East Mesa Travel Guide
Santa Barbara
Popular places to visit
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 County Courthouse
See the best views of Santa Barbara and enjoy a stunning variety of architectural styles at the city’s historic courthouse.
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.
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 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.
Things to do
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Top hotels in East Mesa
Hotel Santa Barbara
Beautiful hotel. Couldn't have asked for more. Room was beautiful Location, location, location. Staff was very friendly. 15 min walk to the beach and Stearns Wharf.
Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
Good space. Clean, professional,
Reviewed on 27 Mar 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
This hotel is great for its proximity to the beach, museums, the zoo, and restaurants. Lots to do in such a small area. We come up every spring break and stay at different hotels each time. This one is value for your buck! With 3 littles we need budget friendly. While there are more luxury places ...
Reviewed on 27 Mar 2026
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
Great hotel. The breakfast was amazing. Will definitely start here again.
Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026
Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
Breakfast could have been better. The eggs were extremely watery. No potatoes
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
Clean rooms and great location off the highway.
Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around East Mesa
The Mesa
While visiting The Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Leadbetter Beach and Arroyo Burro Beach.
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.
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.
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.
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 Paseo Nuevo Mall or Santa Barbara Museum of Art might round out your trip.
Westside
While Westside isn't home to many top sights, Arlington Theater and Granada Theatre are some notable places to visit nearby.
