According to forum posts, the Eagle Inn is highly recommended by travelers for its convenient location near Wharf, State Street, and the Funk Zone. The Santa Barbara Hotel, Canary Inn, and Holiday Inn Express are also suggested for their central locations in downtown Santa Barbara. Additionally, the Harbor View Inn is praised for its proximity to the beach and downtown, making it a popular choice.

Travelers have discussed that while Santa Barbara hotels can be expensive, places like the Montecito Inn offer reasonable prices with good amenities. The Harbor House Inn is another option that provides value with unique rooms and complimentary items like bicycles and beach chairs.

For those looking to stay near specific attractions, the Santa Barbara Inn is located directly across from the beach and houses a highly regarded restaurant. The Kimpton Canary is centrally located downtown, making it easy to access various dining and shopping options on State Street.

According to forum posts, popular attractions in Santa Barbara include Stearns Wharf for dining and scenic views, the historic Santa Barbara Mission for cultural insights, and the Santa Barbara County Courthouse for panoramic views from the clock tower. Additionally, the Santa Barbara Zoo and the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden are highlighted as must-visit locations for nature and animal lovers.

For those interested in outdoor activities, travelers have called out options like whale watching, boat tours from the harbor, and exploring the numerous beaches such as Butterfly Beach. The area is also known for its scenic bike paths and walking tours around the city's iconic Spanish-style architecture and beautiful neighborhoods.

Some travelers said that if time permits, a visit to Lotusland, a unique garden estate, offers a unique experience. Others suggested enjoying the local wineries in the nearby Santa Ynez Valley or taking a leisurely drive through the picturesque surroundings.

According to forum posts, travelers have multiple options to reach Santa Barbara from LAX. The Santa Barbara Airbus is a direct service priced at $55 for a round trip, taking approximately 2.25 hours. Alternatively, Amtrak offers train service from Union Station in downtown LA to Santa Barbara, with the fare around $60 round trip, though travelers need to get to Union Station first, which is about 20 miles from LAX.

For getting around Santa Barbara, some travelers mentioned the local bus service by the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD), which costs $1.75 per ride. However, the service is described as adequate for commuters but less convenient for tourists. Additionally, Uber and Lyft are available, and renting a car is recommended for more flexibility, especially for visiting areas like the wine country or other attractions outside downtown.

For those considering different arrival airports, Burbank Airport offers an easier exit and quicker access to Santa Barbara compared to LAX. From Burbank, the Amtrak train can also be taken to Santa Barbara. Travelers have called out that driving from either airport provides scenic routes along the Pacific Coast Highway for those who prefer picturesque views.