There are dozens of places to stay in Santa Barbara that will make your vacation one to remember, but for those who like a bit of adventure with their travels, every one on this list offers an extra incentive for getting into the outdoors.
Surf School at Rosewood Miramar Beach
While this Montecito Forbes Five-Star resort’s luxury amenities, six restaurants, six boutiques, Sense spa and fitness classes mean you never have to leave the property to have an amazing trip, its Miramar Surf Club is an epic reason to venture beyond the beach chair. You’ll hit the waves of Miramar Beach with a local surf legend to learn in the classic Santa Barbara style during a 2-hour private lesson. To prove it happened, you’ll get a highlight reel and still images shot by a SURFER Magazine photographer.
Guided Canyon Activities at El Capitan Canyon
Those staying in El Capitan Canyon’s cabins and yurts have already opted in for closeness to nature, with amenities like a heated pool, wine tastings, cozy beds, a summer music series and private firepits. Go the extra step to participate in the resort’s outdoor activities, which include stargazing, sound baths, yoga, a hike to the llama farm, guided beach runs and free cruiser-bike rentals.
Horseback Riding with El Encanto Santa barbara
From shoreline beach rides to blufftop trails with sweeping ocean views, these equestrian experiences offer a memorable way to take in Santa Barbara’s coastal landscape. Options range from hands-on children’s encounters to private arena sessions for more experienced riders. Back at El Encanto, wind down with a fragrant garden stroll before settling into a bougainvillea-framed bungalow.
Scenic Hikes at San Ysidro Ranch
Choose your level of adventure on 17 miles of hiking trails in the Los Padres National Forest in the hills above San Ysidro Ranch, where views of the deep blue Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands are the perfect backdrop. Cool off under the outdoor rainwater shower at your private cottage and soothe spent muscles in the sunken spa before retreating to Plow & Angel Speakeasy for a tequila-tasting experience and dinner on the ocean-view terrace’s Stonehouse Restaurant.
Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Popular with families, the hotel has partnered with Ambassadors of the Environment to create eco experiences that explore the Gaviota Coast’s wonders, which include a kelp forest, birds, tide pools and traditional Chumash culture. The insights gained will make you even more appreciative of the hotel’s two beaches — and how important it is to preserve their tranquility — as well as the sustainably harvested seafood at its six fine restaurants.
Sip & Sail at Kimpton Canary Hotel
If you’re looking to level up your romance game, it’s hard to imagine a better one-stop shop. This package at Kimpton Canary Hotel includes a private boat cruise for two, an on-board acoustic concert, Champagne and a charcuterie board, with options for adding floral arrangements and photography services. Walk on air back to the hotel for farm-to-table dining at Finch & Fork and retire to your suite’s soaking tub and a four-poster canopied bed straight out of a fairytale.
Ocean-View Horseback Riding at Circle Bar B Guest Ranch & Stables
While no one would blame you for staying at Circle Bar B simply for its comfy cabins and cottages, hearty meals that fuel each day’s adventures and the Western hospitality of its hosts, exploring its private acres on horseback is a must. Cross hill and dale, streams and waterfalls to find panoramic vistas of the sea and Channel Islands.
Mountain Jeep Tour at Riviera Beach House
This tour has it all: Traveling an old stagecoach route into Santa Barbara’s mountainous backcountry, lunch amid Santa Ynez Mountains scenery, epic views of the Central Coast, a tour of Chumash Indian cave paintings and a cool beverage at a local tavern. Stick with the outdoors theme by booking one of the Riviera Beach House’s garden patio rooms — you get it all to yourself.
Enchanted Forest Hideaway at The Steward, Santa Barbara
Descriptions of The Steward include words like mystique, whimsical and dreamy. It’s set on nearly five acres of a historical-landmark estate built in the 1800s by a horticulturist whose gardens and trees remain. Today, the sustainably focused resort has the feel of a secret garden, and visitors are invited to wander its Enchanted Forest, where you might stumble upon an inspiring quote or a rustic seat perched perfectly for reading beneath the trees.
