Riviera Travel Guide
Santa Barbara
Popular places to visit
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.
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 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.
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: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Top hotels in Riviera
El Encanto Santa Barbara
Wonderful place wonderful staff great food and amenities
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
Hotel Santa Barbara
Hotel is beautiful they finished à remodeling and it’s stunning staff is great !
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
I travel alone often and this place is very friendly and feels quite safe for a single female traveller. Clean rooms and helpful staff.
Reviewed on 11 May 2026
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
Hesitant to post a review because I want to gate keep this gem. Hotel costs in Santa Barbara range from pricey to mind blowing but this spot is a rare affordable and beautiful stay. The lagoon is magical- highly recommend a lagoon view room. Ducks wander, turtles sun bathe, gorgeous coy fish enjoy ...
Reviewed on 11 May 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
Room and facility were average and a bit dated. Parking was difficult. Lots of vehicles and spaces were very small.
Reviewed on 11 May 2026
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
We had a very pleasant visit and will be returning
Reviewed on 10 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.
Mission Canyon
Mission Canyon is noteworthy for its gardens, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and The Children's Centennial Maze.
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.
