Santa Barbara Riviera
Santa Barbara Riviera, also known as the American Riviera, is an upscale residential neighborhood in Santa Barbara, California. It is not gated and is located east of the Old Mission, divided into an Upper Riviera and a Lower Riviera. The Lower Riviera stretches from about Milpas Street to Alameda Padre Sierra (APS). The Upper Riviera encompasses homes above Alameda Padre Sierra up to Route 192.
It is one of the most enchanting and beloved communities in Santa Barbara, CA. Known for its panoramic views that stretch from the Santa Ynez Mountains all the way to the ocean, the American Riviera offers residents a rare combination of seclusion and tranquility that is increasingly hard to find in Southern California.
Homes in this architecturally diverse community range from Mediterranean to Spanish Colonial Revival to strikingly modern and contemporary designs. From red-tiled roofs and wrought iron details to lush, mature gardens, you will find some of the most exquisite homes and estates in all of Santa Barbara nestled throughout the Riviera’s hillside streets.
One of the most beloved spots for Upper Riviera residents is Franceschi Park, which features botanical gardens, walking trails, gorgeous city and ocean views, and lush green spaces. In the Lower Riviera you can find the iconic Santa Barbara Bowl — one of the most celebrated outdoor music venues on the West Coast — as well as the serene Mission Rose Garden, a perennial favorite for walkers and nature lovers alike.
Santa Barbara Riviera HOMES FOR SALE
Upper Riviera Home Values: $1.8M–$9.5M
Lower Riviera Home Values: $1.2M–$4.5M
Home Size (sq.ft): 1,000–5,600+
Established in 1876
Gated: NO
What to love about the Santa Barbara Riviera
There are many amazing things to love about the Santa Barbara Riviera, here are just a few.
- The American Riviera features breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains, city and the Pacific Ocean
- Spanish Revival architecture and a rich mix of Mediterranean, contemporary, and historic architectural styles
- Quiet streets lined with lush landscaping, green spaces, the Franceschi Park, Sylvan Park, Mission Steps, Rocky Nook Park, Stair up to Mission Ridge and Orpet Park
- Great community spirit, local events and neighborhood gatherings that make the Riviera one of Santa Barbara’s most tight-knit communities
- Close proximity to shopping and dining, The Santa Barbara Tennis Club, the Santa Barbara Courthouse, The Old Mission Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Bowl
- Very little traffic, offering a peaceful retreat while remaining just minutes from downtown Santa Barbara
- A strong sense of privacy and seclusion, with many homes tucked into hillside settings surrounded by mature trees and native landscaping
What not to love about the Santa Barbara Riviera
Although this neighborhood is loved by many, there are certain characteristics of the Santa Barbara Riviera homes that may not appeal to all.
- In the Upper Riviera, the cost of living is notably higher than in other parts of Santa Barbara, a gap that has continued to widen in recent years
- Windy and narrow roads that can be challenging to navigate, especially for larger vehicles
- Difficult to find street parking and a general lack of sidewalks throughout much of the neighborhood
- Not ideal for families with small children due to the steep terrain and limited flat walking areas
- Homes on hillside lots can require more maintenance and may face higher insurance costs, particularly given California’s evolving fire risk landscape as of 2026
Grocery Stores
- Riviera Market
- Victoria Market
- Trader Joe’s
- Lazy Acres Natural Market (nearby on Coast Village Road)
Parks & Recreation
- Santa Barbara Bowl
- historic Riviera Theater
- Franceschi Park
- Mission Steps
- Sylvan Park
- Orpet Park
- Santa Barbara Tennis Club
- Santa Barbara Woman’s Club
- Rocky Nook Park
- Mission Rose Garden
Restaurants
- The Shop Brunch
- Petites Douceurs
- Taqueria El Buen Gusto
- Loquita
- Olio e Limone
Schools
- Roosevelt Elementary School, K-6
- The Riviera Ridge School, PK-8
- Santa Barbara Middle School, 6-8
If you are interested in buying or selling your home in the Santa Barbara Riviera, please contact your best Santa Barbara Realtor Timm Delaney at 805-895-1109. With deep local expertise and a proven track record in the Riviera market, Timm is ready to guide you through every step of your real estate journey in 2026.
View More Neighborhoods
Carpinteria
Local Guide to Carpinteria Real Estate, Homes for Sale, Lifestyle, Demographics, Schools, Entertainment, restaurants and more.
East Beach Townhomes (gated)
$1.3M-$2.2M
East Beach Town homes is a Beach front Gated Community in Santa Barbara and it features 80 2-4 bedroom units.
El Escorial Villas Condos (gated)
$790K-$2M
El Escorial Villas is a gated condominium community in Santa Barbara located across the street from East Beach community.
Goleta
A complete guide to Goleta Real Estate, Homes for Sale, demographics, local lifestyle, Restaurants, Entertainment and Education.
Hitchcock Ranch (gated)
$1.5M – $2.5M
Hitchcock Ranch is a gated community in Santa Barbara off Hitchcock Ranch Rd with 16 single family homes.
Hope Ranch
Local Guide to Hope Ranch Real Estate, Homes for Sale, Lifestyle, Demographics, Schools, Entertainment, restaurants and more.
Montecito
A complete guide to Montecito Real Estate, Homes for Sale, Open house listings, demographics, schools provided by your Realtor Timm Delaney.
San Roque
$950K – $3.75M
San Roque is a residential neighborhood in Santa Barbara, California. It is not gated and located northwest of downtown and reaches route 192.
Santa Barbara
A local guide to Santa Barbara Real Estate, Homes for Sale, Lifestyle, Homes for Sale, Demographics, Restaurants, Entertainment and Education.
Santa Barbara Shoreline Condos (gated)
$975K-$2.2M
Santa Barbara Shoreline Condos is a contemporary gated condominium community located across from Leadbetter Beach.
Santa Ynez Valley
Local guide to Santa Ynez Valley Real Estate, Lifestyle, Demographics, Homes for Sale, Entertainment, Real Estate and Equestrian Life.
Vintage Ranch Lane (GATED)
$972k to $1.13M
Vintage Ranch Lane expansive lots nestled against a picturesque backdrop of oak-studded open space.