Santa Barbara

Travel Guide

Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara County Courthouse showing 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 showing heritage architecture, a park and an administrative building

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(4 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(42 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(16 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
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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
Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge

2 out of 5
3525 State St, Santa Barbara, CA
The price is CA $195 per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
CA $195
CA $223 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,702 reviews)
"We would definitely stay there on our next visit to Santa Barbara."

Reviewed on Jul. 28, 2025

Sandpiper Lodge
The Milo

The Milo

3.5 out of 5
202 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
The price is CA $363 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
CA $363
CA $415 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
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! (1,402 reviews)
"Good location."

Reviewed on Jul. 26, 2025

The Milo
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara

Hyatt Place Santa Barbara

3.5 out of 5
4111 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA
The price is CA $331 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
CA $331
CA $389 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,012 reviews)
"Free breakfast. Parking garage. Large hotel rooms. Pleasant staff. We enjoyed our stay!"

Reviewed on Jul. 25, 2025

Hyatt Place 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! (188 reviews)
"Great experience"

Reviewed on Jul. 18, 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 ...
6/10 (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
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 Harbor and Santa Barbara Zoo are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"Classic Santa Barbara exterior with contemporary interior. Very clean, lovely view of Santa Barbara hills from balcony. Comfortable bed with fluffy comforter. Nespresso w/pods a nice touch. Mini kitchen w/refrigerator & microwave. A couple blocks from State St. Everything in "like new" ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 27, 2025

Casa Riviera
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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