Upper Riviera Travel Guide
Santa Barbara
Visit Upper Riviera
Popular places to visit
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.
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.
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.
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
Santa Barbara Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Top hotels in Upper Riviera
El Encanto Santa Barbara
Impeccable everything, incredible staff and service throughout our stay. They were lovely to our toddler son, we loved every bit of our experience and are already planning our return.
Reviewed on 14 Dec 2025
Hotel Santa Barbara
Was amazing. Only problem was elevator takes waaay to long and valet was so expensive.
Reviewed on 16 Dec 2025
Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
Vlean
Reviewed on 12 Dec 2025
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
Loved the fresh baked cookies at check-in! And the Koi were huge.
Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
Clean rooms, good breakfast, centralized location
Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025
Sandpiper Lodge
I was surprised at how good the neighborhood was; safe and convenient. Very clean. Staff was very nice. Will stay there again.
Reviewed on 16 Dec 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Upper 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.
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 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.
