The Riviera

Hillside estates with panoramic views above downtown

Named for its resemblance to the Mediterranean coast, the Riviera climbs the hills just above downtown Santa Barbara, between Mission and Sycamore Canyons. It’s one of the city’s most visually distinctive neighborhoods — and one where the hillside setting shapes nearly everything about buying, building, and selling.

Lifestyle

Peaceful and private, with panoramic views of the ocean, the Channel Islands, and the city below. The elevation also means less of the marine layer that affects lower parts of town — residents get more sun, with the tradeoff of narrower, winding streets and steeper access.

Architecture & homes

Spanish Revival estates with red-tile roofs and stucco walls define much of the Riviera, alongside more contemporary homes that take full advantage of the views. Large hillside parcels, stone walls, and terraced gardens are common.

Schools

Served by Santa Barbara Unified, with several well-regarded private schools also within easy reach of the neighborhood. See the full School Guide →

Amenities

Franceschi and Orpet Parks offer some of the best views in the city, and the Santa Barbara Bowl sits at the base of the hill.

For sellers

Hillside living comes with real tradeoffs — geotechnical considerations, grading requirements, and view-preservation rules all affect what can be built or changed. Navigating that well, rather than being surprised by it mid-escrow, is where a construction-literate read on a property matters most.

Curious what’s possible here?

Let's talk about buying or selling in The Riviera.

FAQ Property Videos

⌂ Equal Housing Opportunity

Karina Matic — CA DRE #01726170
Santa Barbara, CA · +805 680 7701

Karina Matic is affiliated with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, an independently owned and operated broker member of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Brokerage License #01317331 · 3868 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. Equal Housing Opportunity. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.