Book the Best HISTORIC Hotels in Santa Barbara in 2026

A coastal town with a beach, houses, and mountains in the background.

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Our top choices for Santa Barbara historic hotels

On the beach, sun loungers, beach towels

1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, travel crib, WiFi (free)

Coffee/tea maker, fridge, microwave, oven

1. Affordable Executive Getaway — blocks to Beach and Funk Zone

Santa Barbara Beach

Daniela S.

CA $282

CA $600 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 21 - Sep 22

2. Mariposa- One Bedroom Flat; sweet getaway by the Beach! newly renovated beauty

Santa Barbara Beach

Lisa T.

CA $334

CA $787 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 22 - Sep 23

3. Historic West Beach Apartment — 2 blocks to the Beach

Santa Barbara Beach

John B.

CA $326

CA $658 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 28 - Sep 29

1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, travel crib

4. Affordable Beach Penthouse — 2 blocks to Beach and Funk Zone

Santa Barbara Beach

Matt T.

CA $378

CA $725 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 21 - Sep 22

5. Affordable Beach Getaway — blocks to the Beach and Funk Zone

Santa Barbara Beach

anne K.

CA $334

CA $668 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

6. Secret Getaway — 2 blocks to the Beach and Funk Zone

Santa Barbara Beach

Colleen F.

CA $363

CA $707 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 5 - Oct 6

2 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, WiFi (free)

7. Perfect cozy and comfortable getaway two blocks from Oldtown State Street!

Lower State

Karen W.

CA $441

CA $744 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

A dining room with a round table, six upholstered chairs, a chandelier, a large abstract painting, and a view of the outdoors through large windows.

8. Upscale Downtown home. Walk to Beach, Bars, and Shops

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

allison

CA $490

CA $925 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 21 - Sep 22

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Top Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

8/10 Good

"Generally the place was very good . Clean ,plenty of free parking The grounds are beautiful, breakfast is a plus , turkey sausage were delicious. What I was a little disappointed about was it was advertised to be located , as Santa Barbara but it was a drive of around 8-9 miles in to SB . The king Bed in my room had a soft mattress which gave me a sore back each morning. Room had no dresser Drawers ,as we stay for 4 nights ,living out of suit cases. Advantage is that it was quite a bit less expensive . Would consider again for a overnight stay ."

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

8/10 Good

"Good location, clean room, complementary breakfast was a nice perk however not the best so we went out. Spacious room."

Lemon Tree Inn

10/10 Excellent

"It was in a beautiful location surrounded by fig and lemon trees, and having a balcony was really nice"

Beachside Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Breakfast was good"

The Milo

10/10 Excellent

"Loved The Milo! Had a great experience with everything and will probably always attempt to stay here when I'm in Santa Barbara going forward! Come here often but this was my first time here and I'm so glad I tried it!"

Sandpiper Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"Room was nice clean"

Hotel Santa Barbara

10/10 Excellent

"Hotel was located in the center of everything. Steps away from shopping and restaurants. Staff were really nice and accommodating, they would have freshly baked cookies for guests. Definitely will be returning."

Frequently asked questions

What should a history buff expect from a stay in Santa Barbara?

Visitors love the rich history they find on a trip to Santa Barbara. And while you're here, you can visit the array of shops and popular beaches. And also relish a stop at the charming cafes in this walkable area.

How many historical hotels are located in Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is home to 1180 hotels and other accommodations bookable on Expedia though you won't find many designated historic hotels.

What are the top historical sites and other places to visit in Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is notable for landmarks like Mission Santa Barbara, Hill-Carrillo Adobe, and Presidio Santa Barbara. Cultural venues include Arlington Theater, Lobero Theater, and Santa Barbara Bowl. A couple of additional sights to add to your agenda are West Beach and Stearns Wharf.

What is a historic hotel like in Santa Barbara?

By booking a historic hotel, guests can enjoy a vacation in a place that has an officially recognized historic designation. A palace, castle, stately home or even a lodge, pub, or skyscraper can be transformed into a historic hotel as long as it's a place of special interest. Traditional architecture and period features are often preserved in the communal spaces and guestrooms of such hotels in Santa Barbara, bringing the history to life.

What is the difference between a historic hotel and a heritage hotel?

You'll often hear the term "heritage hotel" in Asia and Europe, while "historic hotel" is a term often used in the U.S. though overall the terms are quite similar. The building and architecture of historic hotels tend to be the most significant aspect. For a heritage hotel, it's mainly the cultural value as well as how it shaped the community.

Do historic hotels in Santa Barbara have modern facilities?

Hotel interiors feature the modern conveniences and safety features you've come to expect, though efforts have been made to preserve treasured traditions and historic facades. Smart TVs, WiFi, updated bathroom facilities, and the usual amenities found in most hotels will be available in a historic hotel. Rest assured that when you select a historic hotel in Santa Barbara, you won't find a place that's uncomfortable for guests or simply rundown.

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Room 1

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check availability on Santa Barbara Historic Hotels

Our top choices for Santa Barbara historic hotels

1. Affordable Executive Getaway — blocks to Beach and Funk Zone

2. Mariposa- One Bedroom Flat; sweet getaway by the Beach! newly renovated beauty

3. Historic West Beach Apartment — 2 blocks to the Beach

4. Affordable Beach Penthouse — 2 blocks to Beach and Funk Zone

5. Affordable Beach Getaway — blocks to the Beach and Funk Zone

6. Secret Getaway — 2 blocks to the Beach and Funk Zone

7. Perfect cozy and comfortable getaway two blocks from Oldtown State Street!

8. Upscale Downtown home. Walk to Beach, Bars, and Shops

9. Rare Beach Penthouse — blocks to the Beach and Funk Zone

10. Montecito Beach House w/Hot Tub & Cold Plunge - Walk to Beach and Restaraunts