Upper East Travel Guide

Santa Barbara

Founded on December 4, 1786, the mission is the namesake of the city of Santa Barbara as well as of Santa Barbara County. The grounds occupy a rise between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains granting beautiful views in all directions. Mission Santa Barbara is the only mission to remain under the leadership of the Franciscan Friars since its founding, Relax on the lawn, take a tour of the inside and even explore the rose gardens on a warm summer day, #SantaBarbara #California #lifeatexpedia #weloveourmarkets #AMER #StunningStructures
Founded on December 4, 1786, the mission is the namesake of the city of Santa Barbara as well as of Santa Barbara County. The grounds occupy a rise between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains granting beautiful views in all directions. Mission Santa Barbara is the only mission to remain under the leadership of the Franciscan Friars since its founding, Relax on the lawn, take a tour of the inside and even explore the rose gardens on a warm summer day, #SantaBarbara #California #lifeatexpedia #weloveourmarkets #AMER #StunningStructures
Historic mission with a beautiful view from the Pacific
Mission Basilica de Santa Barbara. The Queen of all Mission churches. Visited 7 Basilicas on a two day road trip in Southern California last Holy Week.
Lots of history and beautiful gardens at the Mission. This isn't a whole day activity. We got up early and were back to the hotel before the rest of the family woke up!

Popular places to visit

Santa Barbara Mission

Mission Santa Barbara

Learn about the local history of Santa Barbara when you take a trip to Mission Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Mission Santa Barbara
Alameda Park in Santa Barbara is the location for many city-wide celebrations like Summer Solstice and is one of the city's oldest parks. Occupying two blocks in the heart of downtown, it is home to a gazebo as well as the 8,000-square-foot Kids World playground and many rare trees. This view is looking southwest at Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church across Anacapa Street, one of the oldest churches in California, dating back to 1782. #SantaBarbara #California #lifeatexpedia #weloveourmarkets #AMER

Alameda Park

After visiting Alameda Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Alameda Park
I love the stillness of this marina, especially sunrise and sunset

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 Harbor
SantaBarbara_SantaBarbaraBowl_6065951_05

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 Bowl
Santa Barbara County Courthouse featuring a luxury hotel or resort and heritage architecture

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 County Courthouse
Giraffe

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 Zoo

Things to do

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Rp470.960
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Helicopter Beach Tour

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

Rp1.160.580
per adult
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Santa Barbara Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour

Santa Barbara Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour

Rp163.995
per adult
Santa Barbara Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour
Visit the Rescued Cats of Cat Therapy

Visit the Rescued Cats of Cat Therapy

Rp420.500
per adult
Visit the Rescued Cats of Cat Therapy
Nothing better than a Santa Barbara sunset on the water

Sunset Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

Rp1.487.724
per adult
Sunset Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

Rp588.700
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
See all activities in Santa Barbara

Top hotels in Upper East

Simpson House Inn

Simpson House Inn

5 out of 5
121 East Arrellaga Street Santa Barbara CA
Stay at this luxury B&B in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (701 reviews)
Fantastic place. Far beyond my expectations. Lovely gardens, rooms, service, meals. Will return. I’m

Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026

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Simpson House Inn
Orange Tree Inn

Orange Tree Inn

2.5 out of 5
1920 State Street Santa Barbara CA
The price is Rp1.358.937 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
Rp1.358.937
Rp1.551.873 total
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy parking (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (750 reviews)
I love this place The rooms are nice staff is great are real nice and it's just real secluded feeling I like to get away it's nice I'll stay here whenever I can thank you

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

Orange Tree Inn
Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

3 out of 5
533 State St Santa Barbara CA
The price is Rp3.982.138 per night from 2 Mar to 3 Mar
Rp3.982.138
Rp4.630.430 total
2 Mar - 3 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,172 reviews)
Beautiful property, newly renovated, nice features and amenities. Very clean. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara making walking or biking easy to most attractions. Valet parking and free bikes available. Because of it’s central location, it was very noisy on weekends with ...

Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026

Hotel Santa Barbara
Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge

2 out of 5
3525 State St Santa Barbara CA
The price is Rp1.530.030 per night from 11 Feb to 12 Feb
Rp1.530.030
Rp1.744.234 total
11 Feb - 12 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,162 reviews)
Clean and quiet room. Check in and check out was a breeze.

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

Sandpiper Lodge
Inn By The Harbor

Inn By The Harbor

3.5 out of 5
433 W Montecito St Santa Barbara CA
The price is Rp2.805.114 per night from 25 Feb to 26 Feb
Rp2.805.114
Rp3.203.301 total
25 Feb - 26 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,856 reviews)
Great staff great location. Lovely time and spacious rooms

Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026

Inn By The Harbor
Santa Barbara Inn

Santa Barbara Inn

4 out of 5
901 E Cabrillo Blvd Santa Barbara CA
The price is Rp4.680.783 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
Rp4.680.783
Rp5.346.662 total
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
All around excellent

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

Santa Barbara Inn
See all 1,533 properties in Upper East
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Upper East

Father and son hiking on Jesusita Trail with panoramic view of ocean and Channel Islands, Santa Barbara, California, USA

Oak Park

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

While Oak Park isn't home to many top sights, Mission Santa Barbara and Arlington Theater are some notable places to visit nearby.

Oak Park
El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park

Laguna

Laguna might not have many top sights, but Presidio Santa Barbara and Lobero Theater are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Laguna
urban landscape of the city of Santa Barbara, California ; Shutterstock ID 398939668

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.

Downtown Santa Barbara
Elephant seal beach

Westside

While Westside isn't home to many top sights, Arlington Theater and Granada Theatre are some notable places to visit nearby.

Westside
Aerial view of Santa Barbara historic city center with Santa Ynez Mountains at the background, from top of the clock tower of Santa Barbara County Courthouse, California CA, USA.

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.

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
2017 Spring stroll in Santa Barbara, CA

Mission Canyon

Visitors to Mission Canyon enjoy its gardens, and if you want to do some exploring, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is worth a stop.

Mission Canyon

Upper East Travel Guide