Upper Riviera Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Upper Riviera
Popular places to visit
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 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 County Courthouse
See the best views of Santa Barbara and enjoy a stunning variety of architectural styles at the city’s historic courthouse.
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 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.
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.
Activities
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Our pick of the best Upper Riviera Hotel Deals
El Encanto Santa Barbara
Lovely resort with beautiful grounds
Reviewed on 26 Dec 2025
Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
I liked all it had to offer except for the room A/C/heater… it was so noisy on and we had a hard time having it on at night. Also wall seem very thin, we heard the TV noise from next door at night. But overall it was clean and staff on site were all very kind and friendly. Also loved the heated pool, ...
Reviewed on 28 Dec 2025
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
Wonderful stay, would stay again
Reviewed on 28 Dec 2025
Hotel Santa Barbara
Clean hotel, quiet yet still within walking distance of everything. Very nice rooms.
Reviewed on 2 Jan 2026
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
Stay was ok. Room could be cleaner specially the bathroom. Hot complimentary breakfast was good, overall it was a ok.
Reviewed on 30 Dec 2025
Sandpiper Lodge
Clean and spacious. Comfortable bed.
Reviewed on 30 Dec 2025
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.
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.
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 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 Lobero Theater or Santa Barbara Museum of Art might round out your trip.
