Santa Barbara Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Santa Barbara showing a coastal town
Known around the country as the American Riviera, this Californian city is centred around a hub of historic architecture, art galleries, wineries and idyllic beaches.

While it may be known for its luxury hotels, opulent houses and fashionable retail outlets, Santa Barbara’s natural beauty and historic cultural institutions present another side to the city.

Don’t miss a trip to the city’s postcard-perfect beaches. Stretch out with a book on the warm sand, or rent a surfboard and catch some waves. Multiple breaks along the coast mean that beginners and the more experienced will love the conditions.

Be amazed by the Franciscan-Spanish architecture around the old Santa Barbara Mission. See the artifacts and documents that have been carefully preserved, drop by the chapel for a service and wander around the sprawling grounds of the complex. A visit to the Rafael Gonzalez House reveals historic adobe architecture while the Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a great photo opportunity. Climb to the top of its bell towers for sweeping views across the city. Visit El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Parkto learn the story behind the Spanish fortress that dates back to the 1780s.

Discover the story of modern-day Santa Barbara at the city’s Historical Museum. After you’ve wandered through its permanent collection, head to the nearby Museum of Natural History to learn about the evolution of plants and human life in the area.

Those with a penchant for art will love Santa Barbara’s many major art institutions. Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art for its wide collection of European, American and Asian art and a roster of travelling and temporary exhibitions. See work for the current generation of artists at the Contemporary Arts Forum, an artist-run and funded project. The gallery is responsible for exhibiting the highest calibre work from the Santa Barbara region.

Discover some of Santa Barbara’s other products by touring the many wineries of the region.

Santa Barbara seamlessly blends the cosmopolitan atmosphere of a larger city with a bit of small-town charm. Combine that with its tantalising history, a wealth of cultural activities and beautiful beaches and you’ll come to realise why the city attracts visitors from across the globe.

Where to stay in Santa Barbara

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Santa Barbara Beach

4.5/5(19 area reviews)

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.

Santa Barbara Beach
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Montecito

5/5(1 area review)

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.

Montecito
Santa Barbara featuring a coastal town

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Historic Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Lobero Theater or Granada Theatre might round out your trip.

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
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The Mesa

While visiting The Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Leadbetter Beach and Arroyo Burro Beach.

The Mesa
Santa Barbara featuring a coastal town

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 Santa Barbara County Courthouse might round out your trip.

Downtown Santa Barbara
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West Beach

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

West Beach
Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
3.5 out of 5
202 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
The price is AU$333 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
AU$333
per night
23 Apr - 24 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,030 reviews)
"Hotel Milo is a fantastic and affordable option for your next stay. We thoroughly enjoyed staying here, but only rate 4 stars because there was a knocking noise that carried on throughout the night that kept us up."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel
3 out of 5
306 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
The price is AU$364 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$364
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this beach hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,013 reviews)
Amazing
"Amazing staff amazing views amazing grounds"

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel
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$439 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
AU$439
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,011 reviews)
"Pro: Great location. Heritage hotel. Beautifully maintained. Staff very helpful. Rooms not large but nicely furnished and decorated. Good size bathroom and shower. Con: no option other than valet parking. After all taxes/hotel fees/parking fees added the standard king bed room cost almost $450 a ..."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Hotel 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.
Casa Jardin
Casa Jardin
2.5 out of 5
1018 Garden St, Santa Barbara, CA
Stay at this aparthotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a Smart TV. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (67 reviews)
"Compact but very well designed and stocked."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

Casa Jardin
Cabana Las Floras- A Tropical Cabana Paradise with Pool, Spa, and WiFi
Cabana Las Floras- A Tropical Cabana Paradise with Pool, Spa, and WiFi
Montecito
Stay at this villa in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Santa Barbara Zoo and Santa Barbara Bowl are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (157 reviews)
Outstanding accommodations and wonderful hosts
"We have celebrated our wedding anniversary by staying at Cabana Paradise for the past 20 years. It truly is paradise. The cabana is wonderful, the gardens are beautiful and Dino and Florida are outstanding hosts. We look forward to staying there for the next 20 years."

Reviewed on 18 Feb. 2024

Cabana Las Floras- A Tropical Cabana Paradise with Pool, Spa, and WiFi
Tide Pool Villas
Tide Pool Villas
4.5 out of 5
26 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration ...
6.2/10 (42 reviews)
"No parking despite description on site. Office is located off property—hard to find. Room was fine tho."

Reviewed on 5 Nov. 2023

Tide Pool Villas
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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