Waterfront Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
Santa Barbara Harbor
Explore the waterfront in Santa Barbara with a trip to Santa Barbara Harbor. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Leadbetter Beach
If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Leadbetter Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Santa Barbara. While you're in the area, stroll along the marina.
East Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at East Beach during your trip to Santa Barbara? Stroll along the waterfront or seek out the cycling trails.
Cabrillo Pavillion
Cabrillo Pavillion is just one of the places to see in Santa Barbara, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the seaside or seek out the cycling trails.
Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center
Explore the lovely green spaces of Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center and enjoy the cycling trails in Santa Barbara. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Chase Palm Park
Chase Palm Park is just one of the places to see in Santa Barbara, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the top-notch restaurants in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.
Activities
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop
Our pick of the best Waterfront Hotel Deals
Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
Courtesy staff. Everyone nice.
Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026
Hotel Santa Barbara
Nice staff, very convenient location, smaller rooms
Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
Quiet location, walk to conveniences, reasonable rate for santa barbara, free and ample parking, breakfast basic but ample, staff and housekeeping good
Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
Room was great, I did not take advantage of the May amenities available as I was only in town for a few hours. Just needed a great place to sleep. Thanks so much!
Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026
Inn By The Harbor
nice hotel
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Definitely one the better hotels I've used on this trip. Not a great view but onsight parking was a must for me and the room was newly remodeled, fresh, and modern. Warm jacuzzi and decent breakfast. Only one block from the main street to pick up a bike path.
Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Waterfront
Santa Barbara Beach
Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.
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.
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.
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.
Eastside
While Eastside isn't home to many top sights, Santa Barbara Zoo and East Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.
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.