Boutique Hotels in Santa Barbara, CA

As one of California’s most visually striking cities, Santa Barbara becomes the ultimate dreamscape for your next seaside getaway. With an array of outdoor activities, pristine beaches, hiking trails in the nearby hills, and all the best dining and shopping right downtown, you won’t run out of ways to spend the day in sunny Santa Barbara. Read on for some of our top recommendations and must-see landmarks of this Spanish mission town.

Home to UC Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara City College, this town brings in thousands of students to the area each year, many of which you can find enjoying the lifestyle of Isla Vista, the resident college community on the hills adjacent to the university. There, you’ll find surf shops, bagel stops, surf breaks, and many students taking a break from their studies to soak in the sunshine and relax with friends by the shore. A fun day trip to the area offers the opportunity to visit the stunning UC campus, stroll around the UCSB Lagoon, check out the breathtaking views of the Pacific, and enjoy some of the local restaurants and bars only found in IV. Head down to Sands Beach for a surf or quick dip in the ocean before heading back to town!

While staying in the best boutique hotels in Santa Barbara, you’ll want to carve out a day or two to explore the downtown area. Home to stunning historical landmarks, this Spanish mission town boasts boutique shops, elevated restaurants, cute cafes, and a handful of theaters up and down State Street, the main downtown drag. Spend a slow day following the bustling street all the way down to its end at West Beach to sink your toes in the sand. Just to the right of State Street, down at the water’s edge, you’ll find the Santa Barbara Harbor, which houses many boats and marine rentals like kayaks and paddle boards, as well as a few fishermen reeling in the catch of the day. Walk along its dock, and you’ll find an array of seaside restaurants to choose from, including some of the best fish tacos in town! Then, for a fun culture break, head back up State Street to take a tour of the Old Mission of Santa Barbara, a beautiful Spanish mission built in 1786. The mission contains striking religious frescos, period art & artifacts, gardens with ocean views & a gift shop!

Relax in paradise from some of the top boutique hotels in Santa Barbara, and experience all things “extra” during your stay. Hang by the pool with a book or indulge in the many spa services offered to guests, including deep tissue massages, facials, mud wraps, and other cosmetic treatments to help you return from your vacation a little better than when you left! Prefer a day on the green? You’ve come to the right place, as Santa Barbara is home to six public 18-hole courses, four of which are a short drive from downtown Santa Barbara. For a shorter game, there are also a handful of nine-hole golf courses that include practice facilities.

Bring your beach towel and some sun glasses to your unforgettable Santa Barbara getaway and don’t forget to check out our top boutique hotels nearby in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Diego