The search for rare B decays and direct CP violation at BABAR is described. The following measurements (based on integrated luminosities ranging from 56.4 to 81.9fb-1) are summarized: the inclusive branching fractions and direct CP asymmetries of B+ to h+h-h+ (h=pi, K), the exclusive branching fractions of B+ to K+pi-pi+ (where significant signals are observed in the B+ to K*0(892)pi+, B+ to f0(980)K+, B+ to chic0 K+, B+ to Dbar0 pi+ and B^+ to higher K*0 pi+ channels), the branching fractions of B+ to rho0rho+ and B+ to The search for rare B decays and direct CP violation at BABAR is described. The following measurements (based on integrated luminosities ranging from 56.4 to 81.9fb-1) are summarized: the inclusive branching fractions and direct CP asymmetries of B+ to h+h-h+ (h=pi, K), the exclusive branching fractions of B+ to K+pi-pi+ (where significant signals are observed in the B+ to K*0(892)pi+, B+ to f0(980)K+, B+ to chic0 K+, B+ to Dbar0 pi+ and B^+ to higher K*0 pi+ channels), the branching fractions of B+ to rho0rho+ and B+ to rho0 K*+, and finally, the branching fractions, the longitudinal components, and the direct CP asymmetries in B to phi K*.