The 8 Best Inns in Santa Barbara CA – 2025 Update
We analyzed every option, combing through countless traveler reviews, and found the best inns in Santa Barbara California that bring a mix of charm, comfort, and unique character.
These properties, each with their own appeal, range from budget-friendly retreats to high-end, ultra-cozy hideaways.
Santa Barbara’s got that relaxed California feel, but with a bit of old-school elegance, and these inns fit right into that picture.
Table of Contents
Methodology
To determine the best best inns in Santa Barbara CA, we dug through traveler reviews on Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, and Expedia, checking out feedback on service, comfort, location, and overall experience.
In every case, we looked at what amenities guests kept mentioning—because if people can’t stop talking about a place’s breakfasts or how close it is to the beach, that’s probably worth noting.
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The Top 8 Santa Barbara Inns – Boutique Tranquility in CA
8. Coast Village Inn – Top Budget-Friendly Pick
Google Reviews Score: 4.4 out of 5.0
Key Highlights:
- 28 guest rooms featuring modern yet cozy designs
- Just a short walk to Butterfly Beach
- On-site pool and access to a nearby fitness center
The Coast Village Inn is that rare gem that balances affordability with style. The atmosphere is relaxed, the rooms are clean-cut but not too plain, and the location is, frankly, a dream for the price.
You’re only minutes from the water, with Butterfly Beach practically calling your name. The guest spaces are designed with a modern but not overly flashy approach, featuring soft lighting and simple, well-thought-out furnishings.
What’s great about this inn is that it gives you the feeling of being near the action without the noise of it.
Montecito’s upscale dining and boutique shopping are within easy reach, so, in a way, you get a taste of luxury without the over-the-top price tag.
If you want a spot where you can wake up, stroll to a café, and then head to the beach without spending a fortune, this might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Overall, the Coast Village Inn is one of the best inns Santa Barbara has to offer, especially for the price.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
7. Secret Garden Inn & Cottages
Google Reviews Score: 4.6 out of 5.0
Key Highlights:
- Secretive garden-style setting with charming cottages
- Each cottage includes a private hot tub
- Homemade breakfasts with fresh, local ingredients
This is the kind of property where you can step in and immediately feel like you’ve left the busy world behind. Hidden among trees and flowers, Secret Garden Inn & Cottages feels more like a peaceful escape than just a regular place to stay.
The cottages, tucked into the lush surroundings, offer cozy interiors and private hot tubs, which make it hard not to feel completely relaxed.
The breakfasts are a major highlight here—homemade, full of fresh, local ingredients, and served with a level of care that’s hard to find in bigger hotels.
If you like a bit of solitude, something that leans more towards a private getaway, this inn could be exactly what you’re after. Despite feeling tucked away, it’s still close to downtown, so you don’t have to sacrifice convenience for that quiet, personal atmosphere.
Overall, we think Secret Garden Inn & Cottages is one of the best Santa Barbara inns, especially for travelers who really want some quietness.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
6. Cheshire Cat Inn
Google Reviews Score: 4.7 out of 5.0
Key Highlights:
- Alice in Wonderland-inspired decor
- Afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres served daily
- Located near the historic Santa Barbara Mission
With a name like Cheshire Cat Inn, you’d expect something quirky, and that’s exactly what you get. The rooms and suites have a whimsical, playful design, with elegant but slightly fun touches that make the space feel inviting.
There’s a mix of vintage and modern, with soft pastels and old-fashioned furnishings creating an atmosphere that feels a bit magical.
It’s a spot where you can sip wine in the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the garden, and just enjoy the slower pace of things.
The location is close to the historic Santa Barbara Mission, which makes for an interesting and scenic walk. If you like inns that are just a little bit different, with a theme that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this one could be a perfect fit, making it one of the best Santa Barbara inns to consider.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
5. Lavender Inn by the Sea
Google Reviews Score: 4.4 out of 5.0
Key Highlights:
- 23 rooms designed for comfort and relaxation
- Complimentary wine and cheese reception in the evenings
- Walking distance to Stearns Wharf and the harbor
Lavender Inn by the Sea has that classic coastal California charm, but with just a little extra warmth and personality.
