Santa Barbara Holidays

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Your Santa Barbara Holiday

The easiest way to experience this vibrant city is with a custom-made Santa Barbara holiday package. Stay in the neighbourhood of Waterfront, which is great for watersports, coastal beaches and cycling or choose someplace else — our package deals are all about you. Fill your itinerary with visits to Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Mission Santa Barbara and Presidio Santa Barbara, some of the things you simply have to see during your trip to Santa Barbara. A couple of quick clicks is all it takes to craft the ideal Santa Barbara holiday on Expedia.

The Annual Holiday Sale

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Our guide on where to stay in Santa Barbara

Find the best Santa Barbara areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Holiday

Things to do in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a blend of city-themed activities and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy sailing experiences, engaging group tours, rejuvenating spa treatments, and delightful wine tour packages. Additionally, outdoor adventures abound, making it a perfect locale for a memorable holiday filled with education and entertainment in theatres and arenas.

Shopping

In Santa Barbara, visit the Montecito Village Shopping Center for a charming mix of shops and eateries. The Santa Barbara Public Market offers local produce and gourmet foods. For a unique experience, stop by the Rafael Gonzalez House for special gifts. If you're up for a drive, explore nearby shopping options.

Recreation

Experience live music at the Santa Barbara Bowl, where the vibrant atmosphere enhances your enjoyment. For a touch of romance and culture, catch a show at the Arlington Theatre. Alternatively, indulge in outdoor activities at Santa Barbara Golf Club, perfect for sports enthusiasts looking to unwind amidst beautiful scenery.

Adventure

Cycle along the Cabrillo Bikeway, enjoying stunning coastal views, or embark on a scenic hike through Rattlesnake Canyon Trail, where adventure awaits amidst breathtaking landscapes. For those seeking competition, the Municipal Tennis Center offers exhilarating matches in a vibrant outdoor setting, perfect for tennis enthusiasts.

Nightlife

Santa Barbara's nightlife is vibrant and inviting. Enjoy a cozy atmosphere at Cold Spring Tavern, a charming drinking pub where romance meets entertainment. Sip on craft cocktails and relish live music, making it a perfect spot to unwind and soak in the local vibe.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara offers an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike, blending city charm with natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy stunning beaches, scenic urban parks, and notable churches, all rich in culture and family-friendly experiences. Consider staying at a luxury hotel for a touch of elegance, and don't miss exploring the picturesque Santa Barbara Harbour, a perfect spot for relaxation and sightseeing.

  • Santa Barbara Harbor: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Santa Barbara Harbor, a picturesque marina where adventure awaits. Enjoy kayaking, sailing, or simply relaxing on the beach while taking in stunning ocean views and the lively surroundings.
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse: Explore the architectural beauty of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, a historic civic building renowned for its stunning Spanish-Moorish design. Wander through its lush gardens and ascend the clock tower for panoramic views of the city.
  • Stearns Wharf: Visit Stearns Wharf, the oldest working wharf in California, offering a delightful blend of dining, shopping, and scenic views. Stroll along the pier, watch marine life, and relish the fresh seafood at local eateries.

Best time to go to Santa Barbara

The best time to visit Santa Barbara can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Santa Barbara falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature in Santa Barbara falls in February, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April60.3°F (15.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June68.2°F (20.1°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July72.1°F (22.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August72.9°F (22.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September71.6°F (22.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October66.7°F (19.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage

Tips to save on your trip to Santa Barbara

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically January to February and November) for more affordable package holidays to Santa Barbara.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Santa Barbara Beach Holiday

There's nothing like a Santa Barbara holiday to give you a little extra bounce in your step. The sound of rolling surf and the smell of salty sea air will rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. To be near the centre of town on your trip to Santa Barbara, find a hotel around Butterfly Beach (only 6 kilometres away). If you're planning to hang around a while, look into our Santa Barbara holiday packages. Not only can you save some cash, you'll also have other beautiful beaches around you to explore, like Miramar Beach and East Beach. Now that's a win-win!

Things You Should Know About Santa Barbara

  • If your idea of the perfect holiday is fresh ocean breezes and strolls along the shore, check out our Santa Barbara beach hotels. You'll forget the stresses of daily life at these perfectly located retreats.
  • No matter your style and budget, you'll find a great place to stay for your holiday in Santa Barbara. Why not browse through some private holiday homes, like Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels and AGAVE INN HOTEL? They're popular with visitors of all types.
  • There are tons of activities that keep the 91,800 or so residents of Santa Barbara entertained. Checking out our Santa Barbara things to do page will show you what this place has to offer.
  • Santa Barbara holiday deals are a great way to save on fun experiences. Some ideas, including Vandenberg Air Force Base, Chumash Casino and Chumash Casino, should be at the top of your to-do list.

Santa Barbara Essential Information

Language
English
Currency
U.S dollars
Closest Airport
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)
Population
91,800
Max Temp Winter
18ºC
Max Temp Summer
27ºC
Top Sights
Santa Barbara Zoo, Butterfly Beach and Carpinteria State Beach

Our pick of the best Santa Barbara Hotel Deals

Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

3 out of 5
533 State St Santa Barbara CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$431 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
AU$431
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,216 reviews)
Yes all of it was great

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026

Hotel Santa Barbara
Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge

2 out of 5
3525 State St Santa Barbara CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$157 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
AU$157
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,224 reviews)
Good staff. Clean facility.

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026

Sandpiper Lodge
Inn By The Harbor

Inn By The Harbor

3.5 out of 5
433 W Montecito St Santa Barbara CA
The price is AU$346 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
AU$346
19 Mar - 20 Mar
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,857 reviews)
Room was very clean and comfortable

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026

Inn By The Harbor
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.

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What to do in Santa Barbara

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