Lower Riviera Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Lower 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 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.
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.
Activities
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Our pick of the best Lower Riviera Hotel Deals
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
"Great and nice staff"
Reviewed on 4 June 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
"Clean room"
Reviewed on 4 June 2026
Beachside Inn
"Minor items: my room was quite a distance from the water heater, so it took 10 minutes to get hot water in the shower. Also the TV reception was intermittent, which must have something to do with the cable provider. Again, these are minor and did not effect my stay."
Reviewed on 4 June 2026
Hotel Santa Barbara
"The hotel was very nice very clean. The staff was wonderful. It’s just that $30 a day parking but I know that’s what they’re charging nowadays. The only thing is we expected breakfast because they said they had breakfast. I thought may be a Continental breakfast , but there was none of that, There ..."
Reviewed on 4 June 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
"The hotel was very well maintained and a great bargain in Santa Barbara. The room was extremely clean and large. The bathroom was very nicely laid out. Breakfast was very convenient and the property was in a great location in town. The property is older but that didn’t detract from anything during ..."
Reviewed on 4 June 2026
The Franciscan Hotel
"Staff were friendly, helpful and accommodating for early check-in and late check-out. The room was spacious, comfortable and well appointed, down to the way the towels were folded. The property was lush with tall palms, banana plants and myriad greenery which created a calming environment. The self ..."
Reviewed on 4 June 2026
Our guide on where to stay in Lower 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 Paseo Nuevo Mall 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.
