Upper East, CA

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

4.5/5(771 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Santa Barbara with a stop at 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
SantaBarbara_SantaBarbaraBowl_6065951_05

Santa Barbara Bowl

4.5/5(144 reviews)

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

Santa Barbara Bowl
I love the stillness of this marina, especially sunrise and sunset

Santa Barbara Harbor

4.5/5(529 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
Giraffe

Santa Barbara Zoo

4.5/5(307 reviews)

Why not visit the native and exotic animals who call Santa Barbara Zoo home during your trip to Santa Barbara? Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

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

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

4.5/5(417 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

$28
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Santa Barbara Coastal Cruise

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

$40
per adult
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Full Bar

Santa Barbara Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Full Bar

$65
per adult
Santa Barbara Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Full Bar
Helicopter Beach Tour

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

$69
per adult
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

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

$35
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

$45
per adult
Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental
See all activities in Santa Barbara

Upper East Hotel Deals

Simpson House Inn

Simpson House Inn

5 out of 5
121 East Arrellaga Street Santa Barbara CA
$406 nightly
The price is $464 total per night from Feb 23 to Feb 24
$464 total
Feb 23 - Feb 24
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury B&B in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (702 reviews)
Unbelievable place. Charming, beautiful, very good bed, excellent breakfast. New ownership december 2025. Big plans for improvements. The owner have 2 restaurants in town and 2 other bnbs. This place is better than a bnb. The breakfast is mode like a boutique hotel with several great choices and ...

Reviewed on Feb 9, 2026

Simpson House Inn
Orange Tree Inn

Orange Tree Inn

2.5 out of 5
1920 State Street Santa Barbara CA
$92 nightly
The price is $105 total per night from Feb 23 to Feb 24
$105 total
Feb 23 - Feb 24
Total with taxes and 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! (753 reviews)
I really love this place The staff and the accommodation everything's good there I just I really like it!

Reviewed on Feb 3, 2026

Orange Tree Inn
Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

3 out of 5
533 State St Santa Barbara CA
$242 nightly
The price is $276 total per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
$276 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,174 reviews)
The hotel fulfilled, every expectation in a great location at a reasonable price.

Reviewed on Feb 5, 2026

Hotel Santa Barbara
Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge

2 out of 5
3525 State St Santa Barbara CA
$109 nightly
The price is $124 total per night from Feb 15 to Feb 16
$124 total
Feb 15 - Feb 16
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,163 reviews)
The room was clean & the staff were helpful. Would recommend it.

Reviewed on Feb 3, 2026

Sandpiper Lodge
Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn

3 out of 5
336 W. Cabrillo Blvd Santa Barbara CA
$155 nightly
The price is $178 total per night from Feb 25 to Feb 26
$178 total
Feb 25 - Feb 26
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,138 reviews)
Very clean room, great staff, and location is fantastic.

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2026

Beachside Inn
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

2.5 out of 5
128 Castillo St Santa Barbara CA
$129 nightly
The price is $146 total per night from Feb 25 to Feb 26
$146 total
Feb 25 - Feb 26
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,099 reviews)
Very nice room. Excellent staff. The pool and jacuzzi are a Nice. I would love to stay there again.

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2026

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
See all 1,517 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 neighborhoods around Upper East

Father and son hiking on Jesusita Trail with panoramic view of ocean and Channel Islands, Santa Barbara, California, USA

Oak Park

While there might not be top attractions in Oak Park, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mission Santa Barbara and Arlington Theater.

Oak Park
El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park

Laguna

Though Laguna might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Presidio Santa Barbara and Lobero Theater.

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

When in Westside, you can plan a visit to Arlington Theater and Granada Theatre, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Westside
Aerial view of Santa Barbara historic city center with Santa Ynez Mountains at the background, from top of the clock tower of Santa Barbara County Courthouse, California CA, USA.

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

The beaches and abundant 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
See our Where To Stay guide

Upper East, CA

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