East Mesa Travel Guide
Santa Barbara
Popular places to visit
Shoreline Park
Shoreline Park is just one of the places to see in Santa Barbara, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the top-notch restaurants in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.
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.
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.
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 East Mesa
Hotel Santa Barbara
Room was small but efficient, great interior furnishings. There was a fridge (mini bar not free), but free coffee and tea (good quality stuff too), kettle for boiling water. Plenty of cups. Nice large bathroom. Big open lobby with a little coffee/drink bar. My room faced courtyard so no street noise. ...
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
The staff is very friendly and accommodating. Rooms are clean and spacious.
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Room was clean, but had multiple light bulbs that were out and a bathroom light/fan switch that didn’t work. Staff was not very friendly. Location is good, with lots of restaurants within walking distance.
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
Breakfast is typical. Similar to many other hotels breakfast (scramble eggs, boil eggs, bacon, oatmeal, bagel, coffee, juice, apple and banana…). But the only thing is they open from 7am and close at 9am. Be sure to be there early.
Reviewed on 14 Apr 2026
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Had to wait for towels to get restocked at the pool pretty much every day of our stay.
Reviewed on 11 Apr 2026
The Milo
The ocean view was beautiful.
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around East Mesa
The Mesa
While visiting The Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Leadbetter Beach and Arroyo Burro Beach.
Alta Mesa
When in Alta Mesa, you can plan a visit to 1000 Steps Beach and Leadbetter Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
West Beach
If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and Carriage and Western Art Museum are top sights worth seeing.
Lower State
While visiting Lower State, you might make a stop by sights like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Moreton Bay Fig Tree.
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 Arlington Theater might round out your trip.
Westside
While Westside isn't home to many top sights, Arlington Theater and Santa Barbara Public Market are some notable places to visit nearby.
