Historic Downtown Santa Barbara Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A coastal town with red-tiled roofs, palm trees, and mountains in the background.
Paseo Nuevo with shops and restaurants, a covered walkway, and bicycles parked.
A historic El Yaseo restaurant with a tiled roof and green shutters.
A tiled wall with a floral pattern.
A historic building with a bell tower, palm trees, and a clear blue sky.

Stay near popular Historic Downtown Santa Barbara attractions

Paseo Nuevo Mall

8.6/10 (31 reviews)
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.
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Activities

Helicopter Beach Tour

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

AU$99
per adult
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

AU$55
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

AU$53
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$50
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$65
per adult
Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

AU$86
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop
See all activities in Santa Barbara

Our pick of the best Historic Downtown Santa Barbara Hotel Deals

Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

4 out of 5
533 State St Santa Barbara CA
The price is AU$470 per night from 29 Nov to 30 Nov
AU$470
29 Nov - 30 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
Hotel Santa Barbara
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

4 out of 5
31 W Carrillo St Santa Barbara CA
The price is AU$613 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
AU$613
18 Nov - 19 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
The Upham Hotel

The Upham Hotel

4 out of 5
1404 De La Vina Street Santa Barbara CA
The price is AU$434 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
AU$434
18 Nov - 19 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,017 reviews)
"Very nice staff, clean, comfortable (especially the firm mattress) rooms, great location! The unexpected free extras (good coffee & pastries, wine, and milk and cookies) were a nice treat!"

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2026

The Upham Hotel
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

3.5 out of 5
524 State St Santa Barbara CA
The price is AU$407 per night from 29 Nov to 30 Nov
AU$407
29 Nov - 30 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very good! (506 reviews)
"Nice boutique hotel, but pictures were a bit deceiving.I️ didn’t love the peekaboo shower with glass into the bedroom. Also the sink was in the washroom. For the price I️ expected a bit more. I️ will say the location and staff was very responsive. Parking was off-site, affordable and no valet."

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2026

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
17 W Haley St Santa Barbara CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$344 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
AU$344
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Great location. Great staff at desk and valet. Very nice room. We’ll want to stay there again."

Reviewed on 22 Oct 2026

Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Haley Hotel

Haley Hotel

3.5 out of 5
26 E Haley St Santa Barbara CA
The price is AU$240 per night from 29 Nov to 30 Nov
AU$240
29 Nov - 30 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free bicycles on-site and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (716 reviews)
"This is a very cute boutique hotel in the heart of Santa Barbara. It's clean and decorated in a retro & nautical theme. There were ear plugs on each night stand which gave us pause ... and while it was a little noisy at night, we were able to sleep just fine. Parking is right next door. The attendant ..."

Reviewed on 26 Oct 2026

Haley Hotel
See all 1,541 properties in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
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 Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Find the best Historic Downtown Santa Barbara areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A coastal town with a pier extending into the ocean, a beach, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings.

Santa Barbara Beach

Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and West Beach.

A beach with a pier, buildings, and mountains in the background.

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 white colonial building with a bell tower, surrounded by palm trees and a clear blue sky.

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.

A beach with a pier extending into the water, mountains in the background, and several flags on the pier.

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 East Beach and Santa Barbara Zoo.

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara Travel Guide

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