Riviera Travel Guide
Santa Barbara
Popular places to visit
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.
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 Bowl
Enjoy a show at Santa Barbara Bowl, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the 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 cosy cafes.
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.
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
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Top hotels in Riviera
El Encanto Santa Barbara
"Wonderful place wonderful staff great food and amenities"
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
Hotel Santa Barbara
"The staff was amazing. The location is also a great spot to allow you to walk everywhere!"
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
"Chose a room with a balcony as I like to sleep with fresh air. No screen door. I asked to be put in ANY room with screens. Sorry, we don't do screens. So my room populated up with flying insects. This tells me they do the minimum for customers. I checked, all the surrounding properties have screens. ..."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
"Room is clean, nice staffs, breakfast is good Do not like people next door made noises when closed their door."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
"The room was great. It's basic, but the bed was comfortable and the room was quiet and roomy. I did notice there was no fan over the shower, so you had to open the window for a vent. But otherwise, it was all we needed. Although my husband got his coffee in the breakfast room, we didn't find anything ..."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
The Milo
"Beautiful Great location Parking is not included so budget an extra $40 There is only one jacuzzi which tends to be quite busy and is not open in the morning before checkout"
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around 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.
Eastside
While Eastside isn't home to many top sights, Santa Barbara Zoo and East Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.
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.
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.
