Upper Riviera Travel Guide
Santa Barbara
Visit Upper Riviera
Popular places to visit
West Beach
Nothing says holiday like spending a lazy day at West Beach, a popular beach in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the seaside or seek out the cycling trails.
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 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 County Courthouse
See the best views of Santa Barbara and enjoy a stunning variety of architectural styles at the city’s historic courthouse.
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 top-notch restaurants.
Things to do
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop
Top hotels in Upper Riviera
El Encanto Santa Barbara
Absolutely gorgeous and so tranquil! It is a piece of Heaven on Earth. The views are unbelievable and the rooms are so large, the bed is super luxurious and even the robes are ultra lush!! Love love love it! Stay here without a thought.
Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025
Hotel Santa Barbara
Lovely renovated hotel in a great location. Although the address is on State Street, this is now pedestrianized. If arriving by car you need Gota Street to access hotel car park. There is no restaurant only a small bar, but plenty of eating options. The downside is a small single lift and dark (caramel?) ...
Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
Great
Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025
Sandpiper Lodge
Clean and spacious room, comfy bed. Breakfast was bagels, cereal and fruit with coffee tea and milk. Good enough to get you started. We would stay here again
Reviewed on 23 Oct 2025
Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
Nice update of property and great customer service.
Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
For the pricepoint, and suites "facing" the ocean on the main floor - amenities were dated - esp the bathrooms in both our rooms. Also the rooms were pricer than usual cause we went on a long weekend for my aunts birthday. It is what it is, don't expect too much.
Reviewed on 3 Oct 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Upper Riviera
Laguna
Laguna might not have many top sights, but Santa Barbara Historical Museum 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.
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.
Eastside
While Eastside isn't home to many top sights, Santa Barbara Zoo and East Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.
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 Santa Barbara Historical Museum 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 Granada Theatre might round out your trip.
