Santa Barbara

Travel Guide

Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara County Courthouse featuring a luxury hotel or resort and heritage architecture
Channel Islands National Park
El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park which includes a church or cathedral
Santa Barbara County Courthouse which includes an administrative building, a park 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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Santa Barbara Beach

4.5/5(67 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(4 area reviews)

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

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 Presidio Santa Barbara or Santa Barbara Museum of Art 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
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East Beach

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

East Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Santa Barbara Zoo and East Beach.

East 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
Sandpiper Lodge
Sandpiper Lodge
2 out of 5
3525 State St, Santa Barbara, CA
The price is HK$947 per night from 22 May to 23 May
HK$947
HK$1,079 total
includes taxes & fees
22 May - 23 May
Stay at this motel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,464 reviews)
"Very nice location, great room, friendly staff"

Reviewed on 17 Apr 2025

Sandpiper Lodge
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 HK$1,544 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
HK$1,544
HK$1,761 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Apr - 25 Apr
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
A lovely relaxing place
"This hotel is lovely and in a great location overlooking the harbour. The staff are all very friendly and the pool & hut tub were delightful. We enjoyed our stay and realy relaxed."

Reviewed on 19 Apr 2025

West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel
Inn By The Harbor
Inn By The Harbor
3.5 out of 5
433 W Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA
The price is HK$1,643 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
HK$1,643
HK$1,876 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,569 reviews)
"The staff were very helpful and made a big effort to ensure we had a comfortable stay."

Reviewed on 18 Apr 2025

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.
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! (159 reviews)
"Great communication. Easy checkin process. Room is modern and beautifully decorated."

Reviewed on 18 Apr 2025

Casa Jardin
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 ...
6.4/10 (58 reviews)
"Perfect location!!"

Reviewed on 8 Apr 2025

Tide Pool Villas
Private Rental - sleeps up to 24 in Santa Barbara on State Street!
Private Rental - sleeps up to 24 in Santa Barbara on State Street!
Santa Barbara
Stay at this vacation home in Santa Barbara. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Santa Barbara Harbor and Santa Barbara Zoo are located nearby.
Private Rental - sleeps up to 24 in Santa Barbara on State Street!
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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