The rooms feel bright, fresh, and, as the name suggests, come with soft lavender touches that add to the whole soothing effect. It’s a place that makes unwinding feel effortless. The outdoor pool, surrounded by greenery, adds to the low-key but inviting vibe.
Guests rave about the little touches—warm cookies at check-in, wine and cheese receptions in the evenings, and complimentary bike rentals to explore Santa Barbara with ease.
If you’re looking for something that blends relaxation with just enough luxury to feel special, this place does the trick. And since it’s a short walk to the harbor, you don’t even need a car to enjoy some of the best ocean views in town.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
4. Bath Street Inn
Google Reviews Score: 4.7 out of 5.0
Key Highlights:
- Charming Victorian-style inn with antique decor
- Homemade afternoon tea and cookies
- Located in a peaceful residential neighborhood
Bath Street Inn features old-school, vintage charm with a slightly European feel. If you like places with character, where every piece of furniture tells a bit of a story, this inn delivers.
The rooms feature antique-style décor, floral patterns, and little details that make the space feel warm and welcoming. It’s got that home-away-from-home feel, but with just a bit more personality.
The location is slightly removed from the busier parts of Santa Barbara, which means the surroundings are calm and quiet, yet you’re still within easy reach of everything downtown has to offer.
If you enjoy places where you can sip on freshly brewed tea in the afternoon, with the scent of baked goods in the air, this inn might feel just right.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
3. Harbor House Inn – Top Value Pick
Google Reviews Score: 4.8 out of 5.0
Key Highlights:
- 17 individually designed suites with full kitchens
- Complimentary beach cruiser bicycles for guests
- Less than two blocks from West Beach
Harbor House Inn is one of those places that somehow feels both incredibly relaxed and slightly refined at the same time.
The suites, all individually decorated, have a personality that makes them feel more like vacation rentals than just typical guest rooms. With full kitchens and cozy seating areas, it’s the kind of spot where you can settle in rather than just crash for the night.
The location is a real highlight—West Beach is practically at your doorstep, making those early-morning strolls along the shoreline an effortless part of the experience.
The inn also offers complimentary beach cruiser bicycles, so exploring the waterfront and nearby Funk Zone district is not only easy but also kind of fun. For travelers who like a mix of independence and thoughtful hospitality, this is an option that checks a lot of boxes.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
2. The Eagle Inn – Best-Seller
Google Reviews Score: 4.8 out of 5.0
Key Highlights:
- Spanish-style boutique inn with private casitas
- Complimentary breakfast delivered to your room
- Minutes from Santa Barbara Harbor and State Street
The Eagle Inn feels like a cozy, coastal retreat wrapped in Spanish-style architecture, with warm stucco walls, charming tilework, and rooms that feel a little more private than your typical stay.
Some suites even come with whirlpool tubs and fireplaces, which only adds to the feeling that you’re getting something special.
Guests rave about the breakfast, which isn’t just your standard buffet setup. Instead, it’s delivered straight to your room, making those slow mornings feel even more relaxing.
Being within walking distance of both the harbor and State Street means you get easy access to Santa Barbara’s best restaurants and local hotspots without ever needing to hop in a car. If you like something that’s got a mix of comfort and convenience, this inn really delivers.
It is no wonder that the The Eagle Inn has remained one of the most popular inns in Santa Barbara.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
1. Simpson House Inn – Top Overall
Google Reviews Score: 4.8 out of 5.0
Key Highlights:
- 5-star Victorian-style estate surrounded by lush gardens
- Gourmet multi-course breakfast included
- Secluded, yet only minutes from downtown Santa Barbara
We think the Simpson House Inn is the best inn in Santa Barbara California, period.
This property isn’t just another boutique stay—it’s an experience. Tucked behind towering hedges and surrounded by manicured gardens, this restored Victorian estate is easily one of the most elegant and private places to stay in Santa Barbara.
The building itself feels like something from another era, yet the rooms and cottages have a level of modern comfort that makes it incredibly easy to settle in.
The breakfast here is on another level. It’s a gourmet, multi-course affair with a rotating menu that keeps things interesting. Afternoon refreshments and evening hors d’oeuvres are another nice touch, making it easy to slow down and just enjoy the peaceful setting.
Despite feeling secluded, the inn is surprisingly close to downtown, so whether you want a quiet retreat or easy access to city attractions, this place offers the best of both worlds.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
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