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
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!
Santa Barbara Mission

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
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
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
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

Rp473.900
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Helicopter Beach Tour

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

Rp1.170.102
per adult
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Rp546.678
per adult
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour

Santa Barbara Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour

Rp165.341
per adult
Santa Barbara Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour
Santa Barbara: eBike rental full day

Santa Barbara: eBike rental full day

Rp1.187.060
per adult
Santa Barbara: eBike rental full day
Santa Barbara: City Highlights Bike Tour

Santa Barbara: City Highlights Bike Tour

Rp1.438.625
per adult
Santa Barbara: City Highlights Bike Tour
See all activities in Santa Barbara

Top hotels in Upper East

Orange Tree Inn

Orange Tree Inn

2.5 out of 5
1920 State Street Santa Barbara CA
The price is Rp1.797.754 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
Rp1.797.754
Rp2.052.859 total
5 Apr - 6 Apr
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! (776 reviews)
No in room fridge for the single queen bed rooms

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2026

Orange Tree Inn
Simpson House Inn

Simpson House Inn

5 out of 5
121 East Arrellaga Street Santa Barbara CA
The price is Rp5.713.200 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
Rp5.713.200
Rp7.661.782 total
15 Apr - 16 Apr
includes taxes & fees
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! (709 reviews)
Marvelous, as always. Spent 3 nights this time. Wandered around SB by foot (20,000 steps per day), and slept like babies at night.

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026

Simpson House Inn
Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

3 out of 5
533 State St Santa Barbara CA
The price is Rp4.153.816 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
Rp4.153.816
Rp4.830.056 total
29 Mar - 30 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! (1,265 reviews)
We came here for a wedding. The hotel is situated in a great spot on State street. I have stayed some lovely places, but was taken with the hydration stations on each floor- a button allows you to choose between still and sparkling filtered water. The hotel provides free reusable water bottles. The ...

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026

Hotel Santa Barbara
Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge

2 out of 5
3525 State St Santa Barbara CA
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. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,291 reviews)
The pool was heated. My granddaughters had a great time. Breakfast was good. It was a very nice stay.

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026

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Sandpiper Lodge
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara

Hyatt Place Santa Barbara

3.5 out of 5
4111 State Street Santa Barbara CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp3.233.248 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
Rp3.233.248
Rp3.807.657 total
21 Apr - 22 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,071 reviews)
Yes to all breakfast was great 👍

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026

Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

2.5 out of 5
128 Castillo St Santa Barbara CA
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and premium TV channels. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,157 reviews)
Room was cool. No glasses just plastic cups. No housekeeping. Brought me towels after three days when I asked. Never made bed or cleaned anything. No luggage racks. No view. Standard room with bathtub converted to shower in same space. Not worth the money. Long walk to harbor, wharf and State ...

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026

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Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
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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 Lobero Theater and Santa Barbara Bowl 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 Paseo Nuevo Mall 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

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.

Mission Canyon

Upper East Travel Guide