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
We really enjoyed the lovely property and staff. The room was beautiful however the bed was horrible as it was old and was worn and uneven. I did not sleep well because of it. It seemed strange to me because everything on this property is absolutely beautiful and well maintained. New beds please. ...
Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026
Hotel Santa Barbara
Everything was perfect!
Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026
Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
Clean room, smelled good, and in a good location for a reasonable price. We loved our stay.
Reviewed on 15 Feb 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
Cle as n room
Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026
Santa Barbara Inn
Quiet, pleasant stay
Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026
Inn By The Harbor
Room was clean and promptly cleaned every morning. The courtyard is adorable—lots of foliage, pool and jacuzzi, umbrellas and green. Very quiet and relaxing in the jacuzzi every morning. The breakfast was very good as well, a few steps up from continental for sure. My only issue came with my room ...
Reviewed on 12 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.
