West Beach Tours and Activities

Photo by Sean Coleman
Photo by Beni Buenaventura
Photo by Lara Hannemann
Photo by David Simmington


Tours & day trips

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History & culture

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Water activities

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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Wildlife & nature

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Popular places to visit


Top West Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

3 out of 5
533 State St, Santa Barbara, CA
Hotel Santa Barbara
The Milo

The Milo

3.5 out of 5
202 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
The Milo
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

2.5 out of 5
128 Castillo St, Santa Barbara, CA
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Inn By The Harbor

Inn By The Harbor

3.5 out of 5
433 W Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA
Inn By The Harbor
Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn

3 out of 5
336 W. Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
Beachside Inn
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

3 out of 5
306 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

4 out of 5
633 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Hotel Californian

Hotel Californian

5 out of 5
36 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA
Hotel Californian
Mason Beach Inn

Mason Beach Inn

3 out of 5
324 W. Mason Street, Santa Barbara, CA
Mason Beach Inn
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.

Things to do near West Beach

West Beach offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities and vibrant city experiences. Enjoy leisurely beach walks along the picturesque coastline, or engage in various sports facilities to keep active. With a shopping area and mall centre nearby, you'll find plenty of opportunities to indulge in retail therapy. This destination perfectly caters to both business and leisure travellers.

Shopping

For shopping in West Beach, visit Rafael Gonzalez House, just 1.6km away, for unique gifts. La Cumbre Plaza and Montecito Village Shopping Center, both 6.4km away, offer a mix of shops and family-friendly entertainment. If you're up for a drive, explore further malls for more options.

Recreation

At the Santa Barbara Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf amidst stunning landscapes, just 4.8km from West Beach. Experience live music and vibrant entertainment at the Santa Barbara Bowl, 3.2km away. For relaxation, Elings Park offers serene recreational spaces, also located 4.8km from the beach.

Adventure

Experience the Cabrillo Bikeway, a scenic outdoor path 1.3km from West Beach, perfect for cycling enthusiasts. For hiking lovers, the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail offers stunning views 4.8km away. If you enjoy tennis, head to the Municipal Tennis Center, located 3.2km from West Beach for some thrilling matches.

Nightlife

For a lively night in West Beach, start at the Arlington Theater for a cultural experience, then enjoy a drink at Cold Spring Tavern for a romantic vibe. If you're in the mood for some fun, Zodo's offers a fantastic arcade adventure just a short drive away.

Find the best attractions near West Beach

West Beach is perfect for family, city, and business-themed holidays, offering a variety of attractions like urban parks, beaches, and marinas. Visitors can enjoy cultural experiences and outdoor activities at Santa Barbara Harbour, Santa Barbara Beach, and the scenic beachfront along East Beach. With its stunning waterfront and family-friendly atmosphere, West Beach provides a delightful escape for travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

  • Stearns Wharf: Experience the charm of Stearns Wharf, a picturesque jetty that offers stunning views of the coastline and the Santa Barbara waterfront. You can stroll along the pier, enjoy fresh seafood at local eateries, and explore unique shops and marine exhibits.
  • Santa Barbara City College: This historic university is not just an educational institution; it’s a cultural hub. Wander through its beautiful campus, admire the Spanish-style architecture, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere filled with art, music, and community events.
  • Leadbetter Beach: Embrace the laid-back beach vibes at Leadbetter Beach, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. It’s an ideal spot for water sports, and the picturesque sunset views are simply breathtaking.

Best time to go to West Beach

The best time to visit West Beach, Santa Barbara Beach is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). February is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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 Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June68.2°F (20.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July72.1°F (22.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August72.9°F (22.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September71.6°F (22.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October66.7°F (19.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for West Beach

To save money on your trip to West Beach, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January, February, and November for lower accommodation rates. Booking your stay on a Tuesday can also help you avoid higher weekend prices. Use Expedia’s search tool to compare hotel deals, filter by budget, and explore package options that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Walking is a great way to explore the area without spending on transport, and keep an eye out for free local activities to maximise your experience while minimising costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around West Beach are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around West Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around West Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your West Beach hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.