Find out more about Santa Barbara
Enjoy a festive Christmas vacation in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara offers a pleasant winter escape from December to March. Explore attractions like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, or shop at Paseo Nuevo Mall. Many properties are near Santa Barbara Harbor or East Beach, providing options for every traveler.
Santa Barbara hotels for Christmas vacations
For a Christmas vacation in Santa Barbara, travelers can explore attractions like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, and the Santa Barbara Harbor. The featured hotels offer convenient locations near the beach or downtown, providing comfortable stays for holiday trips.
This bed & breakfast in the Santa Barbara Beach neighborhood offers air conditioning and bicycle rental, making it easy to explore the area during the holidays. Travelers appreciate its 9.4 out of 10 guest rating.
- Other amenities: Guests can enjoy couples treatment rooms, deep soaking bathtubs, and free cooked breakfast.
- Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
- Nearby attractions: Santa Barbara Harbor (about a 5-minute walk), Carriage and Western Art Museum (about a 5-minute walk), Moreton Bay Fig Tree (about a 5-minute walk)
Located in the Santa Barbara Beach neighborhood, this resort provides beach sun loungers and air conditioning for a relaxing Christmas getaway. The property has a guest rating of 7.8 out of 10.
- Other amenities: Travelers can use the electric car charging station, fitness room, and full service spa.
- Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
- Nearby attractions: East Beach (about a 5-minute walk), Chase Palm Park (about a 5-minute walk), Andree Clark Bird Refuge (about a 15-minute walk)
This guesthouse in the Santa Barbara Beach neighborhood offers rooms with a courtyard view and a fireplace, providing a cozy setting for a Christmas vacation. It has a guest rating of 8.6 out of 10.
- Other amenities: The property provides highchairs for children, street parking, and free breakfast.
- Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
- Nearby attractions: Santa Barbara Harbor (about a 5-minute walk), Santa Barbara Carriage Museum (about a 5-minute walk), MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation (about a 5-minute walk)
Situated in Downtown Santa Barbara, this hotel features city views and a fitness center, suitable for travelers looking to stay active during the holidays. It has a guest rating of 9.4 out of 10.
- Other amenities: The hotel offers free bicycles, extra beds, and laundry facilities.
- Neighborhood: Downtown Santa Barbara
- Nearby attractions: Paseo Nuevo Mall (about a 5-minute walk), El Capitan Reservoir (about a 5-minute walk), De la Guerra Plaza (about a 5-minute walk)
This hotel in the Santa Barbara Beach neighborhood provides bicycle rental and air conditioning, making it convenient for exploring the area during a Christmas trip. Travelers give it a guest rating of 9.4 out of 10.
- Other amenities: Guests can enjoy rooms with a fireplace, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool.
- Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
- Nearby attractions: Carriage and Western Art Museum (about a 5-minute walk), Santa Barbara Carriage Museum (about a 5-minute walk), Reagan Ranch Center (about a 10-minute walk)
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities should I look for when booking hotels for Christmas in Santa Barbara?
When booking hotels for Christmas in Santa Barbara, look for amenities that add comfort and a festive touch to your stay. Consider properties that offer a hot tub, which can be relaxing after a day of exploring. A fireplace can create a cozy atmosphere, perfect for holiday evenings. Many travelers also enjoy a mountain view from their room or balcony.
What is the weather like in Santa Barbara at Christmas?
In December, travelers visiting Santa Barbara can expect typical daytime highs around 60°F. This time of year offers mild conditions for enjoying the area.
What types of food can I find in Santa Barbara during a Christmas trip?
During a Christmas trip to Santa Barbara, travelers can find a variety of food options. The area offers Latin American cuisine, with Mexican food being a dominant choice. European flavors are also available, including Mediterranean and Italian dishes.
What are the best things to do in Santa Barbara during a Christmas trip?
For a Christmas trip to Santa Barbara, travelers can find things to do like boat cruises, which include sunset experiences. You can also go ziplining for an outdoor adventure.
What are some places to visit in Santa Barbara during a Christmas trip?
When visiting Santa Barbara during a Christmas trip, travelers can explore Miramar Beach and Butterfly Beach. You can also experience the arts at the Arlington Theater or the Lobero Theater, a theater and chamber music hall. For an interactive experience, consider MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.
What are the best hotels to stay in Santa Barbara for Christmas?
For a Christmas stay in Santa Barbara, you can consider several hotels located in the Santa Barbara Beach neighborhood. These include The Eagle Inn, Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, and Casa Del Mar Inn, all offering a comfortable base for your holiday trip.
