The Mesa Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
Arroyo Burro Beach
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Arroyo Burro Beach during your travels in Santa Barbara? Take in the entertainment choices and sunsets in the area.
Shoreline Park
Shoreline Park is just one of the places to see in Santa Barbara, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the top-notch restaurants in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.
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.
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.
Activities
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop
Our pick of the best The Mesa Hotel Deals
Hotel Santa Barbara
Great location and great rooms. The only thing that keeps this hotel from 5 stars is the nighttime noise from the bar (s) below if you are on the front side of the building. It’s extremely disruptive to a good nights sleep and seems to be every night. We stayed on a Saturday and Sunday and both nights ...
Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026
Santa Barbara Inn
Room was beautiful, clean. comfortable. All staff very kind.
Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026
Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
Nice Stay and plenty of variety for breakfast
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
My stay at Sandpiper Lodge went very well. Bed was great and the room was very clean. The location itself is very close to downtown Santa Barbara.
Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Room was clean and well stocked. Offering a room with 3 queen beds is a wonderful set up and worked perfectly for our family. Staff was friendly and helpful and location is fabulous. I only wish there was no smoking at all on the property. I had a one year old with me and I didnt want her inhaling ...
Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026
Beachside Inn
Place is clean, spacious and good breakfast plus walking distance to the beach was a big plus!
Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around The Mesa
Alta Mesa
When in Alta Mesa, you can plan a visit to 1000 Steps Beach and Leadbetter Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
East Mesa
If you're spending some time in East Mesa, Leadbetter Beach and 1000 Steps Beach are top sights worth seeing.
West Mesa
While there might not be top attractions in West Mesa, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Arroyo Burro Beach and Leadbetter Beach.
West Beach
If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and West Beach are top sights worth seeing.
Westside
While Westside isn't home to many top sights, Arlington Theater and Granada Theatre are some notable places to visit nearby.
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.
