Upper Riviera
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.
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 cosy cafes.
Things to do
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Santa Barbara Vineyard to Table Taste Tour by E-Bike
Solvang In-App Audio Tour: a Little Slice of Denmark Hidden in California
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Top hotels in Upper Riviera
El Encanto Santa Barbara
"Wonderful place wonderful staff great food and amenities"
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
Hotel Santa Barbara
"The bar was nice to experience after a full day of traveling and late checkin. Definitely do the valet parking. Very easy walk to the wharf. I suggest the Wharf restaurant for breakfast."
Reviewed on 22 May 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
"Very nice"
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
"Thank you See you later Gracias"
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
"Stayed here for 2 nights as a solo traveler and had a great experience. The hotel is older but very well maintained, and my room was spotless. I felt safe and comfortable the entire stay. Breakfast was basic but totally fine, plus there are plenty of great food options nearby. Check-in and check-out ..."
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
The Milo
"My wife and I upgraded to a larger room. The room was light and bright, but the bed was way too soft, and the room is along the main roadway, which made it quite loud. I shared this concern with the front desk staff and they were kind enough to reduce one night parking fee of $40. In our travels ..."
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Upper Riviera
Laguna
Laguna might not have many top sights, but Lobero Theater and Santa Barbara Bowl 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.
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 Paseo Nuevo Mall 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.
Lower State
While visiting Lower State, you might make a stop by sights like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Paseo Nuevo Mall.
