Upper East Travel Guide

Santa Barbara

Founded on December 4, 1786, the mission is the namesake of the city of Santa Barbara as well as of Santa Barbara County. The grounds occupy a rise between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains granting beautiful views in all directions. Mission Santa Barbara is the only mission to remain under the leadership of the Franciscan Friars since its founding, Relax on the lawn, take a tour of the inside and even explore the rose gardens on a warm summer day, #SantaBarbara #California #lifeatexpedia #weloveourmarkets #AMER #StunningStructures
Founded on December 4, 1786, the mission is the namesake of the city of Santa Barbara as well as of Santa Barbara County. The grounds occupy a rise between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains granting beautiful views in all directions. Mission Santa Barbara is the only mission to remain under the leadership of the Franciscan Friars since its founding, Relax on the lawn, take a tour of the inside and even explore the rose gardens on a warm summer day, #SantaBarbara #California #lifeatexpedia #weloveourmarkets #AMER #StunningStructures
Historic mission with a beautiful view from the Pacific
Mission Basilica de Santa Barbara. The Queen of all Mission churches. Visited 7 Basilicas on a two day road trip in Southern California last Holy Week.
Lots of history and beautiful gardens at the Mission. This isn't a whole day activity. We got up early and were back to the hotel before the rest of the family woke up!

Popular places to visit

Santa Barbara Mission

Mission Santa Barbara

4/5(15 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Santa Barbara when you take a trip to Mission Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Mission Santa Barbara
Alameda Park in Santa Barbara is the location for many city-wide celebrations like Summer Solstice and is one of the city's oldest parks. Occupying two blocks in the heart of downtown, it is home to a gazebo as well as the 8,000-square-foot Kids World playground and many rare trees. This view is looking southwest at Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church across Anacapa Street, one of the oldest churches in California, dating back to 1782. #SantaBarbara #California #lifeatexpedia #weloveourmarkets #AMER

Alameda Park

After visiting Alameda Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Alameda Park
SantaBarbara_SantaBarbaraBowl_6065951_05

Santa Barbara Bowl

5/5(3 reviews)

Enjoy a show at Santa Barbara Bowl, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Santa Barbara Bowl
Santa Barbara County Courthouse featuring a luxury hotel or resort and heritage architecture

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

4.5/5(11 reviews)

See the best views of Santa Barbara and enjoy a stunning variety of architectural styles at the city’s historic courthouse.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Giraffe

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 Zoo
I love the stillness of this marina, especially sunrise and sunset

Santa Barbara Harbor

4.5/5(15 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Santa Barbara with a trip to Santa Barbara Harbor. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Santa Barbara Harbor

Things to do

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

฿869
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

฿1,003
per adult
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

฿1,087
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Visit the Rescued Cats of Cat Therapy

Visit the Rescued Cats of Cat Therapy

฿776
per adult
Visit the Rescued Cats of Cat Therapy
Helicopter Beach Tour

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

฿2,142
per adult
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

฿478
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
See all activities in Santa Barbara

Top hotels in Upper East

Simpson House Inn

Simpson House Inn

5 out of 5
121 East Arrellaga Street Santa Barbara CA
The price is ฿11,374 per night from 12 Mar to 13 Mar
฿11,374
฿15,117 total
12 Mar - 13 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury B&B in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (708 reviews)
Very relaxing weekend with spectacular garden landscape for napping outdoors. The hayloft room was spacious, quiet, and very comfortable.

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Simpson House Inn
Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

3 out of 5
533 State St Santa Barbara CA
The price is ฿7,422 per night from 12 Mar to 13 Mar
฿7,422
฿8,630 total
12 Mar - 13 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,238 reviews)
Beautiful decor, clean, great staff!

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Hotel Santa Barbara
Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge

2 out of 5
3525 State St Santa Barbara CA
The price is ฿3,280 per night from 12 Mar to 13 Mar
฿3,280
฿3,739 total
12 Mar - 13 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,257 reviews)
The room was okay but a few items stood out. No plugs near the bed side tables. The shower head was gross, needed cleaning or misplacing, I hope it was mold.

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Sandpiper Lodge
Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn

Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn

3 out of 5
3850 State St Santa Barbara CA
The price is ฿5,043 per night from 12 Mar to 13 Mar
฿5,043
฿5,758 total
12 Mar - 13 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,124 reviews)
Neighbor was loud and drunk till 3:30am

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara

Hyatt Place Santa Barbara

3.5 out of 5
4111 State Street Santa Barbara CA
The price is ฿5,584 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
฿5,584
฿6,584 total
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,056 reviews)
Very nice and quiet stay in Santa Barbara this weekend. My fiance and I loved the hotel, the staff, and the ultra- convenient parking garage. Thanks for a great stay!

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

2.5 out of 5
128 Castillo St Santa Barbara CA
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and premium TV channels. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,151 reviews)
The property was ok, but across the street from a park where transients sleep. The bed was very hard , not comfortable ant all, and we were initially placed in a room next to a door that opened and closed very heavily throughout the night. We requested a new room for the second night, it was a huge ...

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

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Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
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Other neighbourhoods around Upper East

Father and son hiking on Jesusita Trail with panoramic view of ocean and Channel Islands, Santa Barbara, California, USA

Oak Park

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

While Oak Park isn't home to many top sights, Mission Santa Barbara and Arlington Theater are some notable places to visit nearby.

Oak Park
El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park

Laguna

Laguna might not have many top sights, but Presidio Santa Barbara and Lobero Theater are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Laguna
urban landscape of the city of Santa Barbara, California ; Shutterstock ID 398939668

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.

Downtown Santa Barbara
Elephant seal beach

Westside

While Westside isn't home to many top sights, Arlington Theater and Granada Theatre are some notable places to visit nearby.

Westside
Aerial view of Santa Barbara historic city center with Santa Ynez Mountains at the background, from top of the clock tower of Santa Barbara County Courthouse, California CA, USA.

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.

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
2017 Spring stroll in Santa Barbara, CA

Mission Canyon

Mission Canyon is noteworthy for its gardens, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and The Children's Centennial Maze.

Mission Canyon

Upper East Travel Guide