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.
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.
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.
Things to do
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour
Sideways Movie Wine Trail: A Self-Guided Driving Tour
Solvang Kids Viking Tour with Viking Museum Entry
Top hotels in Upper Riviera
El Encanto Santa Barbara
"Man this place is awesome!!!! Perfect place for couples to unwind. Very sexy! Food is awesome staff is awesome and waitstaff was over the top. Can’t wait to see what the new owners do w the place."
Reviewed on 2 Jun 2026
Hotel Santa Barbara
"This is a charming hotel in a historic refurbished building with a delightful small bar in the lobby and very helpful and pleasant staff. It is centrally located on State Street near shopping and the pier and the visitors center. It is my go-to place in Santa Barbara now. I love this hotel"
Reviewed on 20 Jun 2026
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
"Breakfast was sparse and not the best. Room was way too small, not worth the incredibly high prices."
Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
"Parking lot is horrible. WiFi is horrible. Breakfast is horrible. AC is horrible."
Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
"Clean and convenient. Nothing more, nothing less."
Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria South
"We stayed for my son’s graduation so did not have a great choice of affordable hotels. It’s pretty basic but clean. Disappointed the pool was not heated. Close to freeway and the main area of the city for shopping and eateries."
Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Upper Riviera
Santa Barbara Beach
Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and West Beach.
Montecito
The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Montecito. A stop by Miramar Beach or Butterfly Beach might round out your trip.
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.
West Beach
If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and West Beach are top sights worth seeing.
East Beach
East Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like East Beach and Santa Barbara Zoo.
