Santa Barbara Hotels

Travel Guides

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Your Guide to Exploring Santa Barbara Hotels & Activities

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Just two hours north of Los Angeles on the Pacific Coast, Santa Barbara is a jaw-droppingly beautiful seaside town that’s perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation with friends, your significant other, or the whole family. With 25 beaches, 50+ museums and galleries, dozens of wine tasting rooms, 200+ vineyards, and over 400 restaurants in a 42-square-mile area, Santa Barbara packs a punch with endless things to do, but also sets the scene for total relaxation if that’s the kind of trip you’re in search of. One of the most visited cities in California, Santa Barbara is home to celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen Degeneres, and we can see why there’s nowhere they’d rather be. Between downtown’s Mediterranean-style architecture and the region’s Mediterranean climate, incredible cuisine, gorgeous mountains, and more, exploring the American Riviera is a feast for the eyes and a vacation that will leave your glass full/battery charged. 

 

Hotels in Santa Barbara

Experience breezy luxury at the charming Kimpton Canary Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. One of the very best in the city, this boutique hotel is perfect for those seeking a sophisticated retreat. And while it doesn’t have a gym or spa on site, the hotel does have a Gold’s Gym partnership (it’s seconds from the hotel once you step outside), which gives guests complimentary access to weights and fitness classes, and a partnership with FLOAT Luxury Day Spa to bring massages and other relaxing treatments straight to your room upon request. Like all Kimptons, the Canary hosts an evening wine hour, but the real gem here is the rooftop pool and terrace with stunning Santa Ynez mountain views. This is the city’s largest pool and only rooftop pool terrace, so why not take advantage and spend some time up there with a cold drink, warm fireplace, and vistas that are straight out of a postcard.

 

Just 15 minutes from Santa Barbara is the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carpinteria, a cost-effective and peaceful alternative to staying in the lively SB area. The pet-friendly hotel has a pool, parking, and free breakfast, and boasts proximity to beautiful, safe, tranquil beaches (just half a mile away), which can be reached via a straightforward walking path that’ll drop you off in front of the Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary and the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve.

Half an hour south of Santa Barbara, the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach provides gorgeous Pacific Ocean views and easy access to Santa Barbara's landmarks. With a pool and beach access, it’s the perfect hotel for travelers who are seeking a relaxing beachfront getaway. Nearby attractions include the Ventura Pier, Surfers Point at Seaside Park, the Ventura County Fairgrounds, and Ventura Raceway. 

 

Things to Do in Santa Barbara

Explore State Street
Stroll along State Street, Santa Barbara's downtown area lined with shops, restaurants, and cultural draws. Browse boutique stores, dine at acclaimed eateries, and soak up the culture of the neighborhood.

 

Wine Tasting
Embark on a wine tasting adventure in the nearby Santa Ynez Valley, where about 9.5 million gallons of wine are produced every year. Sample award-winning wines amid picturesque landscapes, and enjoy tastings of locally produced varietals, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.

 

Take an Architectural Tour
Discover the city's rich architectural heritage on a guided tour of its historic landmarks. Explore Spanish Colonial Revival-style buildings, including the iconic Santa Barbara County Courthouse and the Old Mission Santa Barbara, known as the "Queen of the Missions." Jeff Shelton, a renowned architect who is native to the Santa Barbara area, even offers a free downloadable self-guided walking tour so you can check out all his whimsical downtown SB buildings at your own pace.

 

Take a Walk on the Wild Side
The Santa Barbara Zoo is home to over 500 animals representing 146 species. Visitors of all ages will delight in spotting exotic creatures like giraffes, elephants, and snow leopards. You’ll likely want to time your visit with daily educational presentations and interactive experiences, too. 

 

See the Sea Lions
Head to Stearns Wharf or the nearby Channel Islands to observe northern elephant seals, California sea lions, and harbor seals in their natural habitats. Marvel at these charismatic marine mammals as they bask in the sun or frolic playfully in the water with their friends. Always remember to observe nature’s sea pups from a safe distance. 

