Santa Barbara’s picturesque main thoroughfare showcases some of the city’s best food, shopping, and attractions, and staying at one of these hotels on State Street puts you within walking distance of all the action. From luxury to budget-conscious, historic to modern, this diverse list of hotels on State Street is your guide to amazing places to stay in the heart of Downtown Santa Barbara.
Hotels on State Street
Harbor View Inn
Directly across the street from the ocean and close to Stearns Wharf, Harbor View Inn boasts stunning views and casual resort amenities. The four-diamond hotel is a walkable distance from popular Santa Barbara Waterfront, The Funk Zone and Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail. Guests can also take a short walk to the Dolphin Fountain, the starting point to explore more of State Street beyond Highway 101. Learn More
Hotel Californian
Built in 1925, this five-star seaside hotel features Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and modern Moorish-themed interior décor. Just one block from the Santa Barbara Amtrak Train Station, the Hotel Californian is located in the center of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone. Steps from the beach, guests of Hotel Californian also enjoy amenities for daily excursions, including bicycles, beach chairs, and umbrellas. Learn More
Riviera Beach House
This stylish, artful hotel makes the most of limited space, offers first-class amenities and is perfect for travelers visiting Santa Barbara sans car. Riviera Beach House is the closest hotel to the Santa Barbara Amtrak Train Station and has a public bus stop just outside the front entrance. MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation is next door and the Funk Zone is just a short walk away. Wheel Fun Rentals is also close by if two-wheel transportation is more your style. Learn More
Hotel Santa Barbara
Less than half a mile from the ocean and one block from the Instagram-worthy Paseo Nuevo outdoor shopping mall is the elegant Hotel Santa Barbara. Known for its warm hospitality and rich history, this boutique-style hotel in Downtown Santa Barbara has excellent proximity to the hustle and bustle of State Street while also promising a relaxed and tranquil stay. Learn More
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
In addition to its convenient proximity to downtown Santa Barbara, Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton provides modern amenities while embracing its historic roots. Guests can enjoy bike rentals and a complimentary breakfast bar, as well as spacious rooms with Spanish Revival details like exposed brick, unique tilework and wrought iron railings. Just blocks from East and West Beach, Stearns Wharf and Paseo Nuevo, Hotel Virginia is an excellent base for adventure. Learn More
Drift Santa Barbara
Drift Santa Barbara, one of State Street’s newest hotels, is where Baja California meets coastal-cool simplicity. The attention to detail in every aspect of the design aesthetic is apparent in every corner of the hotel and welcomes guests to think of the space as their home away from home. Early risers can make the easy commute to the hotel’s coffee shop, Dawn Café, for a creative caffeine concoction, or night owls can enjoy agave-forward libations at the neighboring cocktail bar, Dusk Bar. Learn More
Photo by Erin Feinblatt
MIDDLE STATE STREET
Orange Tree Inn
The casual Orange Tree Inn is perfectly positioned near several of Santa Barbara’s historic and cultural attractions—just a 10-minute walk from the Old Mission Santa Barbara and a 15-minute walk to the Arlington and Granada Theatres. With plenty of dining and shopping options nearby, the Orange Tree Inn is a great wallet-friendly option that gives you access to all that Santa Barbara has to offer. Learn More
Courtyard Santa Barbara - Downtown
Courtyard Santa Barbara– Downtown is located steps away from the Santa Barbara A.R.T.S. District, providing visitors an ideal Santa Barbara stay next to historic theaters, fine dining and unique shopping. The design aesthetic takes a refreshing modern approach, giving it an edge above many Courtyard Marriott properties. Take in views of the city from the rooftop patio or take advantage of the delicious on-property restaurant Saint Remy for a Mediterranean-influenced dining experience like no other. From your hotel room, take a short walk to Santa Barbara landmarks like the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Opt to explore all of downtown Santa Barbara by walking along State Street and down towards the Presidio neighborhood. Learn More
Upper State Street
Lemon Tree Inn
Established as a motor hotel in 1960, Lemon Tree Inn has retained its retro style over the years while adopting modern additions. Its one-acre tropical courtyard in the center of the property offers a quiet escape after full days of exploring downtown Santa Barbara. The State & Alamar bus stop is a quick walk from the hotel and takes you to the middle of Downtown Santa Barbara, where it’s easy to walk, wander, and explore. Learn More
Motel 6
Synonymous with great travel value, Motel 6 on upper State Street offers budget travelers the opportunity to maximize their Santa Barbara stay. Within walking distance to area dining and a short distance to Downtown Santa Barbara, let Motel 6 be your jumping-off point to explore all that Santa Barbara has to see and do. Fun fact, did you know that Motel 6 got its start in Santa Barbara in 1962? While the original location is still located along Santa Barbara’s Waterfront, enjoy the namesake that got its start in The American Riviera®. Learn More
Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
The Spanish-inspired casual resort hotel is less than a mile from Highway 101 and conveniently adjacent to the shops and restaurants of La Cumbre Plaza. Guests enjoy garden pathways, hacienda-style furnishings and amenities including heated pools, whirlpools, massage facilities and private patios and balconies. Getting to the heart of Downtown Santa Barbara is easy, too, with the State & Hope Santa Barbara MTD station just a short walk away. Learn More
Just Off State Street
Kimpton Canary Hotel
One block off State Street in Downtown Santa Barbara is The Kimpton Canary Hotel, a deluxe boutique hotel with Old World charm. Popular Santa Barbara landmarks, museums, shopping and world-class dining are all accessible by foot or bike—that is, if you can pull yourself away from the spectacular view from the rooftop pool deck. Learn More
Cheshire Cat Inn
This charming, family-owned-and-operated bed and breakfast comprises two Queen Anne-style homes, four California craftsman cottages and a Coach House all surrounded by lush gardens. Located just four blocks from downtown, the Cheshire Cat Inn is also near the historical Arlington and Granada theaters and just five blocks from the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and the Santa Barbara Art Museum. Learn More
Moxy Santa Barbara
Located in the popular Funk Zone and along the Urban Wine Trail, Moxy Santa Barbara caters to travelers who want to be in the center of the action throughout their visit. This hipster-chic boutique hotel offers quaint rooms with everything you need. You’ll have access to a community kitchen, dining room and games (much like a hostel), along with fun hotel-style amenities like a heated pool, complimentary breakfast, and bike rentals. Learn More