Where to Stay in Santa Barbara: Pet Friendly Hotels
Santa Barbara, often referred to as the ‘American Riviera,’ enchants visitors with its stunning coastal views, vibrant culture, and rich history. From the picturesque beaches to the bustling downtown filled with gourmet dining and lively nightlife, this charming city offers a little something for everyone, making it a perfect getaway destination.
For travelers who can’t bear to leave their furry friends behind, exploring pet-friendly hotels in Santa Barbara is essential. Choosing the right accommodation not only enhances your stay but also ensures that you and your pet can enjoy all the beauty this area has to offer. Dive into our guide to discover the best places to stay, nearby neighborhoods, top attractions, and helpful travel tips!
In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation
| Category | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| 5 star / luxury |
El Encanto Santa Barbara The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara Hotel Californian |
| 4 star hotels |
The Milo Palihouse Santa Barbara |
| Resorts |
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG Rosewood Miramar Beach |
Find Hotels, Resorts, and Rentals Nearby in these Cities & Neighborhoods
Stay Near Santa Barbara's Top Attractions
RefinedLuxuryHotels can help you find hotels, resorts, and rentals near many of Santa Barbara's top attractions, neighborhoods, and points of interest.
Recommended accommodation
Accommodations, Pools, Parking, Romantic, Gites, Pet-friendly, 4-star, Gostinicies, Rooms, Alberghi, Lodgings, Beach, Hot tubs, Places to stay, Family, Accessible hotels
Good
1637 reviews
Accommodations, Pools, Parking, Spa, Gites, Pet-friendly, 5-star, Gostinicies, Rooms, Alberghi, Lodgings, Places to stay, Family, Accessible hotels
Superb
76 reviews
Accommodations, Pools, Resorts, Parking, Romantic, Boutique, Gites, Pet-friendly, 4-star, Gostinicies, Rooms, Alberghi, Lodgings, Places to stay, Accessible hotels
Very Good
101 reviews
Accommodations, Pools, Parking, Spa, Golf, Gites, Pet-friendly, 5-star, Gostinicies, Rooms, Alberghi, Lodgings, Beach, Hot tubs, Places to stay, Family, Accessible hotels
Very Good
148 reviews
Luxury, Cheap, Accommodations, Pools, Parking, Gites, Pet-friendly, 4-star, Gostinicies, Rooms, Alberghi, Lodgings, Places to stay
Superb
210 reviews
Things to do and Activities in Santa Barbara
🎫 Local Experiences & Attractions in Santa Barbara
✨ Things to Do
Wine Tasting in the Funk Zone: Explore Santa Barbara's vibrant Funk Zone, home to numerous wine tasting rooms. Visitors can sample local wines and enjoy the artistic atmosphere.
🔗 Check Availability on GetYourGuide
Biking Along the Beach: Rent a bike and ride along Santa Barbara's scenic waterfront. Enjoy ocean views and stop at popular spots like Stearns Wharf and East Beach.
🔗 Check Availability on GetYourGuide
Santa Barbara Harbor Cruise: Take a relaxing cruise around Santa Barbara Harbor. Experience beautiful coastal views and spot sea life while learning about the local maritime history.
🔗 Check Availability on GetYourGuide
📍 Top Attractions
Santa Barbara Mission: Discover the rich history of the Santa Barbara Mission, known for its beautiful architecture and gardens. Visitor Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds.
Dramatic Courthouse: Visit the Santa Barbara Courthouse, famous for its stunning Spanish-Moorish architecture. Climb the clock tower for panoramic views of the city.
Stearns Wharf: Enjoy leisure activities at Stearns Wharf, where you can dine, shop, or visit the Sea Center. It’s a perfect spot for sunset viewing.
Travel Tips for Santa Barbara
💡 Essential Logistics & Insider Tips for Santa Barbara
🚆 Getting Around
The Core Tip: Most visitors get around Santa Barbara by car, as public transit options are limited and attractions are spread out.
The Pro Move: To avoid traffic, plan your driving or trips during off-peak hours, typically before 9 AM and after 6 PM.
📅 Timing Your Trip
The Core Tip: Summer is the peak tourist season, with warm weather encouraging beach activities and outdoor events.
The Pro Move: Visit popular spots like Stearns Wharf early in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy a quieter experience and better lighting for photos.
🚶 Getting Around Safely
The Core Tip: Santa Barbara is relatively walkable, especially in areas like Downtown and along State Street, where many shops and restaurants are located.
The Pro Move: Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and prefer well-lit streets or busy areas while walking.
💳 Money & Payments
The Core Tip: Most hotels, restaurants, and attractions accept credit cards, making transactions convenient for travelers.
The Pro Move: Keep some cash on hand for small purchases at local markets or food trucks, which may prefer cash payments.
✈️ Airport / Arrival Tips
The Core Tip: Santa Barbara Airport offers rideshare services, taxis, and a shuttle service to downtown locations.
The Pro Move: Follow airport signage to the rideshare pickup area to streamline your arrival process, saving time for your first destination.
