Upper East

Santa Barbara

Founded on December 4, 1786, the mission is the namesake of the city of Santa Barbara as well as of Santa Barbara County. The grounds occupy a rise between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains granting beautiful views in all directions. Mission Santa Barbara is the only mission to remain under the leadership of the Franciscan Friars since its founding, Relax on the lawn, take a tour of the inside and even explore the rose gardens on a warm summer day, #SantaBarbara #California #lifeatexpedia #weloveourmarkets #AMER #StunningStructures
Founded on December 4, 1786, the mission is the namesake of the city of Santa Barbara as well as of Santa Barbara County. The grounds occupy a rise between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains granting beautiful views in all directions. Mission Santa Barbara is the only mission to remain under the leadership of the Franciscan Friars since its founding, Relax on the lawn, take a tour of the inside and even explore the rose gardens on a warm summer day, #SantaBarbara #California #lifeatexpedia #weloveourmarkets #AMER #StunningStructures
Historic mission with a beautiful view from the Pacific
Mission Basilica de Santa Barbara. The Queen of all Mission churches. Visited 7 Basilicas on a two day road trip in Southern California last Holy Week.
Lots of history and beautiful gardens at the Mission. This isn't a whole day activity. We got up early and were back to the hotel before the rest of the family woke up!

Popular places to visit

Santa Barbara Mission

Mission Santa Barbara

4/5(15 reviews)

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.

Mission Santa Barbara
Alameda Park in Santa Barbara is the location for many city-wide celebrations like Summer Solstice and is one of the city's oldest parks. Occupying two blocks in the heart of downtown, it is home to a gazebo as well as the 8,000-square-foot Kids World playground and many rare trees. This view is looking southwest at Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church across Anacapa Street, one of the oldest churches in California, dating back to 1782. #SantaBarbara #California #lifeatexpedia #weloveourmarkets #AMER

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.

Alameda Park
I love the stillness of this marina, especially sunrise and sunset

Santa Barbara Harbor

4.5/5(15 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Santa Barbara with a trip to Santa Barbara Harbor. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Santa Barbara Harbor
KHAHXR Stock Photo Female Elephant Santa Barbara Zoo Central California

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 Zoo
SantaBarbara_SantaBarbaraBowl_6065951_05

Santa Barbara Bowl

5/5(3 reviews)

Enjoy a show at Santa Barbara Bowl, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Santa Barbara Bowl
Santa Barbara County Courthouse which includes a luxury hotel or resort and heritage architecture

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

4.5/5(11 reviews)

See the best views of Santa Barbara and enjoy a stunning variety of architectural styles at the city’s historic courthouse.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

Things to do

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

RM114
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

RM142
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental

Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental

RM183
per adult
Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental
Nothing better than a Santa Barbara sunset on the water

Sunset Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

RM361
per adult
Sunset Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
Checking out the sea lions

Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

RM239
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

RM244
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop
See all activities in Santa Barbara

Top hotels in Upper East

Simpson House Inn

Simpson House Inn

5 out of 5
121 East Arrellaga Street Santa Barbara CA
Stay at this luxury B&B in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (699 reviews)
Super nice team we’re very welcoming.

Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026

Get rates
Simpson House Inn
Orange Tree Inn

Orange Tree Inn

2.5 out of 5
1920 State Street Santa Barbara CA
The price is RM328 per night from 22 Jan to 23 Jan
RM328
RM375 total
22 Jan - 23 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy parking (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (746 reviews)
Great host and late night check in

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Orange Tree Inn
Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

3 out of 5
533 State St Santa Barbara CA
The price is RM891 per night from 27 Jan to 28 Jan
RM891
RM1,036 total
27 Jan - 28 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,139 reviews)
Beautiful hotel in the heart of Santa Barbara

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

Hotel Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Inn

Santa Barbara Inn

4 out of 5
901 E Cabrillo Blvd Santa Barbara CA
The price is RM1,212 per night from 30 Jan to 31 Jan
RM1,212
RM1,384 total
30 Jan - 31 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
It raining and cold

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

Santa Barbara Inn
Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn

Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn

3 out of 5
3850 State St Santa Barbara CA
The price is RM644 per night from 2 Feb to 3 Feb
RM644
RM736 total
2 Feb - 3 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,067 reviews)
Very clean

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge

2 out of 5
3525 State St Santa Barbara CA
The price is RM370 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
RM370
RM422 total
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,137 reviews)
The family rooms available and the continental breakfast.

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

Sandpiper Lodge
See all 1,525 properties in Upper East
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Upper East

Elephant seal beach

Oak Park

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

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

Oak Park
El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park

Laguna

Laguna might not have many top sights, but Presidio Santa Barbara and Lobero Theater are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Laguna
urban landscape of the city of Santa Barbara, California ; Shutterstock ID 398939668

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.

Downtown Santa Barbara
Elephant seal beach

Westside

While Westside isn't home to many top sights, Arlington Theater and Granada Theatre are some notable places to visit nearby.

Westside
Sant Barbara. USA

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.

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
2017 Spring stroll in Santa Barbara, CA

Mission Canyon

Visitors to Mission Canyon enjoy its gardens, and if you want to do some exploring, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is worth a stop.

Mission Canyon

Upper East