Downtown Where To Stay In Santa Barbara For Culture
Downtown Santa Barbara is the center of culture, history, and business. It is also a great area to stay for its proximity to the beach and other neighborhoods. If you want to be within walking distance to the main attractions, you can choose to stay in the downtown area for its location too. Plus, the other Santa Barbara neighborhoods are not longer than 10 minutes drive!
State Street in the Downtown area is where you will find many great restaurants, cafes, all kinds of shops, Mediterranean-style architecture, and cultural sites. There really is a bit of everything for everyone in Downtown. Y
ou can find Monet paintings at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, learn about history at the Museum of Natural History, climb to the top of the clock tower at the Old Mission Santa Barbara for an amazing city view, have a wine tasting tour, and go shopping in upscale boutiques.
Best Hotel In Downtown: The Presidio
Everything in this Santa Barbara hotel is spotlessly clean and well looked after. The rooms have high ceilings and comfy beds for a perfect nights sleep. Take out one of the free bicycles and explore the area, then unwind with a glass of local wine on the roof terrace.
The best thing about this place has to be the very warm and welcoming hosts, who are always available to chat and to help with directions.
Where To Stay In Santa Barbara
Nestled between the towering Santa Ynez Mountains and the glistening Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara makes it easy to see why this southern California city is often referred to as Americas Riviera.
Whether youre a fan of walks on the beach, water sports, or just some old-fashioned surf and sun, theres plenty to do while youre here.
Keep reading for our favorite places to stay in Santa Barbara, California!
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Best Hostel In Santa Barbara: The Wayfarer
This hostel is run by a team of friendly staff, who will happily help with tips on sightseeing in the area. The dorm rooms are clean and very fashionable as is the shared kitchen, which is great for cooking a meal or simply making a cup of coffee.
Theres even an outdoor swimming pool and sunbeds so you can spend time soaking up the sun with fellow travelers. If you want more hostel inspiration, check out this post on Santa Barbaras best hostels.
Best Hotels In Santa Barbara
Nestled right in the heart of the Funk Zone neighborhood, The Waterman is definitely the coolest hotel in Santa Barbara. Not only are you steps away from a range of art galleries, wineries, and eateries, but this hotel has all sorts of awesome features!
With its upscale hostel vibes, The Waterman is geared toward younger, more budget-minded travelers and digital nomads. Expect to find offbeat amenities like luxury bunk beds, a top-of-the-line communal kitchen, and plenty of social spaces. You can opt for a shared dorm room or a traditional room, so theres something to suit all needs.
All rooms are outfitted with industrial-chic decor, ultra-comfy beds with luxury linens, and 42-inch flat screens. The quirky tiger pillows and vintage telephones add a whimsical touch. And the stylish modern bathrooms boast sleek subway tiles, walk-in showers, and LATHER toiletries.
You can read a book in the library, take Insta-worthy photos around the outdoor pool, and play a game of ping-pong or corn hole with your fellow guests. The hotel also serves an excellent breakfast perfect for fueling up before a day exploring Santa Barbara. You can also rent beach cruisers at the front desk, which makes getting around a breeze!
Built in 1918, El Encanto stands proud as Santa Barbaras oldest hotel. The property still retains its historic charm and Spanish-style architecture but is fully outfitted with luxurious amenities youre sure to love!
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East Beach Where To Stay In Santa Barbara For First Timers
Located on the eastern end of Santa Barbaras 4-mile-long stretch of sand, East Beach is a picturesque palm-lined piece of sand close to the citys amenities.
You can spend your days here at the playpark, cycling the bike path, stopping to take in chilled performances from drum circles or local football games.
As an alternative to the western end of the beach , this part is more laid-back and less touristed, being a little further from the centre of town.
I think this is one of the best places to stay if you visit Santa Barbara for the first time because youll be near the beach. And who visits the California coastal towns without visiting the beach!?
Things To See And Do In East Beach Santa Barbara
- Play a spot of tennis at the Municipal Tennis Courts.
- Go for a chilled picnic at Dwight Murphy Park.
- Eat tacos and other comfort food at the outdoor East Beach Tacos.
- People-watch at Chase Palm Park
- Or simply chill on the beach!
Weve tested countless packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag.
Want more deetz on why we love it Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
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Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Set amid 24 acres of palm-studded lawns, the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is a landmark hotel along Santa Barbara’s popular beachfront area. This mission-style property lies in a fantastic location across Cabrillo Boulevard from East Beach. From here, you can walk to Stearns Wharf, the Funk Zone, and the shops and restaurants of State Street downtown.
This is also one of the top Santa Barbara resorts for families. It’s a short walk to the Santa Barbara Zoo, and you can rent bikes with the kids and head across the street to the popular beachfront bike path.
Spread out across the property, the large guest rooms and suites feature ocean, garden, or mountain views. All have private balconies or patios, and suites come with separate living areas, robes, slippers, and rain showers.
When it comes to dining, guests have a couple of options. These include an ocean-view, bistro-style restaurant with an outdoor fire pit a casual breakfast venue and a coffee shop.
