Upper East Travel Guide

Santa Barbara

Founded on December 4, 1786, the mission is the namesake of the city of Santa Barbara as well as of Santa Barbara County. The grounds occupy a rise between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains granting beautiful views in all directions. Mission Santa Barbara is the only mission to remain under the leadership of the Franciscan Friars since its founding, Relax on the lawn, take a tour of the inside and even explore the rose gardens on a warm summer day, #SantaBarbara #California #lifeatexpedia #weloveourmarkets #AMER #StunningStructures
Founded on December 4, 1786, the mission is the namesake of the city of Santa Barbara as well as of Santa Barbara County. The grounds occupy a rise between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains granting beautiful views in all directions. Mission Santa Barbara is the only mission to remain under the leadership of the Franciscan Friars since its founding, Relax on the lawn, take a tour of the inside and even explore the rose gardens on a warm summer day, #SantaBarbara #California #lifeatexpedia #weloveourmarkets #AMER #StunningStructures
Historic mission with a beautiful view from the Pacific
Mission Basilica de Santa Barbara. The Queen of all Mission churches. Visited 7 Basilicas on a two day road trip in Southern California last Holy Week.
Lots of history and beautiful gardens at the Mission. This isn't a whole day activity. We got up early and were back to the hotel before the rest of the family woke up!

Popular places to visit

Santa Barbara Mission

Mission Santa Barbara

Learn about the local history of Santa Barbara when you take a trip to Mission Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Mission Santa Barbara
Alameda Park in Santa Barbara is the location for many city-wide celebrations like Summer Solstice and is one of the city's oldest parks. Occupying two blocks in the heart of downtown, it is home to a gazebo as well as the 8,000-square-foot Kids World playground and many rare trees. This view is looking southwest at Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church across Anacapa Street, one of the oldest churches in California, dating back to 1782. #SantaBarbara #California #lifeatexpedia #weloveourmarkets #AMER

Alameda Park

After visiting Alameda Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Alameda Park
SantaBarbara_SantaBarbaraBowl_6065951_05

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 Bowl
Santa Barbara County Courthouse featuring a luxury hotel or resort and heritage architecture

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 County Courthouse
Giraffe

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 Zoo
I love the stillness of this marina, especially sunrise and sunset

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 Harbor

Top hotels in Upper East

Orange Tree Inn

Orange Tree Inn

2.5 out of 5
1920 State Street Santa Barbara CA
The price is 2.396.164 ₫ per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
2.396.164 ₫
2.736.534 ₫ total
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy parking (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (768 reviews)
For one full day of our stay, the hot water was turned off without notice. My husband ended up showering in ice cold water because he needed a shower and there was no other way around it. I was approached by a front desk employee, who instructed me to reach out to management to resolve this issue, ...

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

Orange Tree Inn
Simpson House Inn

Simpson House Inn

5 out of 5
121 East Arrellaga Street Santa Barbara CA
The price is 9.373.228 ₫ per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
9.373.228 ₫
12.457.812 ₫ total
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury B&B in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (703 reviews)
All of the staff were very friendly. That really stood out and made the stay very enjoyable

Reviewed on 21 Feb 2026

Simpson House Inn
Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

3 out of 5
533 State St Santa Barbara CA
The price is 6.883.880 ₫ per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
6.883.880 ₫
8.004.576 ₫ total
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,213 reviews)
Beautiful hotel

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026

Hotel Santa Barbara
Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge

2 out of 5
3525 State St Santa Barbara CA
The price is 2.560.606 ₫ per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
2.560.606 ₫
2.919.091 ₫ total
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,219 reviews)
Great

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026

Sandpiper Lodge
Inn By The Harbor

Inn By The Harbor

3.5 out of 5
433 W Montecito St Santa Barbara CA
The price is 5.617.150 ₫ per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
5.617.150 ₫
6.414.505 ₫ total
19 Mar - 20 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,856 reviews)
Room was very clean and comfortable

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026

Inn By The Harbor
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara

Hyatt Place Santa Barbara

3.5 out of 5
4111 State Street Santa Barbara CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is 4.259.324 ₫ per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
4.259.324 ₫
5.027.428 ₫ total
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,042 reviews)
Courteous staff. Ants in shower and 2 moths in the bathroom

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Upper East

Father and son hiking on Jesusita Trail with panoramic view of ocean and Channel Islands, Santa Barbara, California, USA

Oak Park

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

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

Oak Park
El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park

Laguna

Laguna might not have many top sights, but Presidio Santa Barbara and Lobero Theater are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Laguna
urban landscape of the city of Santa Barbara, California ; Shutterstock ID 398939668

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.

Downtown Santa Barbara
Elephant seal beach

Westside

While Westside isn't home to many top sights, Arlington Theater and Granada Theatre are some notable places to visit nearby.

Westside
Aerial view of Santa Barbara historic city center with Santa Ynez Mountains at the background, from top of the clock tower of Santa Barbara County Courthouse, California CA, USA.

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.

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
2017 Spring stroll in Santa Barbara, CA

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.

Mission Canyon

Upper East Travel Guide

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