A coastal town with a pier extending into the ocean, a beach, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings.

Santa Barbara Beach Hotels, Santa Barbara

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Our top choices for Santa Barbara Beach hotels

1. Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge
2.0 star property
6 km from Santa Barbara Beach
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (2,557 reviews)
"Location, pool, hottub, breakfast, in room fridge& microwave---great value for price!"
United States
Nancy
The price is AU$235
includes taxes & fees
27 July - 28 July
Sandpiper Lodge

2. Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara
4.0 star property
Lower State, 1.5 km from Santa Barbara Beach
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,437 reviews)
"Best place I’ve stayed in Santa Barbara and the location is unmatched!"
United States
Dominique
The price is AU$456
includes taxes & fees
2 Aug - 3 Aug
Hotel Santa Barbara

3. Inn By The Harbor

Inn By The Harbor
3.5 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,885 reviews)
"Breakfast was excellent, room exceeded expectations"
United States
Thomas
The price is AU$501
includes taxes & fees
28 July - 29 July
Inn By The Harbor

4. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
2.5 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (2,296 reviews)
"Great place to stay and great location."
United States
Martin
The price is AU$313
includes taxes & fees
29 July - 30 July
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

5. The Milo

The Milo
4.0 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,601 reviews)
"Great location and hotel. Would definitely come back and stay again."
United States
Karen
The price is AU$574
includes taxes & fees
29 July - 30 July
The Milo

6. Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
4.0 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
7.8 out of 10, Good, (358 reviews)
"Very nice and clean facility, but kind of spendy, but I suppose that's what you have to do to stay across from the beach."
United States
Guy
The price is AU$571
includes taxes & fees
17 Aug - 18 Aug
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

7. Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
3.0 star property
10.3 km from Santa Barbara Beach
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,262 reviews)
"Great property and pool and breakfast!!!"
United States
Shubhrangshu
The price is AU$355
includes taxes & fees
17 Aug - 18 Aug
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

8. Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach
3.5 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,411 reviews)
"Great position, friendly staff, property design & appearance great, rooms comfortable"
Australia
David
The price is AU$487
includes taxes & fees
10 Aug - 11 Aug
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

9. The Upham Hotel

The Upham Hotel
4.0 star property
Historic Downtown Santa Barbara, 2.8 km from Santa Barbara Beach
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,000 reviews)
"Great place to stay. Wish we had booked another night or two...property is lovely."
Canada
Michael
The price is AU$375
includes taxes & fees
2 Aug - 3 Aug
The Upham Hotel

10. The Franciscan Hotel

The Franciscan Hotel
2.5 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,217 reviews)
"Great property and close to the beach"
United States
Deborah
The price is AU$362
includes taxes & fees
12 Aug - 13 Aug
The Franciscan Hotel

11. Lavender Inn by the Sea

Lavender Inn by the Sea
3.5 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,336 reviews)
"Very nice stay with a great location"
United States
Brian
The price is AU$501
includes taxes & fees
30 July - 31 July
Lavender Inn by the Sea

12. Hyatt Place Santa Barbara

Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
3.5 star property
7.8 km from Santa Barbara Beach
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,124 reviews)
"Really nice place to stay!"
United States
Kristine
The price is AU$356
includes taxes & fees
17 Aug - 18 Aug
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara

13. Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn
3.0 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,223 reviews)
"Stay went great would definitely be stopping in again on the next trip out…"
United States
Oscar
The price is AU$346
includes taxes & fees
19 July - 20 July
Beachside Inn

14. Casa Riviera

Casa Riviera
4.5 star property
Laguna, 1.6 km from Santa Barbara Beach
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (248 reviews)
"Clean room, modern, European vibe, easy check in and out, good location."
United States
Baharak
The price is AU$428
includes taxes & fees
20 July - 21 July
Casa Riviera

15. Marina Beach Hotel

Marina Beach Hotel
3.0 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,148 reviews)
"Great location"
United States
James
The price is AU$450
includes taxes & fees
21 July - 22 July
Marina Beach Hotel

