Alta Mesa Travel Guide
Tourist Guide

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

Whale and Wildlife Yacht Cruise in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Our pick of the best Alta Mesa Hotel Deals

Hotel Santa Barbara
Room was clean and modern with a well-stocked chiller and slightly less-stocked snack bar. Bed was extremely comfortable (firm King, as we like it) and electrical/charging amenities were more than adequate (wall, lamps and wireless). We only stayed 3 nights, however, like most post-COVID hotels, ...
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026

Sandpiper Lodge
Breakfast was better than average
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026

Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
We had a nice stay at this hotel. The rooms were clean and well-kept. The staff was friendly and helpful, which made our stay comfortable. Breakfast didn’t have a huge variety, but everything was fresh, tasty, and nicely prepared — it was more than enough. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay and ...
Reviewed on 16 Apr 2026

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
Clean rooms!
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2026

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
The swimming pool and jacuzzi were extremely dirty. Complimentary breakfast was uninspiring. Waffles and bananas along with juice and coffee. Not pleasant if staying for 3 days as we did. Room cleaning every 3rd day was shocking and we were very disappointed 😔
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Great room with a partial view of the ocean. Staff was really nice and the check in and out was super easy.
Reviewed on 15 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Alta Mesa

The Mesa
While visiting The Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Leadbetter Beach and Arroyo Burro Beach.

East Mesa
If you're spending some time in East Mesa, Leadbetter Beach and 1000 Steps Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Westside
While Westside isn't home to many top sights, Arlington Theater and Santa Barbara Public Market are some notable places to visit nearby.

West Beach
If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and Carriage and Western Art Museum are top sights worth seeing.

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 Arlington Theater 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.


