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 a little lackng, no hot food like eggs and bacon. It was real basic but tasted fine.
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2026
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
Very nice property in the Santa Barbara area with close proximity to the freeway, restaurants and downtown Santa Barbara. Breakfast was great and they had a nice variety of options to choose from — much better than some of the breakfast areas I’ve seen at other hotels. Parking is a little tight but ...
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2026
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
Clean rooms!
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
The staff was nice and I liked how it fit our family of 5 comfortably in three beds. However some minor inconveniences such as the room safety box not working, the telephone not working (so we can call the front desk ie for more towels or complain about the safety box not working) was annoying. The ...
Reviewed on 18 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.