The Eagle Inn is a 3-star bed & breakfast with a guest rating of 9.4 out of 10, providing air conditioning for comfort. The 4-star Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is a resort with a 24-hour front desk, rated 7.8 out of 10 by guests.
Casa Del Mar Inn, a 3-star guesthouse, has a guest rating of 8.6 out of 10. This Spanish-style property offers warmth and tranquility, with its white stucco walls and lush landscaping, providing a relaxing setting for your holiday.
Are there family-friendly hotels in Santa Barbara for Christmas travel?
Yes, Santa Barbara offers several hotels with family-friendly amenities for Christmas travel. Hotel Santa Barbara, a 4.0-star stay in Downtown Santa Barbara, provides free cribs for families. Travelers give this hotel a 9.4 out of 10 guest rating.
Beachside Inn, a 3.0-star hotel located on Santa Barbara Beach, also offers free cribs and has a guest rating of 9 out of 10. For families needing a highchair for children, Casa De La Vina is a 4.0-star aparthotel with a 9.8 out of 10 guest rating.
Are there hotels for Christmas in Santa Barbara with a fireplace?
Yes, several hotels in Santa Barbara offer fireplaces, which can be a cozy feature for a Christmas vacation. Palihouse Santa Barbara, a 4-star hotel in the Laguna neighborhood, has a fireplace and a guest rating of 9.6 out of 10.
Pacific Crest Hotel Santa Barbara, rated 3 stars, also provides a fireplace and is located in the Santa Barbara Beach neighborhood, with travelers giving it an 8.6 out of 10. Rosewood Miramar Beach, a 5-star property in Montecito, offers a fireplace and has a guest rating of 9.4 out of 10.
Are there hotels for Christmas in Santa Barbara near the MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation?
Yes, several hotels in Santa Barbara are near MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, convenient for a Christmas visit. Mason Beach Inn and The Milo are both about a 5-minute walk from the museum. Inn By The Harbor is about a 10-minute walk away.
Mason Beach Inn is a 3-star hotel with a guest rating of 9.4 out of 10. The Milo, a 4-star property, has a guest rating of 8.6 out of 10. Inn By The Harbor, rated 3.5 stars, has a guest rating of 9.2 out of 10.
What are the best neighborhoods in Santa Barbara for hotels for Christmas?
For Christmas in Santa Barbara, Downtown Santa Barbara offers convenient access to holiday shopping at Paseo Nuevo Mall and La Arcada, a market. Travelers can also visit the Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum or the historic Hill-Carrillo Adobe. This area provides a central location for exploring festive activities.
Montecito is another option, featuring the Montecito Village Shopping Center for holiday needs and nearby beaches like Butterfly Beach and Hammond's Beach for a relaxing coastal Christmas. Oak Park provides access to the Santa Barbara Public Market, along with the Arlington Theater and Granada Theatre, which may host holiday shows.
Santa Barbara Beach is ideal for families, with MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and the Carriage and Western Art Museum nearby, plus East Beach. Laguna offers historic sites like the Rafael Gonzalez House and Presidio Santa Barbara, and the Lobero Theater for potential holiday performances.
Are all taxes and fees included in the prices shown for in Santa Barbara on Expedia?
Yes, with Expedia’s upfront pricing you can compare in Santa Barbara, see what you’ll pay before booking, and choose the right stay for your trip. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a premium escape, clear pricing helps you plan your trip with ease.
Can I cancel my booking for on Expedia?
Yes, you can—many Expedia hotel reservations offer free cancellation, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline. This is often within 24–48 hours of your scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use Expedia's “Fully refundable property” filter during your search to find the right in Santa Barbara.
Can I find Expedia discounts for in Santa Barbara?
To look for discounts on in Santa Barbara, join One Key™—our free travel rewards program. One Key members get instant discounts with Member Prices and can earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings. You can also save by bundling your hotel and flights together on Expedia. *Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
Can I save money by booking flights and in Santa Barbara as a package?
Booking a hotel and flight package on Expedia can be cheaper than booking flights and hotels separately. Savings vary depending on factors like destination, travel dates, and availability, so it's wise to compare options. With access to over 300,000 hotels worldwide, Expedia makes it easy to build a travel package. *Savings vary and are not available on all flight and hotel bookings.
How much does it cost to book in Santa Barbara?
Prices for in Santa Barbara vary, but you can find deals from $89 on Expedia. To find great prices, be flexible with your dates—typically, off-peak and mid-week stays are cheaper. Sort your search results by "Price: low to high" to find our lowest rates.
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