Discover Local Adventures

Things To Do in Santa Barbara

Life’s an adventure at Riviera Beach House. We’ve partnered with our favorite local businesses to offer a curated series selection of elevated experiences that capture the endless summer vibe of Santa Barbara. From sailing and surfing to horseback rides and day trips, your California adventure awaits.

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  • Two people ride horses along a quiet beach at the shore, with gentle waves and distant hills across the water.
    • Activities

    6.7 Miles | 12 Minutes Drive

    Los Padres Horseback Riding

    Experience Santa Barbara’s scenic beauty on a 1.5-hour guided horseback ride from backcountry trails to the beach. Enjoy a rare private ride along the pristine Summerland coastline, just 15 minutes from the hotel. Contact our front desk to arrange. Subject to availability; advance notice of three days required.

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  • Riviera Beach House
    • Activities

    35 Miles | 48 Minutes Drive

    Cloud Climbers Jeep Tours

    Climb aboard a canopy-covered Jeep for an exclusive Santa Barbara backcountry tour. Journey through the Santa Ynez Mountains and Old Stagecoach Route with scenic stops at Lizard’s Mouth and Painted Caves. This 3-hour experience includes hotel pickup and an optional visit to Cold Spring Tavern for lunch (Tuesday & Wednesday excluded).

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  • A group of four people riding a yellow-topped pedal-powered quad bike on a sunny seaside promenade.
    • Adventure

    0.2 Miles | 2 Minutes Drive

    Wheel Fun Rentals

    Explore Santa Barbara with Wheel Fun Rentals, just 0.2 miles from Riviera Beach House. Cruise along the waterfront with bikes, surreys, or electric rentals—perfect for all ages. Discover scenic coastal paths, beaches, and nearby attractions at your own pace. Visit their website for rental options, availability, and pricing.

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  • Riviera Beach House
    • Attractions & Entertainment

    1.7 Miles | 5 Minutes Drive

    Santa Barbara Zoo

    Discover the Santa Barbara Zoo, a 30-acre park featuring 146 species in open, natural habitats overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains. Meet penguins, giraffes, gorillas, anteaters, and native California condors while enjoying one of the most scenic zoo experiences in California.

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  • Riviera Beach House
    • Attractions & Entertainment

    1.1 Miles | 5 Minutes Drive

    The Granada Theatre

    Experience live entertainment at The Granada Theatre, a historic Santa Barbara venue hosting plays, concerts, lectures, and performances year-round. Enjoy a vibrant cultural scene just minutes away from Riviera Beach House in the heart of downtown.

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  • A crowd gathers outside the Lobero Theatre at dusk, people chatting under warm lights near arched entrances and a pale, clear sky.
    • Attractions & Entertainment

    0.8 Miles | 5 Minutes Drive

    Lobero Theatre

    Discover the historic Lobero Theatre, California’s oldest continuously operating theatre, founded in 1873. This iconic Santa Barbara venue hosts concerts, film festivals, and cultural events featuring renowned artists and local performances, all in a beautifully preserved setting near Riviera Beach House.

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  • Three silhouetted performers against a red curtain, posing with dynamic gestures on stage.
    • Attractions & Entertainment

    1.2 Miles | 6 Minutes Drive

    The Arlington Theatre

    Visit the historic Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara, known for its stunning Spanish-inspired architecture and starry sky ceiling. From film screenings to major events like the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, enjoy a unique entertainment experience just minutes from Riviera Beach House.

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  • Riviera Beach House
    • Attractions & Entertainment

    1.9 Miles | 6 Minutes Drive

    Santa Barbara Bowl

    Experience live music at the Santa Barbara Bowl, a premier outdoor concert venue built in 1936. Enjoy performances from top artists across genres, from rock and pop to comedy and country, all set under the open Santa Barbara sky just minutes from Riviera Beach House.

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  • A sunny coastal town with a long sandy beach, palm-lined street, white buildings, and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
    • Beaches

    1.2 Miles | 5 Minutes Drive

    West Beach

    Relax at West Beach in Santa Barbara, a popular coastal spot for windsurfing, boating, and beachside activities. Watch boats at the harbor or enjoy volleyball and scenic ocean views, all just minutes from Riviera Beach House.

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  • Riviera Beach House
    • Local Wineries

    138 ft | 1 Minute Drive

    Melville

    Visit Melville tasting room in Santa Barbara and enjoy exceptional cool-climate wines from Sta. Rita Hills. Sample their acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in a relaxed setting, just steps from Riviera Beach House.

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  • Wooden barrels aging wine or whiskey, arranged in rows. crafted staves, metal hoops, rustic cellar vibe.
    • Local Wineries

    0.3 Miles | 2 Minutes Drive

    Municipal Winery

    Discover Municipal Winery in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, offering a hip and unconventional tasting experience. Enjoy eclectic blends and sustainably crafted wines in a vibrant setting, just minutes from Riviera Beach House.

