Upper Riviera Travel Guide
Santa Barbara
Visit Upper Riviera
Popular places to visit
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 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.
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.
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 County Courthouse
Santa Barbara County Courthouse is just one of the places to see in Santa Barbara, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander around the area's picturesque gardens or experience its lively festivals.
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.
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
"Loved the renovations but rooms are small. Great location."
Reviewed on 11 Jun 2026
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
"Clean room, and comfortable beds. The property is very nice and staff are kind and friendly. Definitely would stay here again!"
Reviewed on 8 Jun 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
"The pool wasn’t that clean there wasn’t a lot of space the hot tub didn’t work. Was offered no discount for amenities not working properly. They need a bigger ice machine."
Reviewed on 11 Jun 2026
Beachside Inn
"The hotel was charming. Staff was helpful and friendly. Close to beach and great restaurants."
Reviewed on 12 Jun 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
"The room was clean and comfortable, and overall it was very good. However, I didn't like the attitude of the staff member who checked me in; she was quite rude. On the other hand, the staff member at check-out was friendly and helpful, which I appreciated."
Reviewed on 12 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 MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.
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.
