a blend of family fun and urban exploration. The neighborhood enjoys peak visitor numbers in the spring and summer months, providing access to shopping, theaters, and educational venues. Local attractions include the iconic beach and the family beach, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely day out.
• Santa Barbara Beach: Approximately a mile from Downtown, Santa Barbara Beach is a picturesque seaside neighborhood perfect for those seeking sun and sand. This area is popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts, particularly during the summer months. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from shopping and dining to educational programs at nearby venues. With its stunning coastline and nearby tourist precinct, Santa Barbara Beach offers a quintessential Californian beach experience that’s both relaxing and invigorating.

Things to do near Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara is perfect for family and outdoor vacations, offering a vibrant shopping area, educational attractions, and lively theater performances. Visitors can enjoy a short walk to explore many attractions, including unique boutiques and local eateries. Don’t miss the chance to visit Santa and partake in various downtown activities that highlight the charm and beauty of this coastal city.

Food and drinks

Start your culinary adventure at Blenders In The Grass for fresh smoothies, then savor innovative dishes at The Blue Owl. For a taste of Japan, don’t miss Arigato Sushi, renowned for its fresh sushi. These spots highlight the diverse flavors of Downtown Santa Barbara.

Shopping

In Downtown Santa Barbara, visit Paseo Nuevo Mall, just 0.4 miles away, for a mix of shops and entertainment. Santa Barbara Public Market, 0.2 miles away, offers local goods and dining. Rafael Gonzalez House, located 0.5 miles away, features unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience tranquility at Elings Park, where expansive green spaces and scenic views invite relaxation and wellness activities. For a touch of luxury, visit the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, offering refined leisure in a picturesque setting. For outdoor sports enthusiasts, the Santa Barbara Golf Club provides a vibrant golfing experience.

Adventure

Rattlesnake Canyon Trail offers a thrilling hike with stunning views, located 2 miles from Downtown Santa Barbara. For a more challenging adventure, explore the Jesusita Trail, 3 miles away, featuring diverse scenery. If you're up for a longer trek, the Lost Valley Trail awaits at 7 miles, showcasing breathtaking landscapes.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Downtown Santa Barbara is vibrant and diverse. Catch a captivating show at the Arlington Theater, enjoy a cozy drink at Cold Spring Tavern, or unleash your competitive side at Zodo's - Bowling and Beyond. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere for unforgettable evenings.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Downtown Santa Barbara

To save money during your visit to Downtown Santa Barbara, consider traveling between November and January when hotel prices are lower. Utilize public transport or explore on foot to keep travel costs down. Take advantage of free attractions like Santa Barbara Harbor and Stearns Wharf. For accommodations, book about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia, which also allows you to bundle flights and activities for extra savings. Joining Expedia’s One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and earn cash for future bookings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Downtown Santa Barbara are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Downtown Santa Barbara is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can sort the results by price, displaying the lowest rates first so you can quickly find the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to filter your search by hotel type—selecting the “Eco-certified” filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations that you can book.
• Consider bundling your trip: By booking an Expedia package, you have the opportunity to save money by combining your hotel stay in Downtown Santa Barbara with your flights and activities.
• Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Find the best attractions near Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara is perfect for family, city, and outdoor vacations, offering a blend of culture and scenic beauty. Explore local attractions like Stearns Wharf and the Arlington Theater, or enjoy the beach and urban parks. Don't miss a visit to picturesque vineyards and the Ventura Pier for a taste of the area’s charm. With its diverse offerings, you'll find plenty to engage and inspire you during your stay in this beautiful coastal city.

• Santa Barbara Harbor: Just a mile from downtown, this vibrant marina offers a delightful blend of outdoor activities and beach vibes. Enjoy scenic views, water sports, and fresh seafood dining while soaking in the coastal atmosphere.
• Stearns Wharf: Also a mile away, this historic pier extends into the Pacific Ocean, providing stunning ocean views and a lively hub for shops, eateries, and fishing. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and to watch the sunset.
• Santa Barbara County Courthouse: Located in the heart of downtown, this iconic Civic Government Building showcases stunning Spanish-Moorish architecture. Explore its beautiful gardens and climb the clock tower for panoramic views of the city.

Best time to go to Downtown Santa Barbara

Visitor numbers around Downtown Santa Barbara is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Downtown Santa Barbara can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Downtown Santa Barbara falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Downtown Santa Barbara falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	55.0°F (12.8°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
March	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
April	60.3°F (15.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	68.2°F (20.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	72.1°F (22.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	72.9°F (22.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	71.6°F (22.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	66.7°F (19.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	60.4°F (15.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Downtown Santa Barbara

For a visit to Downtown Santa Barbara, you can fly into three major airports. Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is 8 miles away, with nearby luxurious options like The Ritz-Carlton Bacara and Hotel Californian. Santa Ynez Airport (SQA), located 25 miles from downtown, offers hotels such as Hotel Corque and Chumash Casino Resort. Lastly, Oxnard Airport (OXR) is 32 miles away, with accommodations including Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach. Each airport provides various transportation options to ensure a smooth transition to your hotel and the vibrant downtown area.