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  • A row of assorted wine bottles on a bar shelf, angled toward the camera, labels facing outward, warm lighting in the background.
    • Local Wineries

    0.3 Miles | 2 Minutes Drive

    Margerum Winery

    Visit Margerum Winery in downtown Santa Barbara and enjoy elegant Rhône varietals and unique blends crafted by winemaker Doug Margerum. Relax in a sophisticated tasting room just minutes from Riviera Beach House.

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  • Riviera Beach House
    • Local Wineries

    417 ft | 1 Minute Drive

    J. Wilkes Winery

    Visit J. Wilkes Winery in Santa Barbara and enjoy small-lot Chardonnay and Pinot Noir crafted with minimal intervention. Experience a relaxed tasting that highlights the unique terroir of the Santa Maria Valley, just steps from Riviera Beach House.

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  • A person pouring wine into a glass over a barrel in a wine cellar, with a small bottle stopper resting on the barrel.
    • Local Wineries

    0.4 Miles | 3 Minutes Drive

    Santa Barbara Wine Collective

    Visit the Santa Barbara Wine Collective, a collaborative tasting room in the Urban Wine Trail. Sample wines from premier local winemakers and explore diverse flavors shaped by Santa Barbara County’s unique microclimates, just minutes from Riviera Beach House.

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  • Riviera Beach House
    • Museums

    0.1 Miles | 1 Minutes Drive

    MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

    Explore MOXI, a one-of-a-kind interactive museum in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone. Enjoy over 17,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits focused on science, technology, and the arts, offering fun and learning for all ages just steps from Riviera Beach House.

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  • A colorful display of fresh vegetables: onions, peppers, carrots, greens, cucumbers, eggplants, broccoli, cabbage, and leafy greens in vibrant rows.
    • Shopping

    1 Miles | 3 Minutes Drive

    Santa Barbara Farmers' Markets

    Experience local culture at Santa Barbara Farmers’ Markets, where State Street comes alive with artisan goods, fresh produce, and local flavors. Enjoy weekly markets across Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, and Montecito, along with special events like the State Street Promenade Market.

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  • Riviera Beach House
    • Museums

    1.2 Miles | 6 Minutes Drive

    Santa Barbara Museum of Art

    Explore over 5,000 years of art and culture at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Featuring a renowned 27,000-piece collection, discover works from classical antiquities to modern installations in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara.

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  • Riviera Beach House
    • Sightseeing

    1 Mile | 6 Minutes Drive

    State Street

    Explore State Street, a vibrant pedestrian-friendly district in downtown Santa Barbara. Stroll through shops, restaurants, and entertainment spots while admiring beautiful architecture along this lively 10-block promenade.

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  • A wooden pier extends into calm blue water with a seaside town, palm trees, and mountains in the background, under a bright sky.
    • Sightseeing

    4 Miles | 3 Minutes Drive

    Pier Santa Barbara

    Enjoy a breezy seaside stroll or bike ride along this iconic landmark. Take in stunning ocean views as the waves lap underneath, and walk along its broad wood plank path towards a vibrant collective of unique eateries, and souvenir and ice cream shops resembling a small seaside village. Sit down under one of the picnic tables and umbrella shades and reminisce about the old beach days of yore.

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  • A seaside pier with a long row of buildings, palm trees, mountains in the background, and an American flag atop a flagpole, over calm water.
    • Sightseeing

    0.4 Miles | 3 Minutes Drive

    Pier/Stearns Wharf

    Visit Stearns Wharf, California’s oldest working wharf and one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic attractions. Enjoy ocean views, explore museums, take boat rides, and discover unique shops and waterfront dining at this historic seaside destination.

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  • Two women walk hand-in-hand down a sunny street; one points ahead with excitement while the other laughs behind sunglasses.
    • Sightseeing

    1 Mile | 1 Minute Drive

    The Funk Zone District

    Discover the Funk Zone, a lively 13-block district in Santa Barbara filled with top restaurants, wineries, breweries, tasting rooms, art galleries, and unique shops. Once an industrial hub, it’s now a must-visit destination near Riviera Beach House.

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  • A peach-colored church with two square bell towers, red domes, stone facade, set against a bright blue sky and surrounding trees.
    • Sightseeing

    2.5 Miles | 10 Minutes Drive

    Old Mission Santa Barbara

    Visit Old Mission Santa Barbara, known as the “Queen of the Missions,” and explore one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Discover historic art and artifacts, admire Spanish architecture, and stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens.

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  • Riviera Beach House
    • Sightseeing

    1 Mile | 1 Minute Drive

    Santa Barbara Amtrak Station

    Travel to Santa Barbara via the scenic Pacific Surfliner and arrive at the historic Amtrak Station. Built in 1905, this charming landmark offers beautiful architecture, coastal views, and the Sea View Café for fresh bites, drinks, and a relaxing start or end to your journey.

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  • An aerial view of a campus with a red-roofed building, green lawns, paths, trees, and surrounding residential blocks in the distance.
    • Universities

    1 Mile | 4 Minutes Drive

    Santa Barbara City College

    Visit Santa Barbara City College, a scenic campus just steps from the beach. Stroll through oceanfront pathways, gardens, and lagoons while enjoying art exhibits, performances, and vibrant student life at one of California’s most beautiful college settings.

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