The Mesa Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
Arroyo Burro Beach
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Arroyo Burro Beach during your travels in Santa Barbara? Take in the entertainment choices and sunsets in the area.
Shoreline Park
Shoreline Park is just one of the places to see in Santa Barbara, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the top-notch restaurants in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.
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 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 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 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.
Activities
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
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 The Mesa Hotel Deals
Hotel Santa Barbara
The staff was extremely friendly, and the room (although small) was comfortable.
Reviewed on 4 Apr 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
We got there, and check-in was super easy and quick. Staff were helpful and friendly anytime we needed anything. Parking wasn't an issue. Breakfast was the typical continental, and coffee was always fresh and hot. The hotel room was spacious, clean, and had the amenities they said they'd have. The ...
Reviewed on 3 Apr 2026
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
Great hotel would definitely revisit. Friendly staff, cheap, convenient parking underneath hotel. Nice big buffet breakfast. Comfortable room and very clean. Quiet from any road noise yet conveniently located right off the highway.
Reviewed on 4 Apr 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Clearly the budget option in sb. It’s fine. Nothing special
Reviewed on 3 Apr 2026
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
The front desk staff were polite even when our room was not ready, although it was about 15 minutes past check-in time. They got the room ready close to 5pm. We booked a suite, which was spacious- 2 rooms essentially, one had the 2 queen beds, and the other had a coffee table, sofa, lounge chairs, ...
Reviewed on 2 Apr 2026
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
There was no management staff available in person—everything was handled through apps and text messages, which made the experience feel impersonal and frustrating. The only staff I encountered on-site were janitorial and groundskeeping workers. The pool was small and NOT HEATED, making it too cold ...
Reviewed on 2 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around The Mesa
Alta Mesa
When in Alta Mesa, you can plan a visit to 1000 Steps Beach and Leadbetter Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
East Mesa
If you're spending some time in East Mesa, Leadbetter Beach and 1000 Steps Beach are top sights worth seeing.
West Beach
If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and Carriage and Western Art Museum are top sights worth seeing.
Westside
While Westside isn't home to many top sights, Arlington Theater and Santa Barbara Public Market are some notable places to visit nearby.
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 Paseo Nuevo Mall or Santa Barbara Museum of Art 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 Paseo Nuevo Mall or Santa Barbara Museum of Art might round out your trip.
