Find Historic Hotels in Santa Barbara, CA

Visitors love the rich history they find on a trip to Santa Barbara. And while you’re here, you can visit the array of shops and scenic seaside. And also relish a stop at the top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Based on our travel knowledge, Harbor House Inn is a top hotel on Expedia for those interested in history, and it features free parking and free WiFi. Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a short 4-minute drive away. A couple of other options near historic sites include Sandpiper Lodge and Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach.

Santa Barbara is home to 1140 hotels and other accommodations bookable on Expedia though you won’t find many designated historic hotels.

Santa Barbara is notable for landmarks like Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Mission Santa Barbara, and Presidio Santa Barbara. Cultural venues include Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Arlington Theater, and Lobero Theater. A couple of additional sights to add to your agenda are Santa Barbara Historical Museum and Santa Barbara Bowl.

By booking a historic hotel, guests can enjoy a vacation in a place that has an officially recognized historic designation. A palace, castle, stately home or even a lodge, pub, or skyscraper can be transformed into a historic hotel as long as it’s a place of special interest. Traditional architecture and period features are often preserved in the communal spaces and guestrooms of such hotels in Santa Barbara, bringing the history to life.

You’ll often hear the term “heritage hotel” in Asia and Europe, while “historic hotel” is a term often used in the U.S. though overall the terms are quite similar. The building and architecture of historic hotels tend to be the most significant aspect. For a heritage hotel, it’s mainly the cultural value as well as how it shaped the community.

Hotel interiors feature the modern conveniences and safety features you’ve come to expect, though efforts have been made to preserve treasured traditions and historic facades. Smart TVs, WiFi, updated bathroom facilities, and the usual amenities found in most hotels will be available in a historic hotel. Rest assured that when you select a historic hotel in Santa Barbara, you won’t find a place that’s uncomfortable for guests or simply rundown.