Any vacation that gets sand in my toes, includes yoga practice sessions, family laughs, good conversation and delicious meals, along with a healthy dose of hiking and me time, ranks high on my travel Let’s Go list.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara gave us this and more. Across our visits, we’ve wandered miles along the coast, watched the waves roll in with Ellwood Pier in the distance, enjoyed memorable meals with close friends, and strolled through Santa Barbara as twinkling lights, local musicians, and arts-and-crafts vendors brought the streets to life. We’ve also paddleboarded along the Santa Barbara waterfront and explored the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden during our annual three-generation family trip. Together, those experiences have shown us why this stretch of California remains a prime destination.
Perched on 78 oceanfront acres overlooking the Pacific just outside Santa Barbara, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara feels less like a hotel and more like a Mediterranean-inspired coastal village. Spanish Colonial architecture, palm-lined pathways, lush gardens, and sweeping ocean views create a setting that’s equal parts relaxing and inspiring.
One of the first things we noticed was just how expansive the property is. The resort’s winding walkways connect guest rooms, restaurants, pools, the spa, and the beach below, making it easy to rack up thousands of steps without ever setting out for exercise. Every stroll seemed to reveal another peaceful courtyard, fountain, or breathtaking view of the Pacific.
Of course, there was one luxury we happily took advantage of.
After a day of exploring, the resort’s complimentary golf cart service became one of our favorite amenities. Whether we were heading back to our room after dinner or simply giving our feet a break before another adventure, it was wonderful to call for a ride — especially in evening attire and heels. It’s one of those thoughtful touches that makes a stay at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara feel effortlessly luxurious.
One of the biggest advantages of staying at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara is its location. Within minutes, you can walk the beach, unwind at the spa, paddleboard along the Santa Barbara waterfront, browse downtown boutiques, explore nearby Goleta, or take a scenic drive into wine country. Instead of packing and unpacking as you move from town to town, Bacara lets you settle into one place while experiencing many of the highlights that make the Santa Barbara Coast such a rewarding destination.
We’ve Been Coming Back to the Santa Barbara Coast for Years
Some destinations make a great first impression. Others become part of your family’s story.
We’ve been returning to the Santa Barbara Coast for years, and every visit has looked a little different. Early trips were about getting away for a long weekend. Later, Siena and I spent time exploring UC Santa Barbara as she considered colleges. More recently, we’ve shared the experience with close friends and enjoyed our annual three-generation getaway with my mom.
The scenery hasn’t changed much, but our reasons for visiting have. That’s one of the things I love about this part of California. Every visit adds another chapter while still feeling wonderfully familiar.
Dining at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara
Some of our favorite vacation memories happen around the dinner table. Sharing the weekend with one of our closest couples made every meal feel like a celebration. Fresh seafood, colorful seasonal ingredients, beautifully plated entrées, and decadent desserts gave us plenty to talk about long after the plates were cleared. Between the exceptional food and even better company, dinner often stretched into the evening as we laughed, lingered, and simply enjoyed being together.
One standout was the grilled salmon, perfectly cooked and served over a silky cauliflower purée with roasted vegetables and fresh herbs. Another favorite was the grilled shrimp salad, bursting with vibrant greens, sweet corn, tomatoes, creamy avocado, crumbled cheese, and perfectly seasoned shrimp. Every dish reflected the fresh, coastal flavors that make California dining so memorable.
Relax and Recharge at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara Spa
After days spent walking beaches, exploring nearby towns, and hiking coastal trails, an afternoon at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara Spa was the perfect way to recharge.
Tucked among the resort’s gardens and walkways, the 42,000-square-foot spa includes an adults-only pool, redwood sauna, eucalyptus steam room, cold plunge, fireside lounges, and a rooftop terrace. We stopped by after spending the day exploring the coast, and it was the perfect way to recharge before dinner.
A booked treatment includes access to the spa amenities, so arrive early enough to enjoy the facilities before your appointment.
Explore Goleta During Your Stay
One of the things many visitors don’t realize is that The Ritz-Carlton Bacara is actually located in Goleta, just minutes from downtown Santa Barbara.
Often overlooked in favor of its famous neighbor, Goleta has its own relaxed coastal personality. Nearby you’ll find scenic bluff trails, local restaurants, neighborhood shopping, and easy access to UC Santa Barbara. Goleta feels less touristy than Santa Barbara, with a more local atmosphere shaped by its beaches, trails, parks, and easy access to the outdoors.
Because everything is so close together, staying at Bacara makes it easy to experience both Goleta’s quieter side and Santa Barbara’s vibrant waterfront without spending much time in the car.
Haskell’s Beach Near The Ritz-Carlton Bacara
Mornings and even late afternoons were for long walks on Haskell’s Beach, taking in some California sunshine and capturing one beautiful picture after the next.
During our walks, Haskell’s Beach felt far removed from Santa Barbara’s busier stretches of coastline. Having the beach just steps below the resort made it easy to return several times throughout our stay.
Walking along the shoreline, we watched surfers catching waves while seabirds drifted overhead. In the distance, the historic Ellwood Pier stretched into the Pacific, creating one of those timeless California scenes that makes you slow down and remember you have nowhere to be except right here in this moment.
The surrounding coastal bluffs offer scenic walking trails with panoramic ocean views, making it easy to combine a beach stroll with a little nature. We found ourselves staying much longer than we’d planned, listening to the waves, breathing in the salty ocean air, and appreciating the slower pace that had defined our entire weekend.
