Santa Barbara

Travel Guide

Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara County Courthouse featuring heritage architecture and a luxury hotel or resort
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 buidling, heritage architecture and a garden

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

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
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Santa Barbara Beach

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 Presidio Santa Barbara might round out your trip.

Downtown Santa Barbara
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East Beach

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
Hotel Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
3 out of 5
533 State St, Santa Barbara, CA
The price is P14,971 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P14,971
P17,238 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"Good location. Rooms are really small. Really small. Staff was very helpful and friendly. Hotel is next to a bar which was loud one night of our stays. There was also an event location across the street that played music very loud the same night."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Hotel Santa Barbara
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 P9,529 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
P9,529
P10,882 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
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! (1,011 reviews)
"Everything was good"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
The Milo
The Milo
3.5 out of 5
202 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
The price is P15,384 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
P15,384
P17,568 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,372 reviews)
"Great location, facilities and surroundings. A perfect place to relax and explore the area."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

The Milo
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! (179 reviews)
"I was very impressed by what was included in the small room. Excellent communication from Casa Jardin. Great spot to stay, just a short walk away from State St. Definitely would stay here again when visiting Santa Barbara."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 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 Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara ...
6.2/10 (69 reviews)
"I loved this hotel. It was clean and modern. Really cute touches like encouraging messages in parking spaces and the bamboo garden. Nice vibe."

Reviewed on Apr 29, 2025

Tide Pool Villas
Los Aguajes
Los Aguajes
2 out of 5
118 Los Aguajes Ave, Santa Barbara, CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Santa Barbara Harbor and ...
Perfect place to stay near beach .
"A beautiful place very clean, communication with host was excellent. If you are planning to stay here just a word of advise there is no AC and second the train is very loud expect to be awake by all the way to 10:45."

Reviewed on Sep 1, 2024

Los Aguajes
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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