Lower Riviera Travel Guide
Santa Barbara
Visit Lower 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Top hotels in Lower Riviera
Hotel Santa Barbara
"Bed was comfortable. Room was very nice. Great location."
Reviewed on 9 Jun 2026
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
"Clean room, and comfortable beds. The property is very nice and staff are kind and friendly. Definitely would stay here again!"
Reviewed on 8 Jun 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
"Nice but the jacuzzi and pool was closed …. Wish we had called ahead to confirm. But even with that the location was central to what we needed to be there for."
Reviewed on 9 Jun 2026
Beachside Inn
"great location...right next to the piers......helpful staff....rooms were nice and had a balcony over the park. wine and cheese for happy hour....would stay here again for sure."
Reviewed on 8 Jun 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
"Large clean room in safe area. Walkable distance to multiple restaurants. Clean outdoor heated pool with hot tub."
Reviewed on 9 Jun 2026
The Franciscan Hotel
"Very quiet at night. LOVE the minimalist decoration inside the room. Two most important things for us: this hotel takes DOGS and has FREE parking!!! They also offer free breakfast (but we didn’t get to utilize it). The front desk very pleasant and accommodating. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! Thank you for ..."
Reviewed on 7 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Lower Riviera
Santa Barbara Beach
Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.
Montecito
The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Montecito. A stop by Miramar Beach or Butterfly Beach 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 Lobero Theater or Presidio Santa Barbara might round out your trip.
West Beach
If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and West Beach are top sights worth seeing.
East Beach
East Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like East Beach and Santa Barbara Zoo.