Guests also love the Olympic-sized swimming pool and Jacuzzi, fitness center, tennis court, and spa. As with most Santa Barbara hotels, pets are welcome.
Address: 633 East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, California
Best Airbnb In East Beach: Centrally Located Charming Duplex
This townhouse is perfect for anyone that wants to go out and see the city as it is close to local art and culture, great views, restaurants, and dining, the beach and family-friendly activities. The house is in a gated community in the downtown area and the building interior has a wood deck, small sunroom, cathedral ceilings, and a kitchen with granite and stainless steel equipment. SB bus line is right on the corner and a coffee shop and famous ice cream parlor are down the street. The house is 2.2 miles away from the beach and 1 mile away from the famous State ST.
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Best Hotel In Carpinteria: Cliff House Inn
If youre looking for awesome views from your bedroom window, then look no further than Cliff House Inn.
This boutique hotel is literally right next to the water. Go to sleep to the sound of the waves lapping on the shore and wake up to breakfast by the sea. Theres an outdoor swimming pool for guests to cool off in plus the beach is a just a quick stroll down the road.
Things To See And Do In Carpinteria
- Walk along Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve for spectacular coastal views along its trails.
- Visit Santa Barbaras laid-back Carpinteria Bathing Beach.
- Enjoy time at the Tomol Interpretive Play Area.
- Check out the Native American artifacts at Carpinteria Valley Museum.
- Staying in Carpinteria during October? You must go to the Avocado Festival!
- Get your beach on at Rincon Beach Park.
- Admire the Wardholm Torrey Pine, an ancient majestic tree.
- Take a dip at Carpinteria Community Pool.
- Stroll around Tar Pit Park, home to natural asphalt ponds and oceanfront trails.
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Hideaway Santa Barbara A Kirkwood Collection Property
Address: 420 W Montecito StAccommodates: 4
ParkingGolf course Non-smoking roomsFacilities for disabled guestsFamily roomsFree parkingInternet servicesWiFi Available
How about staying in a small rustic studio in a peaceful setting? As tempting it sounds, this is a very charming property with wonderful features. Although you might find the studio small, there is a large window from where you can see a beautiful and covered patio. The outdoor shower is a very interesting feature of this rental. Other than this, the place features a comfortable bed for a good nightâs sleep, a fridge, a microwave, parking, Wi-Fi and a few other necessities.
Freshly decked and sparkling clean, this is a gorgeous one-bedroom beach house located in a serene residential neighborhood of Santa Barbara. The kitchen is apt for basic cooking and has all the essential supplies and appliances. Relax at the patio or you can explore the backyard garden, which has all kinds of fruit trees. Apart from this, there is Wi-Fi, parking and the vacation home is very close to Douglas Family Nature Reserve, Mesa Steps Beach, Hendryâs Beach, grocery shops, restaurants, and many other stunning tourist attractions. Overall, the house will give you all the privacy, space and comfort you require for an easy-going holiday.
Best Hotel In Santa Barbara: Casa Del Mar Inn Santa Barbara
Excellently located a couple of minutes walking distance from the West Beach and marina, this hotel offers excellent value for money.
With big rooms and beds that will give you a fantastic nights sleep, theres also ample car parking for guests who arrive by car. For a little extra, cheese and wine is served on the porch in the evenings.
Santa Barbara is nestled on a south-facing stretch of golden Californian coastline, tucked between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
This city has been touted as the American Riviera due to its palm-lined beaches, upscale boutiques and restaurants and for its wines its something of a rival to Napa Valley in terms of vineyards and wineries.
With a Spanish colonial heritage, many of Santa Barbaras buildings feature charming stucco facades which makes it a great place to simply wander.
Different areas of Santa Barbara offer different experiences, so choosing the area that best suits you will be a major plus Ive rounded up the best five areas of Santa Barbara to give you an overview of the city. The best things to do in Santa Barbara are scattered throughout the city.
East Beach is one of the first beaches upon entering city limits and is located at the end of a four-mile stretch of sand. Its a great place to stroll on the sand, chill out, and have fun: there are picnic facilities, volleyball courts and cafes.
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Discover Our Mediterranean Inspired Boutique Hotel
Gaze out to the Pacific from an ocean view guest room or take a relaxing stroll along the beaches at our doorstep. Our dedicated staff at the Santa Barbara Inn looks forward to welcoming you.
Framed by deep, red terra cotta roofs, luminous white stucco, gracefully arched windows and a duo of handcrafted tile domes, the Santa Barbara Inn perfectly embodies the spirit and architecture of its Santa Barbara. Our newly re-imagined Spanish Mediterranean boutique merges classic elegance and coastal luxury with 70 beautifully appointed rooms and suites and dramatic ocean views.
“This hotel is spectacular. The location is unbeatable and the cleanliness of the rooms was spot on. The staff were very friendly and eager to ensure our time there was comfortable and enjoyable. We can’t wait to return and I highly recommend this gorgeous hotel right on the beach in Santa Barbara.”
