Upper Riviera Travel Guide
Santa Barbara
Visit Upper 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 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.

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.

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.

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.
Top hotels in Upper Riviera

El Encanto Santa Barbara
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Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026

Hotel Santa Barbara
The property is in pristine condition, and located right where all the action is in the Downtown Santa Monica. I love the decor. The aesthetic is quite homey. The mini bar is stocked with anything you could need during your stay. Even the soaps are nice! You will want to arrive before valet leaves ...
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

Sandpiper Lodge
Pool was okay, small but fine. Rooms were clean. Breakfast was not enough and we went out to find breakfast elsewhere. It was perfectly satisfactory but nothing amazing. Most importantly is was very clean.
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
Excellent hotel!! Room was spotless, spacious, modern (recently renovated), bed ultra comfy! Heated pool was nice and warm in a beautiful garden setting. Breakfast is amazing! Super variety, everything tasty and fresh. Very clean breakfast room. Staff is super lovely - especially Abner was very helpful ...
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
Very nice and quiet stay in Santa Barbara this weekend. My fiance and I loved the hotel, the staff, and the ultra- convenient parking garage. Thanks for a great stay!
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Clean room
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026
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.

Eastside
While Eastside isn't home to many top sights, Santa Barbara Zoo and East Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Mission Canyon
Mission Canyon is noteworthy for its gardens, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and The Children's Centennial Maze.

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.
