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 Harbor
Explore the waterfront in Santa Barbara with a trip to Santa Barbara Harbor. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
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.
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.
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: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Santa Barbara Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour
Solvang Kids Viking Tour with Viking Museum Entry
Top hotels in Lower Riviera
Hotel Santa Barbara
Staff was very friendly. The hotel smelled amazing! Very great location, we walked everywhere we needed to go from our hotel. Will be returning!
Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
A convenient and affordable roadtrip overnighter. We will use it again.
Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
This property is super cute. The staff is really really nice. My only complaint is that my room had ANTS. Yes. Bugs.
Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Great location with parking. Easy walk to State St, Funk Zone and Wharf!
Reviewed on 14 Mar 2026
Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
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Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026
The Milo
There were a few ants on our room each day, which was noted to the front desk. Cleaning service tried to come clean our room The first day at 9a and had to tell the 2x to come back later. The next day our room was cleaned by the time we came back at 1p and had to ask for it to be cleaned, seemed ...
Reviewed on 15 Mar 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.
