Santa Barbara, CA

Travel Guide
United States of America which includes farmland
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(1,188 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
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Montecito

4.5/5(179 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
Santa Barbara showing a coastal town

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Historic Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Lobero Theater or Paseo Nuevo Mall might round out your trip.

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
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 Paseo Nuevo Mall might round out your trip.

Downtown Santa Barbara
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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
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
Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
3.5 out of 5
202 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
The price is $222 per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
$222
includes taxes & fees
$194 per night
Dec 1 - Dec 2
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! (1,219 reviews)
"Friendly staff, amazing location. Dog friendly. Good amenities. Would definitely stay again!"

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2024

Hotel Milo 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 $153 per night from Nov 3 to Nov 4
$153
includes taxes & fees
$134 per night
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Book a stay at this 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! (1,008 reviews)
"NA"

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024

Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
2.5 out of 5
128 Castillo St, Santa Barbara, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $154 per night from Nov 11 to Nov 12
$154
includes taxes & fees
$136 per night
Nov 11 - Nov 12
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,408 reviews)
Location great
"Great location and staff. Unfortunately we had 2 kids in the room above who ran around on the floor boards all night. Kept us awake. Breakfast was a highlight. Excellent selection and service"

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

Avania Inn of 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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (125 reviews)
"Excellent condition, lots of amenities. Easy to find, parking lot clean, quiet."

Reviewed on Oct 24, 2024

Casa Jardin
Cabana Las Floras - Serene Tropical Paradise with Pool, Spa, and WiFi
Cabana Las Floras - Serene Tropical Paradise with Pool, Spa, and WiFi
Montecito
Stay at this villa in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Santa Barbara Zoo and Stearns Wharf are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (168 reviews)
Will return soon
"Could not have been better. We look forward to our next visit!"

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2024

Cabana Las Floras - Serene Tropical Paradise with Pool, Spa, and WiFi
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 ...
6/10 (50 reviews)
"Room was large, with kitchen. Free parking and breakfast were provided. The staff was friendly and accommodating. Location was close to beach and shopping. Great value for area."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2024

Tide Pool Villas
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.

Getting around Santa Barbara

The only public transit option in Santa Barbara is its bus network, the SBMTD, which spans the entire city and into Santa Barbara County, as far out as Carpinteria. Taxis are very expensive in the city center, making car rental a more appealing option. If you’re staying close to the center, consider walking or cycling around Santa Barbara. It’s easy to rent a bike in the city. Visit the California Department of Transportation website.Browse Santa Barbara rental cars.

Best time to visit

Like much of California, Santa Barbara has mild weather year round, with highs of around 75 F (24 C) in July and August, and around 65 F (18 C) in December and January. This temperate climate means it’s pleasant to visit throughout the year. Summer is the busiest and most expensive time, so you may prefer to visit in May or September; most of the rain in Santa Barbara falls between December and February.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Santa Barbara