In these moments, I’m both relaxed and energized. Somewhere between the bluff trail and the sound of the waves, I usually find myself opening the Notes app on my iPhone. Story ideas seem to arrive more easily near the ocean.
If you love to journal, this is the place to do it. Grab a towel and spot on the beach and make it your sanctuary.
Explore Santa Barbara During Your Stay at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara
Downtown Santa Barbara and its waterfront are only a short drive from The Ritz-Carlton Bacara.
Santa Barbara’s waterfront has long been shaped by its connection to the sea. Stearns Wharf, completed in 1872, is California’s oldest working wooden wharf and remains a landmark for dining, shopping, fishing, and harbor views. The area also continues to draw visitors for sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, cycling, beach volleyball, and waterfront walks.
East Beach and Santa Barbara’s Waterfront
Since we’re a family that loves Travel in Motion instead of simply sitting on the beach, we had to try something we’ve long wanted to do. My husband, John, my daughter Siena, and I headed to East Beach for a paddleboarding adventure.
We rented boards at East Beach and made our way through the surf before reaching calmer water beyond the breakers. Once we found our balance (literally, we even did some yoga on the boards), we spent the next couple of hours paddling along the Santa Barbara waterfront with the mountains rising in the distance.
But not everything went according to plan.
While working his way through the surf, John managed to snap his paddleboard in half — something we still laugh about today.
East Beach is also a great place to spend the afternoon even if paddleboarding isn’t on your itinerary. The wide beach, palm-lined waterfront, nearby Stearns Wharf, bike path, volleyball courts, and harbor create an active atmosphere that’s quintessential Santa Barbara.
Strolling Through Downtown Santa Barbara
As daylight faded, we made our way downtown while the lights began to glow.
White lights stretched across the streets while local musicians filled the air with live music. Artists displayed handcrafted jewelry, paintings, ceramics, and photography outside their shops as visitors wandered between boutiques, cafés, wine bars, and restaurants.
Rather than planning every stop, we simply walked.
Some of our favorite discoveries happened that way.
A local gallery.
A hidden courtyard.
A shop we’d never noticed before.
That’s one of the things I appreciate most about Santa Barbara. You’ll find hidden gems if you take the time to look around.
A Morning at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
One of the most meaningful moments of our trip was exploring a botanical garden.
My mom, Siena, and I visited the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden in Mission Canyon, where winding trails, native California plants, towering oaks, and seasonal wildflowers create a peaceful escape just minutes from downtown.
As we crossed one of the rocky creek beds, my mom and I held hands as we made our way across the boulders. Siena wandered ahead with her camera, stopping every few minutes to photograph another flower or special family moment.
Travel isn’t only about where you go. It’s about who you’re fortunate enough to share it with.
If you enjoy discovering beautiful gardens while you travel, you may also enjoy our feature on the Dallas Arboretum: A Botanical Paradise in the Heart of Dallas, another destination that celebrates nature in its own unique way.
Explore Los Olivos
One of the things we enjoy most about staying on the Santa Barbara Coast is how easy it is to explore neighboring communities without spending hours in the car. On another visit, John and I headed inland to Los Olivos, a charming wine country town. The historic downtown is compact enough to explore on foot.
Founded in 1887 after the arrival of the Pacific Coast Railway, Los Olivos has retained its small-town character while becoming one of the Santa Ynez Valley’s most popular stops. Vintage gas pumps, weathered storefronts, and historic buildings create plenty of fun photo opportunities throughout town.
We spent the afternoon doing what we often do when we travel — wandering without much of a plan, stepping into shops that caught our attention, chatting with local business owners, and seeing where the day took us. Before long, we’d spent far more time there than we’d planned, which always seems to happen when we discover a town we genuinely enjoy exploring.
It’s also a wonderful introduction to the Santa Ynez Valley, a destination we’ll explore in more depth in a future article.
What to Pack for the Santa Barbara Coast
LFM Travel Tip: California’s coast can be warm and sunny during the day, then cool quickly once the breeze picks up or the sun goes down. No matter what time of year you visit, pack comfortable walking shoes, a swimsuit, and a sweater or light jacket.
Comfortable shoes are especially important at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara. Between the resort’s sprawling acreage, the paths leading toward Haskell’s Beach, downtown Santa Barbara, the Botanic Garden, and Los Olivos, you’ll likely walk much farther than expected.
Bring a swimsuit year-round, even during cooler months. The resort pools and spa make it useful regardless of the beach temperature. A sweater or light jacket is equally essential for coastal mornings, breezy waterfront activities, and evenings spent dining or walking downtown.
I’d also bring:
- A casual daytime outfit for beaches, trails, and sightseeing
- A dressier outfit for dinner
- Sun protection, including sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
- A reusable water bottle
- A small tote or backpack for outings
- Shoes that can handle sand, pathways, and uneven garden trails
Why We’d Return to The Ritz-Carlton Bacara
Every visit to the Santa Barbara Coast has looked a little different. And it’s all of these experiences that keep drawing us back, knowing that The Ritz-Carlton Bacara remains an ideal home base for exploring the beaches, waterfront, gardens, nearby towns, and wine country that make this stretch of California one of our favorite destinations.
If you’re dreaming about more California adventures, be sure to read our guide to Yosemite National Park, where we share breathtaking waterfalls, iconic viewpoints, and adventures from one of the state’s most spectacular destinations.
And if you’re looking for another relaxing coastal escape, don’t miss Why You’ll Love The Stanford Inn by the Sea – a Vegan Resort, where we explore one of Northern California’s most distinctive oceanfront retreats, nearby beaches, and the town of Mendocino.
