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.
Ranch-to-Winery Horseback Ride at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel
Journey through the Santa Ynez Valley’s gently rolling hills and tidy rows of vineyard vines on horseback to Fess Parker Winery, where a wine tasting and bottle of pinot noir are accompanied by a cheese spread. Back at El Encanto’s 1920s-era luxury dreamland, take a jasmine- and lavender-scented garden stroll and end the day in a hilltop bungalow surrounded by bright-pink bougainvillea.
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.
Outdoor Experiences at the four hotels of the Santa Barbara Collection
Whether you choose to stay at Lavender Inn by the Sea, Inn by the Harbor, Brisas Del Mar, Inn by the Beach or Best Western Plus Santa Barbara, you’ll have your pick of alfresco adventures at the Mediterranean-inspired inns of the Santa Barbara Collection.
Seashore Cruise and Soother Package
Romance is the vibe at these properties, and the theme continues as you set out for a catamaran cruise, taking in the historic sites and beautiful architecture along the shoreline. You may also meet some of Santa Barbara’s most popular residents: sea lions, dolphins and whales. The inns provide a bottle of wine, a jute tote to take home with you and endless by-the-sea charm.
A Walk to Remember
If you’re the type of person to drop your bags in your room and head out to explore the area before anything else, these hotels have you covered. Pick up one of their beach and city walking guides to get you pointed in the right direction, along with bottles of water, a souvenir compass and a cute backpack to store it all in. Starting your journey just a couple blocks from the beach and harbor makes getting the lay of the land (and sea) a cinch.
Pedal Power
Forget about parking and go like the locals do — on two wheels! Spin around the waterfront and Santa Barbara’s diverse neighborhoods, letting your e-bike do the hard work. Dedicated bike lanes and well-maintained trails lead you to all the best spots. Along with a map, the hotels provide a Santa Barbara BCycle pass for two, bottled water and a backpack to stash what you pick up along the way.
Sail Away Package at Hotel Californian
With a picnic basket full of seasonally inspired goodies from the hotel’s on-site Goat Tree cafe, climb aboard a two-hour cruise led by the masters of the sea at the Santa Barbara Sailing Center. Then head to the hotel’s rooftop pool for a sea view from a different perspective. Creative, cooling cocktails and bites of ceviche round out a day where you’ll truly feel like you’ve sailed away.
