Best Santa Barbara Beach Hotels

We checked thousands of reviews on and to find the best hotels for your stay
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Gertrude Collins

Updated: 21 March 2024 · 5 min

Nestled between the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean and the majestic peaks of the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara is a picturesque paradise that beckons travelers with its natural beauty and laid-back elegance. From the moment you step into one of these oceanfront sanctuaries, you're greeted with breathtaking views, exceptional service, and an atmosphere that encapsulates the serene and inviting spirit of Santa Barbara.

Choosing the right Santa Barbara beach hotel can elevate your vacation experience from enjoyable to unforgettable. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solitary retreat to recharge, there's a beachfront property tailored to every need and desire. These hotels not only offer direct access to pristine sands and azure waters but also boast amenities such as spa services, gourmet dining, and ocean-view balconies that ensure your stay is as comfortable as it is memorable.

For those eager to explore the rich cultural tapestry and vibrant outdoor activities Santa Barbara has to offer, staying in a beach hotel provides the perfect base. You're just steps away from engaging in water sports, discovering historic landmarks, and savoring local wine and cuisine. Let this guide to the best Santa Barbara beach hotels be your compass to finding the ideal accommodation that promises a balance of exploration and relaxation, all while immersing you in the breathtaking scenery that makes Santa Barbara a destination like no other.
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Our Top 10

(Sorted by rating & number of reviews)

1. Cabrillo Inn At The Beach
2. Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
3. El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
4. Motel 6-Santa Barbara, Ca - Beach
5. Hotel Californian
6. The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection By Hilton Hotel
7. Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
8. Simpson House Inn
9. Mar Monte Hotel, In The Unbound Collection By Hyatt
10. Mar Monte Hotel, In The Unbound Collection By Hyatt

Luxury Santa Barbara Beach Hotels

Check Availability

Santa Barbara
Mar 19, 2026 - Mar 20, 2026

Cabrillo Inn At The Beach

7.3

Good

(1543 Reviews)

+ 14 photos
Enjoy breathtaking ocean views without the premium price tag at the Cabrillo Inn at the Beach. Situated directly across from East Beach, the inn offers guests a range of accommodation options from affordable traditional rooms to more spacious ocean view rooms. A continental breakfast, outdoor pool, and sun deck add comfort to your stay, all while keeping within a reasonable budget. The Cabrillo Inn’s prime location and friendly service make it a fantastic option for those seeking value and beauty in their Santa Barbara beach accommodation.
Address: 931 East Cabrillo Boulevard
Rating: Good 7.3 (1543 Reviews)
Rooms: 39
Price: From 134$

Hotel Milo Santa Barbara

7.5

Good

(1154 Reviews)

+ 158 photos
Overlooking the shimmering Pacific, Hotel Milo Santa Barbara offers a delightful blend of beachfront charm and family-friendly amenities. This idyllic hotel, inspired by the Spanish Colonial heritage of the city, features 122 guest rooms and suites, each designed with comfort and ease in mind. Families can enjoy two outdoor pools, complimentary bicycle rentals to explore the waterfront, and a variety of beach activities designed to entertain guests of all ages. The hotel’s central location also means that Santa Barbara’s famous zoo, wharf, and downtown are all easily accessible. With its laid-back vibe and thoughtful amenities, Hotel Milo ensures that families have a relaxing and engaging base from which to explore the wonders of Santa Barbara.
Address: 202 West Cabrillo Boulevard
Rating: Good 7.5 (1154 Reviews)
Rooms: 121
Price: From 167$

Family-Friendly Santa Barbara Beach Hotels

Experience the joy of a beach vacation that caters to guests of all ages with our carefully curated list of family-friendly Santa Barbara beach hotels. These properties not only offer easy beach access that kids and adults alike will love, but they also provide a host of family-oriented amenities like swimming pools, kid’s clubs, and spacious accommodations. Whether your family looks forward to building sandcastles on the beach, exploring the vibrant local culture, or simply relaxing together in a beautiful setting, these hotels are designed to make your family vacation both fun and relaxing. Chosen for their welcoming atmosphere, excellent service, and engaging activities, these Santa Barbara beach hotels promise a memorable escape for families seeking adventure and relaxation in equal measure.

