Lower Riviera Travel Guide
Santa Barbara


Visit Lower Riviera
Popular places to visit

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.

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 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 cosy cafes.

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.
Things to do

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

Santa Barbara Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour

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

Santa Barbara: City Highlights Bike Tour
Top hotels in Lower Riviera

Hotel Santa Barbara
Almost new, great location, nice gym
Reviewed on 27 Jan 2026

Sandpiper Lodge
Nice spacious and clean room. Fit our needs perfect. Staff was friendly and helpful. Only 'negative' was some of the parking spaces are small, so if someone doesn't park straight, you miss out on a parking spot.
Reviewed on 27 Jan 2026

Inn By The Harbor
The room was absolutely charming!!! Immediately walking into a " beach oasis"!!!🏖⛴️⛱️ The amenities were great, the shower, outstanding, and the queen bed, beyond comfortable. Sam, the Front Guest Agent was so professional, knowledgeable and so plesant and kind!!! Can't wait to book time at this ...
Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Everything was great. The only negative was that they didn’t open for breakfast until 7 am.
Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026

Santa Barbara Inn
Staff was super friendly and helpful. Easy access to beach and town. Clean rooms!
Reviewed on 27 Jan 2026

Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
Great work!👍👏
Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Lower Riviera

Laguna
Laguna might not have many top sights, but Presidio Santa Barbara 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.

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.

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.

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

Lower State
While visiting Lower State, you might make a stop by sights like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Paseo Nuevo Mall.


