Alta Mesa Travel Guide
Santa Barbara
Visit Alta Mesa
Popular places to visit
Santa Barbara Harbor
Explore the waterfront in Santa Barbara with a trip to Santa Barbara Harbor. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Santa Barbara Zoo
Why not meet the animals who call Santa Barbara Zoo home during your holiday in Santa Barbara? Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Santa Barbara Bowl
Enjoy a show at Santa Barbara Bowl, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
See the best views of Santa Barbara and enjoy a stunning variety of architectural styles at the city’s historic courthouse.
Butterfly Beach
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Butterfly Beach during your travels in Santa Barbara? Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Upper State Street
During your visit to Santa Barbara, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Upper State Street. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its cosy cafes.
Things to do
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Top hotels in Alta Mesa
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
"There was no parking left at all, not even one spot. The king bed is not the standard size of a king bed. Their kings size is not king size, and no I am not confused with Cal king."
Reviewed on 7 Jun 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
"Clean room"
Reviewed on 4 Jun 2026
Beachside Inn
"Wonderful location. Full breakfast with hot and cold choices, proteins and fruit. Staff is friendly and welcoming."
Reviewed on 7 Jun 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
"Room was not super clean and there was black hairs all over. My son also left a stuffed animal in the room when we called to verify and have the staff look for it they where not helpful and said they not find it when I know for sure it was left in the room. They stole it for sure which is very disappointing. ..."
Reviewed on 6 Jun 2026
Hotel Santa Barbara
"Great service and location. The only issue was that the “queen” bed is the smallest queen I’ve ever slept in."
Reviewed on 7 Jun 2026
The Franciscan Hotel
"Very quiet at night. LOVE the minimalist decoration inside the room. Two most important things for us: this hotel takes DOGS and has FREE parking!!! They also offer free breakfast (but we didn’t get to utilize it). The front desk very pleasant and accommodating. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! Thank you for ..."
Reviewed on 7 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Alta Mesa
Santa Barbara Beach
Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.
Montecito
The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Montecito. A stop by Miramar Beach or Butterfly Beach might round out your trip.
Downtown Santa Barbara
The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Lobero Theater or Paseo Nuevo Mall might round out your trip.
West Beach
If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and West Beach are top sights worth seeing.
East Beach
East Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like East Beach and Santa Barbara Zoo.