El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara

9.3

Good

(115 Reviews)

+ 352 photos
Perched high above the Pacific Ocean, Belmond El Encanto stands out as a captivating haven of luxury, offering a unique vantage point of Santa Barbara and its stunning beaches. This iconic property, known for its historic bungalows and lush landscaped gardens, offers a secluded escape that encapsulates the essence of California's coastal elegance. Each of the 92 individually designed accommodations offers an enchanting mix of comfort and style, with elegant furnishings and modern amenities. Guests can savor locally sourced cuisine at the award-winning restaurant, indulge in spa treatments that incorporate the healing elements of the sea, and relax by an infinity-edge pool that seems to blend into the ocean horizon. Belmond El Encanto’s commitment to providing an idyllic, luxury experience makes it a jewel among Santa Barbara beach hotels, where every stay promises to be an unforgettable one.
Address: 800 Alvarado Place
Rating: Good 9.3 (115 Reviews)
Rooms: 89
Price: From 474$

Motel 6-Santa Barbara, Ca - Beach

8.1

Good

(1880 Reviews)

+ 44 photos
A testament to the adage that location is everything, Motel 6 Santa Barbara - Beach is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on convenience or essential comforts. As the closest motel to the ocean in Santa Barbara, guests are just steps away from soaking up the sun on the beach. The hotel offers modern, clean rooms, an outdoor pool, and complimentary parking, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking for simplicity and value right by the sea.
Address: 443 Corona Del Mar
Rating: Good 8.1 (1880 Reviews)
Rooms: 52
Price: From 291$

Budget-Friendly Santa Barbara Beach Hotels

Discover the charm of Santa Barbara without breaking the bank with our selection of budget-friendly Santa Barbara beach hotels. These hotels offer an affordable gateway to the stunning landscapes and inviting beaches of Santa Barbara, ensuring that guests enjoy comfort and convenience at a great value. Ideal for travelers who want to spend their days exploring or lounging by the ocean without overspending on accommodations, these properties feature essential amenities, friendly service, and easy access to the beach. Each hotel has been selected for its ability to provide a comfortable and cost-effective stay, allowing guests to focus on creating memorable experiences in this beautiful coastal city.

Hotel Californian

8.3

Good

(223 Reviews)

+ 166 photos
The Hotel Californian is a beacon of luxury and design, situated in the very heart of Santa Barbara's vibrant Funk Zone and mere steps from the beach. Featuring Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and modern Moorish themed interior decor, this hotel offers a sensory experience that is both engaging and soothing. Guests can enjoy a full-service spa, rooftop pool, and three distinctive dining venues, each offering unique and savory cuisine. The Hotel Californian provides not just a stay but an exploration of design, comfort, and culinary excellence, making it a standout amongst boutique Santa Barbara beach hotels.
Address: 36 State Street
Rating: Good 8.3 (223 Reviews)
Rooms: 100
Price: From 868$

The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection By Hilton Hotel

7.6

Good

(197 Reviews)

+ 178 photos
For those looking to capture the laid-back essence of Santa Barbara with a bohemian twist, The Kimpton Goodland in Goleta offers a boutique experience that’s hard to beat. This hotel embraces the surf culture and artistic spirit of the area, with record players in every room and a vintage VW van parked out front. It features an outdoor pool, yoga classes, and a lively social scene anchored by its restaurant and bar, making it a perfect retreat for the young and the young-at-heart. The Kimpton Goodland offers a distinctive blend of style, comfort, and vibrancy, ensuring a memorable stay.
Address: 5650 Calle Real
Rating: Good 7.6 (197 Reviews)
Rooms: 158
Price: From 109$

Boutique Santa Barbara Beach Hotels

Escape to a world of unique charm and intimate atmospheres with our selection of boutique Santa Barbara beach hotels. Each hotel in this category has been hand-picked for its distinct personality, exceptional service, and commitment to providing a memorable stay. Whether nestled in secluded gardens or perched on the edge of the ocean, these boutique hotels offer a more personal and unforgettable alternative to larger resorts. Guests can look forward to tailored experiences, from custom-designed rooms to exquisite dining options, all set against the stunning backdrop of Santa Barbara's natural beauty. Embark on a stay that transcends the ordinary in these boutique havens of luxury and style.

Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara

9.2

Good

(103 Reviews)

+ 179 photos
Step into the timeless luxury of the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, a classic hotel offering an unrivaled beachfront experience. Built in the 1920s, this historic resort combines Spanish Colonial architecture with lush gardens and sweeping ocean views, creating a picturesque backdrop for your stay. The hotel’s 207 rooms and suites are luxuriously appointed, providing guests with an intimate and elegant home away from home. Guests can indulge in exclusive access to Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club, which features an Olympic-size pool, a world-class spa, and dining overlooking the Pacific. The Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara is the epitome of luxury, offering discerning travelers a peaceful retreat with meticulous attention to detail and warm, personalized service.
Address: 1260 Channel Drive
Rating: Good 9.2 (103 Reviews)
Rooms: 207
Price: From 645$

Simpson House Inn

9.3

Good

(231 Reviews)

+ 197 photos
Nestled within an acre of English gardens, the Simpson House Inn is an oasis of tranquility located just steps from Santa Barbara's historic downtown and beautiful beaches. This charming Victorian estate has been meticulously restored to offer 15 guest rooms, suites, and cottages, each decorated with antiques and period furnishings. Offering a bed and breakfast experience with the luxury of a boutique hotel, guests can enjoy a gourmet breakfast, evening wine tasting, and hors d'oeuvres, all included with their stay. The Simpson House Inn's attention to detail, warm hospitality, and secluded setting make it an ideal choice for those seeking a boutique experience in Santa Barbara.
Address: 121 East Arrellaga Street
Rating: Good 9.3 (231 Reviews)
Rooms: 15
Price: From 455$

Mar Monte Hotel, In The Unbound Collection By Hyatt

7.3

Good

(463 Reviews)

+ 155 photos
For families desiring a blend of historical charm and modern amenities, the Mar Monte Hotel presents a perfect choice. Situated along the beautiful coastline of Santa Barbara, this hotel offers easy access to the beach and panoramic ocean views. Guests can enjoy newly renovated rooms that combine the elegance of yesteryear with contemporary comfort, making them ideal for families. The hotel boasts an outdoor pool, Italian cuisine at the on-site restaurant, and a variety of family-friendly programming including movie nights and beach activities. Its warm, inviting atmosphere and attentive service ensure that stays at Mar Monte Hotel are filled with joyous memories for both young guests and their parents, making it a standout among Santa Barbara beach hotels for families.
Address: 1111 East Cabrillo Boulevard
Rating: Good 7.3 (463 Reviews)
Rooms: 178
Price: From 156$

Mar Monte Hotel, In The Unbound Collection By Hyatt

7.3

Good

(463 Reviews)

+ 155 photos
The Hyatt Centric Santa Barbara stands as a beacon of comfort and convenience for families looking to enjoy the best of the city and its beaches. Positioned directly across from East Beach, the hotel offers guests direct access to the sand and surf, along with stunning views of the ocean. The property features 200 modern rooms, including family suites that provide extra space for spreading out. Families will appreciate the outdoor pool, on-site dining options that cater to young palates, and the proximity to attractions like the Santa Barbara Zoo. The Hyatt Centric’s commitment to creating a family-friendly environment, combined with its prime location, makes it an ideal choice for families seeking a fun and stress-free Santa Barbara beach vacation.
Address: 1111 East Cabrillo Boulevard
Rating: Good 7.3 (463 Reviews)
Rooms: 178
Price: From 156$