Santa Barbara is less than 100 miles from Los Angeles, but with its great swathes of sandy beach, lush wineries and gorgeous Spanish colonial-style architecture, it has a totally different vibe. Glitzy and glamorous, this stretch of the American Riviera has long been popular with elegant holidaymakers, and many of the best places to stay of the best places to stay in Santa Barbara are luxurious, super-chic and wonderfully indulgent — just made for romance. Many are pet friendly too! Our recommendations also include some charming inns, perfect for hiding away in tranquil surroundings after exploring the city.

If you're eager to be in the heart of the action, base yourself in downtown Santa Barbara, with the city's top sights right on your doorstep. Highlights include the Museum of Art, the Santa Barbara Museum, the County Courthouse and Stearns Wharf — the oldest continuously operating wharf on the West Coast. Most famous, however, is the fascinating Santa Barbara Mission, a parish church founded in 1786, which features striking architecture and an intriguing insight into the region's past.

Head to The Waterfront for sweeping ocean views and gorgeous beaches, or to the laid-back residential Riviera neighbourhood, where the buzzy centre remains within easy reach. Outdoor adventurers, on the other hand, can pick a spot to stay in Eastside, close to the stunning Los Padres National Forest, brilliant for hiking and exploring. The Botanical Gardens, benefitting from the city's sub-tropical climate, are also well worth visiting, whilst family days out at the Santa Barbara Zoo come highly recommended.

There is excellent food and wine to be enjoyed in the city's trendy bars and spectacular seafood restaurants, too, as well as ample opportunities for terrific shopping. Don't forget to look out for the city's annual culture and history festivals — Santa Barbara celebrates its heritage in epic style. Much of the city's appeal lies in its wonderful climate, which makes it hugely popular with both local and international visitors. The best places in Santa Barbara fill up fast, so book your stay well in advance to avoid missing out!

The best places to stay in Santa Barbara

For Families at the Seaside

• Rosewood Miramar Beach is a striking, family-friendly hotel set right on the beach. With a specially-tailored kids' programme, kids' menus, games and specific spa treatments, this is an absolute family favourite. Expect luxurious contemporary design, innovative cocktails at three bars, an excellent spa and lots of beach activities. Glorious.
• Santa Barbara Inn is a chic, Mediterranean-style gem just moments from the beach. Interiors are spacious and elegant, with a restful white-and-cream palette. Family suites are ideal for those travelling with little ones, who will adore the two pools. The Italian food is top-notch, and the sea views breathtaking.
• Hotel Milo is a vibrant beach hotel with heaps of activities for the whole family. The vibe is lovely and laid-back, and the decor fresh and nautical, with splashes of bright blue. A fun pick for active family holidays, with attractive cabanas, two pools and a hot tub. There's a great choice of nearby eateries.

For Romance

• Kimpton Canary Hotel offers lavish suites in a historic downtown property. Generously-proportioned rooms feature chic, classic decor, as well as stunning sea views. Highlights include the rooftop pool and the fantastic Finch & Fork restaurant, specialising in local produce. A sophisticated city centre choice for grown-up glamour.
• Hideaway Santa Barbara is a chic, blue-painted boutique bolthole with nine impeccably-appointed rooms. Pick this place for its fresh feel, soothing blue-and-white palette, and spacious marble bathrooms. Little balconies are a wonderful addition, as are the homemade cookies. West Beach is within walking distance. Very romantic!
• Hotel Californian is an opulent designer bolthole, showcasing swish Riviera style through monochrome patterns and appealing attention to detail in sumptuous bedrooms, as well as Moroccan tiles in luxe bathrooms. Moments from the beach and boasting a celebrated spa, this is a super exclusive coastal choice for refined, romantic travellers.

For a Downtown Stay

• The Upham is the oldest operating hotel in Southern California. It now offers elegant, well-priced rooms in a pretty Victorian building and collection of cottages. Cosy and ideally location for discovering the downtown area on foot. A charming, historic choice with great family suite options.
• Haley Hotel offers 17 nautically-themed rooms in a lovely downtown B&B. Stay here for the relaxed, sociable vibe — great for meeting other guests in communal areas. Rooms are simple and stylish, and there are fun board games — including giant chess — to play on the terrace. Very chilled!
• The Wayfarer is a trendy, modern spot in the city's central Funk Zone. Industrial-style interiors are bold and quirky, there's a lively games room, great communal areas, and adaptable spaces for groups or families. A laid-back, youthful choice for creative-minded travellers.

For a Charming Inn

• Simpson House Inn is a Victorian mansion-turned-B&B, set in an acre of glorious English gardens. Accommodation is elegant and classic in style, breakfasts are gourmet and every evening there's wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres for all. An intimate choice for tranquil travellers.
• Inn on Summerhill promises sixteen comfortable rooms in a quirky, Craftsman property. Think distinctive wooden ceilings, four-poster beds and roaring fireplaces. Contemporary decor in a traditional building. An intimate pick for couples, with sea or garden views.
• Cheshire Cat is a Victorian B&B with tastefully-decorated rooms — some of which feature whirlpool baths! Cosy beds are topped with patterned quilts, and there are armchairs aplenty for curling up in front of the fire. A charming spot for exploring the city and the coast, both of which are within easy reach.
• The Eagle Inn is an attractive, family-run base featuring period furnishings in 37 comfortable rooms. Children are welcome, there are stacks of nearby activities, and both the harbour and the city centre are within walking distance. A relaxed inn, tucked inside a gorgeous building. Great for families!

For a luxury resort

• Four Seasons The Biltmore promises historic glamour in a collection of Spanish Colonial villas and bungalows, set across 22 acres of lush gardens bordering the Pacific. An indulgent American Riviera resort, the hotel features three superb restaurants, a fabulous spa and loads of activities for the whole family. An opulent seafront pick.
• Bacara Resort & Spa boasts a beautiful oceanfront setting, 15 minutes along the coast from Santa Barbara. Expect wooden beams and stylish blue-and-white interiors in whitewashed buildings, a superb spa, as well as tennis, golf, kayakng and a lovely kids' club. A luxurious family choice, with wellness and style at its heart. The Catalonian restaurant is a highlight!
• San Ysidro Ranch is nestled amidst 500 acres in the Montecito foothills, with dramatic views over the Pacific. Join a growing list of illustrious past guests — including the likes of JFK and Laurence Olivier — as you unwind in gorgeous rooms with muslin-draped four poster beds, feast on gourmet cuisine and try myriad activities — from golf to trekking, yoga or cycling. The cottages are brilliant for families, and kids will love the range of things to do. An old-school ranch retreat.
• Belmond El Encanto is an iconic Santa Barbara resort, with elegant suites and bungalows dotted around seven acres of verdant gardens, minutes from the beach and the Pacific Ocean. Live out your swish Riviera dreams in the gorgeous infinity pool, enjoy rejuvenating treaments at the soothing spa, and savour sublime fare at the resort's restaurants. A glittering Hollywood hideaway, perfect for a dream honeymoon.

For An Apartment or Holiday Villa

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Santa Barbara?

• Fly to Santa Barbara Airport, just seven miles west of the city centre and easily accessible by bus or taxi. For international arrivals, travel to Los Angeles International Airport, hopping aboard the Airbus shuttle to Santa Barbara.
• California is brilliant for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• A year-round destination, Santa Barbara is especially busy during the summer months. Time your trip for the spring (March - May) or autumn (September - November) for fewer crowds, cooler temperatures and great hotel offers.

Still not sure?

• Explore our pick of all the best places to stay in Los Angeles.
• Broaden your search to include the best places to stay in California.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Santa Barbara