Sunset Motel Santa Barbara

Breezy, unfussy, and just minutes from Santa Barbara’s shoreline, Sunset Motel blends vintage roadside charm with the easy pace of California’s Central Coast.

Set along a palm-lined stretch of State Street, the Sunset Motel has the kind of low-rise, mid-century profile that nods to the golden age of American road trips. Step inside and the tone stays relaxed: tiled floors, straightforward furnishings, and an emphasis on function over fuss. Rooms range from simple queen setups to family-friendly layouts, some with kitchenettes for longer stays. Bedding is crisp, lighting warm, and the atmosphere refreshingly unpretentious.

Guests often start the morning with a casual continental breakfast before heading out to explore the city’s beaches, historic district, or wine country. Back at the motel, free on-site parking means no circling the block, and reliable Wi-Fi makes planning the next stop a breeze. In the evenings, the neighborhood settles into a quieter rhythm—ideal for winding down after a day of surfing, shopping, or tasting local vintages.

This is not a place chasing trends—it’s the kind of motel that does exactly what it says on the sign, and does it well. A solid choice for travelers who value location, simplicity, and the freedom to make Santa Barbara their own.