Lower Riviera Travel Guide
Santa Barbara
Visit Lower Riviera
Popular places to visit
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.
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.
Stearns Wharf
Explore the waterfront of Stearns Wharf and enjoy other activities such as cycling in Santa Barbara. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
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.
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
Solvang In-App Audio Tour: a Little Slice of Denmark Hidden in California
Top hotels in Lower Riviera
Hotel Santa Barbara
Room was small but efficient, great interior furnishings. There was a fridge (mini bar not free), but free coffee and tea (good quality stuff too), kettle for boiling water. Plenty of cups. Nice large bathroom. Big open lobby with a little coffee/drink bar. My room faced courtyard so no street noise. ...
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
Everything was great just wish they had more parking.
Reviewed on 14 Apr 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Room Was cute but didn't smell great.
Reviewed on 14 Apr 2026
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
Was ok, everything worked but small room for the price.
Reviewed on 15 Apr 2026
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
A great beachfront location for a family vacation! We walked to the zoo, beach, historic pier & various excellent dining options. The only need for driving was to visit the botanic garden! The large pool is very accessible although the cafe near the pool was not open. We did put she's pool toys & ...
Reviewed on 14 Apr 2026
The Milo
The ocean view was beautiful.
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Lower Riviera
Laguna
Laguna might not have many top sights, but Presidio Santa Barbara and Lobero Theater are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Upper East
While visiting Upper East, you might make a stop by sights like Mission Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Natural History Museum.
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 Presidio Santa Barbara might round out your trip.
Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Historic Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Lobero Theater or Arlington Theater might round out your trip.
Oak Park
While Oak Park isn't home to many top sights, Mission Santa Barbara and Arlington Theater are some notable places to visit nearby.
Lower State
While visiting Lower State, you might make a stop by sights like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Moreton Bay Fig Tree.