POSTED April 27, 2022 on TripAdvisor
Sink into a lounge chair by the heated outdoor pool and disappear into a good book. Adorned with flickering gas lanterns and a fire pit, our oceanfront terrace is an enchanting spot for savoring cocktails, Italian fare and the Pacific Coast sunset.
Additional amenities include a modern fitness center and a comfortable event venue accommodating up to 80 guests.
Final Thoughts On Where To Stay In Santa Barbara
Set between the golden, California central coast and San Ynez Mountains and winery estates, youre spoilt for choice on things to do in Santa Barbara.
I hope this guide helps visitors decide where to stay in Santa Barbara by breaking down the best areas to stay in SB, as well as options for affordable accommodation, cheap hotels in Santa Barbara, cosy bed & breakfasts, and more.
To recap, The Wayfarer is my pick for the best hostel in Santa Barbara. This hostel is run by an awesome, helpful staff. It offers a shared kitchen, an outdoor swimming pool, and clean, stylish rooms!
Casa Del Mar Inn Santa Barbara is one of the best hotels in Santa Barbara on the beach, situated within walking distance from West Beach.
Have you been to Santa Barbara? Let me know in the comments!
Do you own an awesome hostel, hotel or apartment? Want to be featured in our list? Email to find out how.
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Does Santa Barbara Have Vineyards
Santa Barbara wine country offers the wine-curious traveler an authentic experience all its own. Diversity is what defines the authentic vibe of the Santa Barbara wine experience. Amidst a buzzing downtown scene, the urban wine trail is electric, with dozens of tasting rooms and working wineries peppering the city.
What is Santa Barbara wine country called?
the Santa Ynez ValleyWelcome to the Santa Ynez Valley: your wine country basecamp for exploring 300 Santa Barbara County wineries. Just two hours north of Los Angeles, and about four hours south of the San Francisco Bay Area, sits the Santa Ynez Valley the heart of Santa Barbara County wine country, on Californias Central Coast.
How many wineries are in Santa Barbara?
With over 200 wineries throughout the region, we realize that planning a day or two of wine tasting is no easy feat. Thats why weve put together a list of the best Santa Barbara wineries to visit.
El Encanto A Belmond Hotel Santa Barbara
Castillo Inn at the Beach is a picturesque mission-style building with very thoughtfully decorated rooms featuring antique wood furnishings, Italian flooring, Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, and other amenities. The upgraded rooms consist of balconies and patios. You also get access to a health club along with a pool nearby at discounted prices. By staying here, you are close to many points of attractions such as Les Merchands, Santa Barbara Winery, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, which are hardly a kilometer away. The nearest airport is the Santa Barbara Airport, 13.5 km away and the beach is a short stroll from here. The staff is very helpful and can help you with sightseeing suggestions.
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Where To Stay In Santa Barbara On A Budget
Despite Santa Barbara’s reputation for high-priced hotels, affordable accommodation options are still available close to downtown.
For bright, cheerful rooms at a price that won’t break the bank, the retro, motel-style Agave Inn is one of the best budget hotels in Santa Barbara. It sits on Santa Barbara’s main drag, State Street, about a five-minute drive from downtown and steps from popular shops and restaurants. Friendly staff free continental breakfast and features like iPod docks, microwaves, and mini-fridges in the rooms add to the value here. Some rooms come with kitchenettes.
For a reliable chain option, the Holiday Inn Express Santa Barbara is in a convenient downtown location. It’s about five blocks from Stearns Wharf and the beachfront bike path. The Historic Landmark building and Spanish Revival decor make a stay here more atmospheric than typical budget chain hotels, and the free breakfast is a wonderful perk.
Best Luxury Hotels In Santa Barbara
Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara
The Four Seasons Biltmore, nestled within 22 acres of lush jungle, beautiful gardens, and meandering pathways, is home to the largest planting of Kentia palm trees outside of Australia. This Four Seasons property, along with the Coral Casino, embodies quintessential Santa Barbara luxury style and charm.
My husband Steve proposed to me five years ago, in front of Four Seasons Biltmore, on Butterfly Beach, so we spent a special weekend here celebrating earlier this month. Check out my Biltmore story highlights @VanessaRivers to see highlights from our stay!
Rosewood Miramar Beach
Rosewood Miramar Beach is the new hip spot to stay in Santa Barbara and the only hotel in Santa Barbara located directly on the beach where you can sit seaside with your feet in the sand, enjoying cocktail service and incredible views.
Bacara Resort & Spa
The Bacara Resort & Spa is Santa Barbara Countys most secluded oceanfront hotel. Located in Goleta, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this Mediterranean-style 5-star luxury resort is just 0.6 miles from Sandpiper Golf Course and a quick fifteen-minute drive from downtown Santa Barbara.
For families, friends or couples looking to get away from it all, and relax and unwind at the beach, the Bacara provides the ideal location. Check out my Bacara Resort Review for highlights.
Belmond El Encanto
Hotel California
The Canary Hotel Santa Barbara
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