Santa Barbara Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A coastal town with a pier extending into the ocean, a beach, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings.
A marina with numerous boats docked, a pier extending into the water, and a backdrop of mountains and a sunset sky.
A pier with lights reflecting on the water, a flag, and buildings in the background.
A calm body of water with a pier extending into it, a ship docked at the pier, and mountains in the background.
A sunset over a calm body of water with a distant shoreline and a building on the right.

Stay near popular Santa Barbara Beach attractions

A marina with multiple boats docked, calm water, and a clear sky.
Photo by Adam Hoggatt
Open Photo by Adam Hoggatt

Santa Barbara Harbor

9.2/10 (2,746 reviews)
Explore the waterfront in Santa Barbara with a trip to Santa Barbara Harbor. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
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Activities

Helicopter Beach Tour

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

AU$96
per adult
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

AU$54
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

AU$52
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

AU$49
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental

Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental

AU$63
per adult
Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

AU$22
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
See all activities in Santa Barbara

Our pick of the best Santa Barbara Beach Hotel Deals

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

2.5 out of 5
128 Castillo St Santa Barbara CA
The price is AU$226 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$226
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and premium TV channels. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn

3 out of 5
336 W. Cabrillo Blvd Santa Barbara CA
The price is AU$249 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$249
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
Beachside Inn
The Franciscan Hotel

The Franciscan Hotel

2.5 out of 5
109 Bath Street Santa Barbara CA
The price is AU$263 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$263
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and free bicycles on-site. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
The Franciscan Hotel
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

4 out of 5
633 E Cabrillo Blvd Santa Barbara CA
The price is AU$469 per night from 9 Sept to 10 Sept
AU$469
9 Sept - 10 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Santa Barbara. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants and 6 outdoor pickleball courts. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (442 reviews)
"We booked the ocean view room. It just feel like a normal Hilton room that is very close to"

Reviewed on 31 Aug 2026

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Inn By The Harbor

Inn By The Harbor

3.5 out of 5
433 W Montecito St Santa Barbara CA
The price is AU$392 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$392
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,936 reviews)
"The room is spacious and has a full kitchen. The floors were dirty and there were some ants crawling on the walls/bed which was not ideal. The staff was friendly and helpful. The location is not too far from downtown but on a busy street with a good deal of vehicle traffic driving by. A bit pricey ..."

Reviewed on 31 Aug 2026

Inn By The Harbor
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

3.5 out of 5
223 Castillo St Santa Barbara CA
The price is AU$397 per night from 29 Sept to 30 Sept
AU$397
29 Sept - 30 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,440 reviews)
"Nice hotel close to the beach and wharf. Upgrade to a king suite was nice. Staff friendly and helpful. Would stay there again."

Reviewed on 31 Aug 2026

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach
See all 1,538 properties in Santa Barbara Beach
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.

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
A coastal beach with palm trees, a sandy shore, and a clear blue sky.

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.

A coastal town with a prominent white building with a red roof, palm trees, and mountains in the background.

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 Arlington Theater might round out your trip.

A marina with multiple boats docked, calm water, and a clear sky.
Photo by Adam Hoggatt
Open Photo by Adam Hoggatt

West Beach

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

A beach with palm trees, a pier, and the ocean at sunset.

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.

A large tree with dense foliage in a park.

Lower State

While visiting Lower State, you might make a stop by sights like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Reagan Ranch Center.

Santa Barbara Beach Travel Guide

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