Travel

Flight

Santa Barbara Airport (SBA)

Flying into Santa Barbara’s own airport (SBA) is the best way to get here (easy in and out). The airport is about 20 minutes from downtown.

Flight

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

LAX is about two hours away from Santa Barbara, and usually offers better fares and more flight options to get to Santa Barbara -- but it means driving through Los Angeles traffic to get here. Santa Barbara Airbus is a hassle-free way to get from LAX to SB (see notes below).

Travel Note

Santa Barbara Airbus

If you opt to fly into LAX but don't want to rent a car, the Santa Barbara Airbus provides convenient shuttle service every 2-3 hours between LAX and Santa Barbara. One-way fare to/from LAX is around $60 (see website for specifics) Reservations are highly recommended! In Santa Barbara, the Airbus stops at 121 Hope Avenue (La Cumbre Plaza) -- a short Uber ride from local hotels.

Train

Amtrak

The Santa Barbara Amtrak station is near Santa Barbara's waterfront -- and the ride here is beautiful!

Hotel

Canary Santa Barbara

Four-star hotel one block from State Street and downtown restaurants -- with a rooftop pool TripAdvisor 4.5/5

Hotel

Franciscan Inn & Suites

Three-star hotel located one block from the beach and Stearns Wharf TripAdvisor rated 4.6/5

Hotel

Harbor House Inn

Cool 3-star hotel one block from the beach TripAdvisor rated 4.8/5

Hotel

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Four-star 24-acre resort across the street from Chase Palm Park and East Beach TripAdvisor 3.7/5

Hotel

Hotel Californian

Five-star hotel on lower State Street, near Stearns Wharf and the popular Funk Zone. Upscale! TripAdvisor rated 4.3/5

Hotel

Hotel Milo Santa Barbara

Three-star hotel across the street from the beach and next door to the original Sambo's. TripAdvisor 4.0/5

Hotel

Hotel Santa Barbara

A historic three-star hotel on a bustling block in downtown Santa Barbara. The hotel is currently undergoing some renovation and beautification (to be completed by July, they say). TripAdvisor rated 4.2/5

Hotel

Lemon Tree Inn

Budget-friendly three-star hotel about four miles from the beach TripAdvisor 3.6/5

Hotel

Marina Beach Motel

Another three-star place near the beach with good reviews TripAdvisor rated 4.5/5

Hotel

Santa Barbara Inn

Three-star hotel across the street from East Beach -- onsite restaurant (Convivo) is very popular TripAdvisor rated 4.7/5