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 seaside or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
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.
Granada Theatre
Enjoy a performance at Granada Theatre, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum
You can browse the exhibits at Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
Activities
Whale and Wildlife Yacht Cruise in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
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
Room was clean and modern with a well-stocked chiller and slightly less-stocked snack bar. Bed was extremely comfortable (firm King, as we like it) and electrical/charging amenities were more than adequate (wall, lamps and wireless). We only stayed 3 nights, however, like most post-COVID hotels, ...
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026
The Upham Hotel
We always love coming here. The gardens are beautiful, the lobby is comfortable and the rooms are spacious and clean. Just a block and a half from State Street makes it an ideal location to stroll and get lunch or dinner without a car. The beautiful weather didn’t hurt, either! Great place to relax ...
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
This was my husband and I’s second time at this hotel and it is always such an amazing stay! Everything about this hotel is so intentional and the design is truly unique. I love how they utilize space and create an amazing calming ambiance. The staff were friendly, the check in and checkout is so ...
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
I was disappointed with my stay …I paid a 5 star rate for a 2 star experience. The was stuffy, no water or amenities other than at the front desk. Not a terrible hotel … just not worth the $$! charged.
Reviewed on 31 Mar 2026
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Location was the best, close to the town center.
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026
Haley Hotel
The ambiance was a win. After a grueling voyage, it was nice to seek refuge, take a long hot shower, put the LED fireplace on and turn into the evening. The bed and pillows were comfortable, soft yet firm. Air flow, light control, and privacy were nice with the blinds.
Reviewed on 15 Apr 2026
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 Presidio Santa Barbara 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 Moreton Bay Fig Tree.
Laguna
Laguna might not have many top sights, but Presidio Santa Barbara and Lobero Theater 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.