16. Santa Barbara Inn

Santa Barbara Inn
4.0 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,002 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel! Our second stay and definitely not our last!"
United States
Logan J
The price is AU$459
includes taxes & fees
27 July - 28 July
Santa Barbara Inn

17. Riviera Beach House

Riviera Beach House
3.5 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,003 reviews)
"Nice location"
United States
Mingming
The price is AU$323
includes taxes & fees
11 Aug - 12 Aug
Riviera Beach House

18. Mason Beach Inn

Mason Beach Inn
3.0 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,006 reviews)
"The rooms were very clean and the staff was so nice!"
United States
Gabriela
The price is AU$492
includes taxes & fees
19 July - 20 July
Mason Beach Inn

19. Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach
2.0 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,417 reviews)
"The rooms were very clean. Parking was easy and the place was very close to the beach."
United States
Michael
The price is AU$300
includes taxes & fees
10 Aug - 11 Aug
Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

20. Hotel Californian

Hotel Californian
5.0 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (976 reviews)
"Great location, no complaints at all. Views were amazing and everyone was very happy, polite, and generally just in good moods!"
United States
Caroline
The price is AU$808
includes taxes & fees
9 Aug - 10 Aug
Hotel Californian
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.

Compare popular hotels in Santa Barbara Beach

Property
Property class
Guest rating
Breakfast included
Pool
Spa
Pet-friendly
WiFi included
Exterior
Marina Beach Hotel
3.0 star property
9.8
Exceptional
1,148 reviews
View
Deluxe Apartment | Interior
Casa Yano by The Beach
4.0 star property
9.8
Exceptional
14 reviews
View
View from property
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel
3.0 star property
9.4
Exceptional
1,114 reviews
View
Fountain
The Franciscan Hotel
2.5 star property
9.4
Exceptional
1,217 reviews
View
Front of property
The Eagle Inn
3.0 star property
9.4
Exceptional
1,000 reviews
View

Our guide on where to stay in Santa Barbara Beach

Find the best Santa Barbara Beach areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santa Barbara Beach
Learn more about Santa Barbara Beach

Montecito

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Montecito. A stop by Miramar Beach or Butterfly Beach might round out your trip.

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.

West Beach

If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and West Beach are top sights worth seeing.

East Beach

East Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Santa Barbara Zoo and East Beach.

Lower State

While visiting Lower State, you might make a stop by sights like Reagan Ranch Center and Moreton Bay Fig Tree.

Top Santa Barbara Beach Hotel Reviews

Recent Reviews in Santa Barbara Beach

Find out more about Santa Barbara Beach

Top reasons to visit Santa Barbara Beach

  • Stunning Coastal Views: Santa Barbara Beach offers breathtaking views along the California coastline, perfect for relaxation and photography.
  • Outdoor Activities: Engage in a variety of outdoor adventures, from beach sports to hiking in picturesque urban parks.
  • Family-Friendly Environment: The beach is ideal for families, providing safe and enjoyable activities for all ages.
  • Cultural Exploration: Discover Santa Barbara's rich history through its charming architecture and local attractions.
  • Diverse Accommodation: Enjoy a range of lodging options, from luxurious resorts to cosy motels, catering to every traveller's needs.

Find great hotels in and around Santa Barbara Beach

Discover the perfect seaside retreat at Santa Barbara Beach, where a variety of accommodation options cater to every adventurer. From charming motels to luxurious beachfront resorts, you’ll find pet-friendly hotels and relaxing beach resorts that enhance your holiday experience. Whether you seek thrilling activities or serene relaxation, Santa Barbara offers a delightful blend of comfort and adventure for every traveller.

  • Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort: Embrace the laid-back luxury of the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, where the essence of a classic beach holiday comes alive. This resort boasts direct access to the golden sands of Santa Barbara Beach, making it an ideal choice for sun-seekers and ocean enthusiasts. Guests appreciate the elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, complemented by amenities such as a sparkling outdoor pool, a fitness centre, and on-site dining options that celebrate local flavours. Enjoy a blend of comfort and sophistication in guest rooms that reflect the coastal charm of California.
  • The Milo: With a commendable guest rating of 8.6, The Milo captures the spirit of Santa Barbara with its intimate and welcoming vibe. Situated conveniently by Santa Barbara Beach, the hotel offers direct beach access for those looking to bask in the sun or partake in water activities. Guests often highlight the charming decor, which reflects the coastal aesthetic, alongside thoughtful amenities such as a refreshing pool and complimentary breakfast. The Milo serves as a stylish sanctuary for travellers seeking a serene beach getaway.
  • Sandpiper Lodge: Just a short distance from Santa Barbara Beach, Sandpiper Lodge offers a comfortable and budget-friendly option for visitors. With a guest rating of 8.6, this motel provides a range of convenient amenities, including complimentary breakfast and various recreational activities nearby, such as golf and bicycle rentals. The lodge features modern rooms equipped with flatscreen TVs and cable channels, ensuring guests remain entertained during their stay. Its proximity to the city centre allows for easy exploration of local attractions, making it a practical choice for those looking to experience the vibrant culture of Santa Barbara.

Where to stay near Santa Barbara Beach

Your holiday at Santa Barbara Beach promises a delightful blend of relaxation and adventure. This charming neighbourhood offers stunning views along the California coastline, perfect for beach holidays with family. Explore the vibrant city of Santa Barbara, steeped in history, and enjoy its friendly atmosphere. Venture into nearby regions for excursions that showcase breathtaking scenery and captivating local culture. A California getaway to Santa Barbara Beach is an experience not to be missed.

  • Santa Barbara: Nestled along the stunning Californian coastline, Santa Barbara is a vibrant city known for its Mediterranean-style architecture and beautiful landscapes. The city attracts a diverse array of visitors seeking family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. With a peak in traveller numbers from June to August, Santa Barbara offers a variety of attractions including educational museums, theatrical performances, and lively entertainment venues. Don't miss the iconic Santa Barbara Beach, where families can enjoy sun-soaked days and picturesque views.
  • East Beach: Located a mere 322m from Santa Barbara Beach, East Beach is a delightful neighbourhood perfect for families and beach enthusiasts. This area sees a steady influx of visitors year-round, with peak numbers during the summer months. East Beach is renowned for its sandy shores and offers a range of outdoor activities, making it an ideal spot for picnics and water sports. Nearby, visitors can explore vibrant shopping areas and state parks, creating a well-rounded experience that seamlessly combines relaxation and recreation.
  • Waterfront: The Waterfront neighbourhood, situated close to Santa Barbara Beach, serves as a picturesque gateway to the coast. While moderately seasonal in visitor arrivals, with peaks in mid-year, it remains a popular destination for families seeking outdoor fun and beach-related activities. The Waterfront boasts a charming atmosphere with access to shopping areas and various attractions, including a theme park ride. Families will find plenty of exciting options, while the nearby tourist precinct adds an extra layer of enjoyment to their coastal adventures.

Things to do in Santa Barbara Beach

Santa Barbara Beach offers a delightful coastal experience perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy a variety of activities such as photo tours, day trips, and outdoor adventures. Nearby, you’ll find shopping areas and educational attractions that enhance your visit. Make the most of your time in this stunning locale by exploring its beautiful beaches and engaging in exciting theme park rides.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience, visit the Paseo Nuevo Shopping Centre, which features a mix of popular retail brands and charming boutiques. Alternatively, explore the local markets, such as the Santa Barbara Farmers Market, where you can find unique handmade crafts and artisanal goods from local vendors.

Recreation

Santa Barbara Beach offers tranquil wellness retreats featuring yoga classes on the sand, rejuvenating spa treatments with ocean views, and mindful meditation sessions. For recreation, engage in paddleboarding, beach volleyball, or leisurely strolls along the picturesque shoreline, immersing yourself in the natural beauty and serenity of the area.

