Lower Riviera Travel Guide
Tourist Guide

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 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 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

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

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

Hotel Santa Barbara
Room was small but efficient, great interior furnishings. There was a fridge (mini bar not free), but free coffee and tea (good quality stuff too), kettle for boiling water. Plenty of cups. Nice large bathroom. Big open lobby with a little coffee/drink bar. My room faced courtyard so no street noise. ...
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026

Sandpiper Lodge
The staff is very friendly and accommodating. Rooms are clean and spacious.
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Room was clean, but had multiple light bulbs that were out and a bathroom light/fan switch that didn’t work. Staff was not very friendly. Location is good, with lots of restaurants within walking distance.
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026

Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
Breakfast was nice. It seemed to be the same thing both mornings. I would like to see some variation from day to day. Parking was fine. However since I have a large pickup truck it was VERY tight getting though the gates and not easy to park. The section in front is very small. No obvious place to ...
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Had to wait for towels to get restocked at the pool pretty much every day of our stay.
Reviewed on 11 Apr 2026

The Milo
The ocean view was beautiful.
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Lower 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.

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 Arlington Theater might round out your trip.

Oak Park
While Oak Park isn't home to many top sights, Mission Santa Barbara and Arlington Theater are some notable places to visit nearby.

Lower State
While visiting Lower State, you might make a stop by sights like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Paseo Nuevo Mall.




