Historic Downtown Santa Barbara Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
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 seaside or experience its lively festivals.
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.
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.
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.
Activities
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Our pick of the best Historic Downtown Santa Barbara Hotel Deals
Hotel Santa Barbara
"They provide bikes, which is a great way to see Santa Barbara"
Reviewed on 1 June 2026
The Upham Hotel
"Very nice cozy property within very quiet neighborhood. Walking distance to dining options. Inner courtyard very relaxing after a day around town. Excellent location for day trips to nearby Montecito, Solvang, Simi Valley, and wineries."
Reviewed on 29 May 2026
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
"It’s a great home base in a convenient downtown location"
Reviewed on 30 May 2026
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
"Great hotel, staff and accommodations..close to everything Santa Barbara has to offer."
Reviewed on 24 May 2026
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
"Front desk was not hospitable . She seemed to be trying to be nice. When I arrived she said my room wasn’t ready but she could give me another. I asked what the difference in rooms was and she said no difference. So I asked, what would my room that is “not ready” have different from the one that’s ..."
Reviewed on 2 June 2026
Haley Hotel
"Cool courtyard but the rooms are noisy."
Reviewed on 1 June 2026
Check Historic Downtown Santa Barbara hotel availability
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 Paseo Nuevo Mall 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 Lobero Theater and Santa Barbara Bowl 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.
