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 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.
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.
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.
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
Solvang In-App Audio Tour: a Little Slice of Denmark Hidden in California
Top hotels in Lower Riviera
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
"Their employees were so nice and welcoming!"
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
Beachside Inn
"Have stayed a number of times and will continue. Professional and kind staff. I was upgraded to a recently renovated harbor view. Will be back again in a few months. Thank you"
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
"Staff was sweet"
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
"They should install full length mirrors in their room, and not just a single mirror in the bath room!!!"
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
Hotel Santa Barbara
"Spotless and charming hotel. Excellent location right above a Starbucks. Loved the decor, shower products, comfortable bed, clothes steamer and vibe. My room faced the interior on the third floor and it was incredibly quiet. GREAT experience!"
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
The Franciscan Hotel
"I loved this place. Staff was very kind and helpful. I loved being able to rent bikes for free as well. It really helped getting around."
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Lower Riviera
Laguna
Laguna might not have many top sights, but Lobero Theater and Santa Barbara Bowl 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 Paseo Nuevo Mall 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 Paseo Nuevo Mall 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 Paseo Nuevo Mall.
