Upper Riviera Travel Guide
Santa Barbara
Visit Upper Riviera
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 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.
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.
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
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Top hotels in Upper Riviera
El Encanto Santa Barbara
"Man this place is awesome!!!! Perfect place for couples to unwind. Very sexy! Food is awesome staff is awesome and waitstaff was over the top. Can’t wait to see what the new owners do w the place."
Reviewed on 2 Jun 2026
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
"Centrally located, this property is above average. The room was clean, and the property was well maintained. The breakfast, however, lacked variety...and while the coffee was excellent, the eggs (loosely scrambled and NO hard boiled eggs) and dry sausage, wasn't up to par with other like hotels."
Reviewed on 3 Jun 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
"I booked five rooms at the Avania Inn of Santa Barbara for my family for my graduation, and the experience was terrible. One of the rooms I booked showed multiple beds online three beds and I paid $540 for one night. But when I arrived, they gave me two queen beds and a sofa bed instead. When I talked ..."
Reviewed on 3 Jun 2026
Beachside Inn
"This is a great place to stay! Walkable to the harbor and the wharf but far enough to be quieter. The breakfast options were great and there is coffee and water all day. The staff is friendly and there is a big parking lot. We will definitely stay here again"
Reviewed on 3 Jun 2026
Hotel Santa Barbara
"The renovation is beautiful. We had a room on the second floor by the elevator and the old elevator made loud noise. The bathroom in our room was too small and stepped up. No room for sundries. The decor in the room is very nice. However, the hotel is in an awesome location. Walking distance to the ..."
Reviewed on 3 Jun 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
"Beds are pretty comfy, but sheets are rough. Dark rooms and only a desk chair to sit in. For two people to sit comfortably, need another chair. Breakfast is not adequate, and coffee is very low quality"
Reviewed on 3 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Upper Riviera
Santa Barbara Beach
Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.
Montecito
The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Montecito. A stop by Miramar Beach or Butterfly Beach might round out your trip.
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.
West Beach
If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and Carriage and Western Art Museum are top sights worth seeing.
East Beach
East Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like East Beach and Santa Barbara Zoo.
