Santa Barbara, CA

Travel Guide

United States of America which includes farmland
Santa Barbara County Courthouse which includes a luxury hotel or resort and heritage architecture
Channel Islands National Park
El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park featuring a church or cathedral
Santa Barbara County Courthouse which includes an administrative buidling, a garden and heritage architecture
The American Riviera offers historic adobe architecture, plenty of art galleries, wineries and beautiful beaches. 

Santa Barbara is famous for its expensive hotels, large mansions and trendy boutiques, but it also has beautiful beaches and many museums and festivals dedicated to celebrating the city’s past.

Be sure to visit Santa Barbara’s picture-perfect beaches. Lie on the soft sand and read a book, or grab a board and hit the surf. Conditions are great for beginners, but on the right day there are some good breaks for those of all skill levels. 

Marvel at the Franciscan–Spanish architecture of the old Santa Barbara Mission. You’ll find artifacts and documents from old missionaries, a still-operating chapel, and the mission’s impressive and well-kept grounds. For more old architecture, visit the adobe Rafael Gonzalez house or the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Head up the bell tower for great views of the surrounding area. History buffs will also want to check out the Presidio of Santa Barbara, a Spanish fortress from the 1780s. 

Learn how modern-day Santa Barbara came about as you wander through the exhibits at the city’s Historical Museum. For a look at the evolution of plant and wildlife in the area and beyond, spend some time at the Museum of Natural History. 

Art lovers will enjoy the city’s excellent institutions. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art has an extensive collection of European, American and Asian art, and plays host to some world-class exhibitions. For a look at more recent works, wander over to the Contemporary Arts Forum. This gallery is artist-run and funded, and is dedicated to exhibiting the highest-quality work in the region. 

To enjoy other local products, organize a tour of the region’s wineries. 

Santa Barbara enjoys the sophisticated charm of a much larger city but maintains a quaint, friendly atmosphere. Throw in a fascinating history, loads of cultural activities and excellent beaches, and it’s not hard to see why it attracts visitors from around the world.

Where to stay in Santa Barbara

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Montecito

4.5/5(179 area reviews)

Celebrity-favored Montecito offers backcountry hiking trails and attractions like Lotusland and El Fureidis. Easily accessible via State Route 192 and the U.S. 101 Freeway, it's well-connected to Santa Barbara County.

Montecito
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Santa Barbara Beach

4.5/5(1,188 area reviews)

Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Stearns Wharf and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.

Santa Barbara Beach
Santa Barbara showing 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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East Beach

4.5/5(529 area reviews)

East Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like East Beach and Santa Barbara Zoo.

East Beach
Sambo’s Restaurant

West Beach

While visiting West Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Santa Barbara Harbor and Santa Barbara Carriage Museum.

West Beach
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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
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

4 out of 5
633 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
The price is ¥41,332 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥41,332
¥53,110 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Santa Barbara. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and 6 outdoor pickleball courts. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (69 reviews)
"Awesome!!"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn

Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn

3 out of 5
3850 State St, Santa Barbara, CA
The price is ¥23,646 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
¥23,646
¥27,002 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
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Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
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 ¥36,069 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
¥36,069
¥41,531 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Love coming back to the property"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

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
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (194 reviews)
"Amenities were perfect for just one person. It felt like home as I was moving my son in for college. Far enough away from downtown for it not to feel crazy, but close enough to walk just about anywhere. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Casa Jardin
Casa Riviera

Casa Riviera

4 out of 5
800 Garden St, Santa Barbara, CA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and Netflix. Popular attractions Santa Barbara Bowl and Santa Barbara Harbor ...
10/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
"Casa Riviera is a gorgeous, quiet updated property in walking distance to downtown SB/State Street. We loved our stay. One recommendation for coffee - we loved Handlebar coffee and walked there every morning. Highly recommend staying here!"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Casa Riviera
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 Santa Barbara Harbor and Santa ...
6/10 (71 reviews)
Quick trip
"Check in process is very slow and our room was not ready Beautiful property and great location"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

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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