Upper Riviera Travel Guide
Santa Barbara
Visit Upper 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 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 Harbor
Explore the waterfront in Santa Barbara with a trip to Santa Barbara Harbor. 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 romantic 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 top-notch restaurants.
Things to do
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Top hotels in Upper Riviera
El Encanto Santa Barbara
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Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026
Hotel Santa Barbara
We enjoyed our stay. The State Street location was perfect. The rooms were beautifully done. The staff was friendly but seemed to be very inexperienced.
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
If it wasn't for one issue, it would have been a completely avaerage hotel and average stay. Iput the do not diarurb sign on the door, and my family and I left to run around. When we came back, the do not disturb sign was in the room on the table and hotel staff had clearly been in there. Nothing ...
Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026
Inn By The Harbor
We really enjoyed our stay. Room was clean and the staff was very curtious. The only thing i recommend is having a full size ironing board. We love staying in Santa Barbara. Your Hotel is so close to everything.
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
Clean room
Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Enjoyed our stay! Very walkable to harbor, beach, state st and pier!
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Upper 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.
Eastside
While Eastside isn't home to many top sights, Santa Barbara Zoo and East Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.
Mission Canyon
Visitors to Mission Canyon enjoy its gardens, and if you want to do some exploring, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is worth a stop.
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 Paseo Nuevo Mall might round out your trip.
