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 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 Lower Riviera
Hotel Santa Barbara
Now my favorite hotel in SB. Convenient, quaint, great amenities, has everything you need: filtered water, carbonated water, clean gym, lobby bar with great drinks and snacks. Will now be my go to hotel
Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
Clean rooms
Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
Clean room
Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026
Inn By The Harbor
Wonderful. Love the friendly staff, comfy, clean, fully renovated rooms. Mickey was the most amazing front desk clerk, concierge!!!! Great hospitality from all, thank you!
Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Very cute property, it’s very clean and a basic breakfast in the morning included, if you wake up in time. Nice to have the option to have a balcony which we did choose. The staff were very helpful.
Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026
The Milo
Dirty sheets with stains and an unpleasant smell.
Reviewed on 28 Feb 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 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.
