If this chilled out beach community is on your radar for your next vacation, you may already have some activities in mind. Namely, soaking up some sun, some culture, and definitely some wine. You’ll discover that Santa Barbara has plenty of all of those things on offer, plus more. Stretch out on the white sands at East Beach and listen to the swish of palm trees above and children playing in the crystal clear waters. The Fess Parker, A DoubleTree by Hilton Resort, is just steps away if you need to reapply your sunscreen or enjoy a snack at one of the five on-site restaurants. To the east, the quaint seaside shops and restaurants of Stearns Wharf beckon travelers of all types, whether you seek unique ocean-inspired souvenirs or a relaxing day spent casting your line off the pier. A friendly tip: the complimentary beach cruisers from Hotel Milo will get you there in true Santa Barbara style. And if you’re in search of a beach vacation in Santa Barbara that involves nothing more than total seclusion and romance, look to the luxurious resorts even further to the east, such as Bacara Resort & Spa.
Certainly beautiful beaches are not in short supply here, but Santa Barbara has plenty of cultural offerings as well. Santa Barbara Mission—one of the state's best—is a must-visit site. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, and Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum are worth seeing, too. If shopping is your thing, peruse State Street's boutiques. You'll be entertained every step of the way, but you won’t have to go terribly far from your room, as many hotels are right next to these attractions.
But we cannot forget the wine. For oenophiles, no Santa Barbara getaway is complete without exploring the vineyards of Santa Ynez Valley. The wine tour package at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore gets you a full-day VIP pass to the area’s best wineries.
Santa Barbara is truly a year-round destination, whether you’re longing for some beach time or want to shop till you drop. To add another dimension to your trip, plan your vacation in Santa Barbara around one of its excellent festivals or events. The Santa Barbara International Film Festival takes place each year in late January or early February and is an eleven-day extravaganza of films from around the globe. From screenings of the classics to avant-garde experiments, cinephiles come from all over for this world-class festival. The Summer Solstice Celebration in June is the largest arts event in Santa Barbara County, also attracting a huge crowd of like-minded revelers. The next month, on the weekend of Bastille Day (July 14) the French Festival is another popular event—because of all the delectable dining, of course. Croissants, crepes, quiche, and more are all on offer at this two-day feast. From April to October, check the Santa Barbara Bowl calendar for top talent from rock and pop to jazz legends and classical concerts. Whenever you decide to visit, there is always something going on.
Whether you are “California dreaming” from a faraway village or looking to get away from the big city, Travelocity is ready to make your beach dreams a reality. Peruse our incredible Santa Barbara vacation deals and find the one that is right for you. Then all you have to do is point and click, and we’ll see you in Santa Barbara.
Accommodation in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a much-loved destination, and finding accommodation here won't be difficult. Travelocity's Santa Barbara lodging guide lists as many as 118 options that you can choose from.
You might start by investigating the style and charm of the San Ysidro Ranch and the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Alternatively, the Belmond El Encanto or the Bacara Resort & Spa will provide you with good old fashioned comfort at comfortable prices.
Mission Santa Barbara is an iconic Santa Barbara destination. If you were interested in staying nearby, the Kimpton Canary Hotel is just 1 mile (2 kilometers) away, and the Simpson House Inn is 0.7 miles (1.1 kilometers) away.
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This boutique hotel is in the Danish village of Solvang within the Santa Ynez Valley wine country featuring over 30 wineries. The beach is 15 miles away and ...
Located in Santa Barbara Beach, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Carriage and Western Art Museum, Presidio Santa Barbara, and Santa Barbara County Courthouse. ...
Castillo Inn at the Beach$146
Castillo Inn at the Beach$146Located in a quiet residential neighborhood, Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach, is just a 5-minute walk from Santa Barbara harbor and the beach. It’s a 10-minute ...
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach$215
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach$215Situated in Buellton, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Mendenhall's Museum of Gasoline Pumps & Petroliana, OstrichLand USA, and Mosby Winery. Wildling Museum ...
Situated in Santa Ynez, this resort is 0.6 mi (1 km) from Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Janeway-Parks Carriage House and 1.3 mi (2.2 km) from Gainey ...
Situated in Solvang, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum and Solvang Festival Theater. Hans Christian Andersen Museum and ...
The hotel is in a quiet downtown neighborhood, a 10-minute walk from the beach and the boutiques and restaurants of State Street. Guests can grab a bike and ...
Inn By The Harbor$179
Inn By The Harbor$179Located in the heart of Solvang, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Wildling Museum, Solvang Festival Theater, and Hans Christian Andersen Museum. Elverhoj ...
Kronborg Inn$110
Kronborg Inn$110Convenient to US-101, this Spanish-style hotel is half a mile from Carpinteria's famed beach and close to the Santa Ynez Mountains; Santa Barbara lies within ...
Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn$127
Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn$127Located in East Beach, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Chase Palm Park and Santa Barbara Zoo. Presidio Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara County Courthouse ...
Santa Barbara Inn$279
Santa Barbara Inn$279Prices found within past 7 days. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.