Upper East Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Upper East
Popular places to visit
Mission Santa Barbara
Learn about the local history of Santa Barbara when you take a trip to Mission Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Alameda Park
After visiting Alameda Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities 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.
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: 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 Upper East Hotel Deals
Orange Tree Inn
"This is a great find! Conveniently located on State St just a quick $15 ride to the local nightlife. Very clean, smelled great. Easy check in, safe area, super comfy hybrid mattress beds (better than my bed at home). Our rooms both had private "porches" with a table & chairs. Very nice to have. The ..."
Reviewed on 1 June 2026
Simpson House Inn
"What an amazing, peaceful stay at Simpson House! The staff was wonderful, making us feel extra special for our anniversary. They gave us helpful recommendations and were just so nice and wonderful. The grounds are absolutely beautiful. It’s like your staying in the middle of magical garden. It’s ..."
Reviewed on 2 June 2026
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
"Centrally located, this property is above average. The room was clean, and the property was well maintained. The breakfast, however, lacked variety...and while the coffee was excellent, the eggs (loosely scrambled and NO hard boiled eggs) and dry sausage, wasn't up to par with other like hotels."
Reviewed on 3 June 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
"I booked five rooms at the Avania Inn of Santa Barbara for my family for my graduation, and the experience was terrible. One of the rooms I booked showed multiple beds online three beds and I paid $540 for one night. But when I arrived, they gave me two queen beds and a sofa bed instead. When I talked ..."
Reviewed on 3 June 2026
Beachside Inn
"This is a great place to stay! Walkable to the harbor and the wharf but far enough to be quieter. The breakfast options were great and there is coffee and water all day. The staff is friendly and there is a big parking lot. We will definitely stay here again"
Reviewed on 3 June 2026
Hotel Santa Barbara
"The renovation is beautiful. We had a room on the second floor by the elevator and the old elevator made loud noise. The bathroom in our room was too small and stepped up. No room for sundries. The decor in the room is very nice. However, the hotel is in an awesome location. Walking distance to the ..."
Reviewed on 3 June 2026
Our guide on where to stay in Upper East
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 Paseo Nuevo Mall might round out your trip.
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.
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.
