Upper Riviera Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Upper 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 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 Harbor
Explore the waterfront in Santa Barbara with a trip to Santa Barbara Harbor. 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 romantic 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 top-notch restaurants.
Activities
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
Our pick of the best Upper Riviera Hotel Deals
El Encanto Santa Barbara
WiFi not stable / not working for the 2 days we were there. No soap in bathroom, minibar with only 2 bottles of water, rooms with full of leds - switch lights that can’t be darken. quality - price ratio not attractive
Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026
Hotel Santa Barbara
Beautiful hotel. I was surprised to learn that it had been renovated 5 years ago because
Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026
Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
Wake up call wood be nice, also breakfast on Friday didn’t start till 7:300. Had to be on the job by 7:30
Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
Furnishings. Mattresses.
Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026
Inn By The Harbor
Nice room, good pool area
Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026
Santa Barbara Inn
Great room, great view and excellent staff. Room was exceptional! We ate at the restaurant at the hotel, and the food was delicious!
Reviewed on 14 Feb 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
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 Presidio Santa Barbara 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.