 

Hiking and Outdoor Recreation
Lace up your hiking boots and explore the scenic trails of the Santa Ynez Mountains or the nearby Los Padres National Forest. From leisurely nature walks to challenging summit hikes, Santa Barbara offers outdoor adventures for all skill levels.

Harbor Cruises and Kayaking
Take to the water and embark on a harbor cruise or kayaking excursion along the Santa Barbara coastline. Marvel at panoramic views of the city skyline and rugged shoreline, and keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and other animals.

 

Relax on the Beach
Unwind on one of Santa Barbara's pristine beaches, where you can sunbathe, swim, or simply soak up the California sunshine. From family-friendly stretches like East Beach to secluded coves like Butterfly Beach, there's a beach for every type of outdoor adventurer.

 

Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara

When it comes to dining in Santa Barbara, there are endless options to tantalize your taste buds. From upscale eateries to casual cafes, this coastal city has it all. One standout spot is Finch and Fork, inside the Kimpton Canary Hotel. Here, diners will enjoy a farm-to-table experience, with a menu showcasing locally sourced ingredients and a Central Coast-focused beer and wine list. We love the fried chicken, the Hope Ranch mussels, and the burrata with Frecker Farms root vegetables, green apple, and pistachio.

 

For those craving Mexican cuisine, the city has you covered. Head to La Super-Rica Taqueria, a beloved local gem with outdoor seating known for its authentic flavors and delicious fish tacos, tamales, and more. Or grab a seat at Empty Bowl Gourmet Noodle Bar, where you can savor Thai noodles and wash them down with a glass of wine or a beer.

 

Venture into the Funk Zone, a neighborhood bursting with creativity and culinary treasures sandwiched between Highway 101 and the ocean. Here, you can explore art galleries, breweries, and wine tasting rooms, all while sampling a diverse array of dishes. Sip some vino at Pali Wine Co or explore the city’s 20+ tasting rooms along the Urban Wine Trail.

 

How to Get Around Town

There are not just many ways to get around Santa Barbara once you’re in town, but also many ways to arrive in the city. If traveling by car, it’s about eight miles from Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) or 90 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and 100 miles from Bob Hope Burbank Airport (BUR), respectively, all via scenic Highway 101. Amtrak is another fun option for arriving in the city with stops at stations in San Diego, Orange County, LA, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties on the Pacific Surfliner, which travels along a 351-mile route.

 

Downtown Santa Barbara is pedestrian-friendly, with many attractions, shops, and restaurants within walking distance of each other. Exploring on foot allows you to take in the city's charming architecture and laid-back, upscale atmosphere at your own pace. The city is also built in a way that’s super bike-friendly, with designated bike lanes and scenic coastal trails. Renting a bike is a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore the city and its surrounding areas, too. Of course, rideshare is always an option, and if public transportation is more your speed, the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) operates bus services throughout the city and neighboring communities with routes that will connect you to shopping centers, beaches, and popular attractions.

 

The Santa Barbara Trolley offers a fully narrated, 90-minute tour of the American Riviera multiple days/times a week (Thursday through Sunday), with stops at places like the Santa Barbara Courthouse, Santa Barbara Zoo, Museum of Natural History, and the historic Old Mission. The pass is $30 per adult and $12 per child.

 

Dress for the Climate

Santa Barbara's Mediterranean climate varies, and is normally characterized by mild, sunny weather year-round. Pack light layers and comfy clothes (including swimsuits) suitable for exploring the city's attractions, beaches, and outdoor activities that can take you from day to night for warm days and cooler evenings. If walking, hiking, or biking are on your radar, make sure to bring sneakers or worn-in boots.

 

Nearby Destinations

Channel Islands National Park
Take a day trip to Channel Islands National Park and immerse yourself in pristine nature, with opportunities for hiking, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing. Channel Islands are accessible via ferry or private boat.

 

Santa Ynez Valley

Embark on a scenic drive to the Santa Ynez Valley, known for its picturesque vineyards and charming towns like Solvang (its Danish-style architecture, bakeries, and quirky shops will transport you to Denmark in an instant) and Los Olivos (where horseback riding, fun festivals, and wine tasting will make you a fast fan of the are

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