Upper Riviera Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Upper Riviera
Popular places to visit
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.
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.
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.
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 Upper Riviera Hotel Deals
El Encanto Santa Barbara
The property was wonderful and the staff were the most kind and accommodating. It made our stay very special
Reviewed on 9 Apr 2026
Hotel Santa Barbara
This is such a great hotel for a Santa Barbara visit! Location is convenient to stores, restaurants and the beach. The lobby and building are beautiful, rooms and beds are comfortable and staff truly cares about your experience. We will be back!
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
breakfast basic but ok
Reviewed on 11 Apr 2026
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
Decent but very loud. Lots of screaming kids and barking dogs.
Reviewed on 9 Apr 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
The inn was clean and had everything one might need. Frig, coffee maker, plenty of outlets for electronics, safe for valuables, nice complimentary continental breakfast and good security (need key to access room hallway which also accessed the room. It was a little noisy (seemed popular with young ...
Reviewed on 9 Apr 2026
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
It was at best average in all aspects
Reviewed on 10 Apr 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 Paseo Nuevo Mall or Santa Barbara Museum of Art 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 Paseo Nuevo Mall or Santa Barbara Museum of Art might round out your trip.