Adventure

Santa Barbara Beach offers exhilarating water sports, including kayaking and paddleboarding, allowing you to explore the stunning coastline. For those seeking thrills on land, consider hiking in the nearby hills, where panoramic views of the ocean and city await.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Santa Barbara Beach is vibrant and inviting. Enjoy live music at the popular SOhO Restaurant & Music Club or sip cocktails at The Good Lion. For a laid-back atmosphere, wander to the beachfront bars where you can unwind with friends under the stars.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Barbara Beach

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Santa Barbara Beach are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Santa Barbara Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Santa Barbara Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organise your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to identify the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy potential savings by combining your Santa Barbara Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions in and around Santa Barbara Beach

Santa Barbara Beach is perfect for outdoor, family-friendly holidays, offering a delightful mix of activities. Visitors can explore stunning beaches, picturesque urban parks, and historic civic buildings, all catering to those seeking cultural and outdoor experiences. This idyllic destination promises to provide memorable moments for travellers looking to enjoy a blend of relaxation and adventure.

  • Stearns Wharf: This picturesque pier extends into the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning views of the coastline and Santa Barbara. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, local shops, and even spot sea lions basking in the sun, making it a delightful way to experience the seaside charm of the area.
  • Leadbetter Beach: Located a mile from Santa Barbara Beach, Leadbetter Beach is known for its laid-back atmosphere and inviting sandy shores. It's an ideal spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and water sports, with gentle waves perfect for swimming and paddleboarding.
  • Reagan Ranch Center: Situated within Santa Barbara Beach, this museum offers a glimpse into American history and the legacy of President Reagan. Explore engaging exhibits that reflect cultural and political themes, providing a thought-provoking experience for history enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Santa Barbara Beach

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

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
March56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April60.3°F (15.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June68.2°F (20.1°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July72.1°F (22.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August72.9°F (22.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September71.6°F (22.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October66.7°F (19.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Santa Barbara Beach

Reaching Santa Barbara Beach is convenient via three major airports. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is 129km away, with nearby hotels such as Fairmont Miramar Hotel, 13km from LAX, and The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, located 6km from the airport. Hollywood BURbank Airport (BUR) is 124km from Santa Barbara Beach, with options like The Sun Rose West Hollywood and 1 Hotel West Hollywood, both 11km away. San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP), positioned 127km away, offers Hotel San Luis Obispo, just 5km from the airport. Transportation services are readily available from these hotels to each airport.

Frequently asked questions

What is Santa Barbara Beach like?
Santa Barbara Beach is a welcoming neighbourhood known for its beautiful beaches and popular zoo. Make sure that you visit Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Harbor as part of your Santa Barbara Beach travel plans.
What's a favourite hotel to stay in Santa Barbara Beach?
Based on our traveller data, Beachside Inn is one of the top choices for your stay in Santa Barbara Beach. This hotel is a short 1-minute walk from Santa Barbara Harbor, and it offers free breakfast and an outdoor pool. Other good choices for your stay in the neighbourhood include Avania Inn of Santa Barbara and Inn By The Harbor.
How many hotels are there in Santa Barbara Beach?
If you're searching for places to stay in Santa Barbara, Expedia has something to meet your needs with 175 Santa Barbara Beach hotels and other accommodation options to choose from.
If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Santa Barbara Beach, will I receive a refund?
Yes, most hotel room reservations are fully refundable as long as you cancel prior to the hotel's cancellation deadline, which in most cases is within 24 or 48 hours of your scheduled arrival. If you have a non-refundable reservation, it might still be possible to cancel it and get a refund within a 24-hour period of booking. Plug in your dates, click on "Search", then you can use the "fully refundable" filter to review the best deals in Santa Barbara Beach.
What are the top things to see and do in Santa Barbara Beach?
Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center and Santa Barbara Maritime Museum are fun stops for the whole family while you're in Santa Barbara Beach. Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Harbor are also a couple of places to visit in the neighbourhood. Santa Barbara Deep Sea, Santa Barbara Art Foundry and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation are just a few of the places to visit in and around Santa Barbara Beach. When you're sightseeing in Santa Barbara, Reagan Ranch Center and West Beach are also worth a stop.
How can I get around Santa Barbara Beach and the greater Santa Barbara area?
If you want to head out of town, you can hop aboard a train at Santa Barbara Station. You can enquire about options for water travel at the port.

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