Located in Southern California, Santa Barbara is a famous and beautiful coastal city that is full of gorgeous beaches, palm trees, and Mediterranean-style homes. The city is well-known among tourists who come looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation experience. For the traveler planning a trip to Santa Barbara, one of the most important things to consider is the choice of accommodation. This article makes the search easier by putting together a list of the best Santa Barbara hotels on the beach.

Belmond El EncantoBelmond El Encanto

A luxurious boutique hotel, the Belmond El Encanto is situated in Santa Barbara’s Riviera neighborhood. The hotel sits atop a hill, giving residents amazing views of the city and the ocean below. There are 92 guest rooms and suites in the hotel. Each of those rooms is individually decorated and has a private terrace, a fireplace, and other amenities.

The Belmond El Encanto’s restaurant is called The Dining Room, and it offers the best of Californian Cuisine. The Lounge, on the other hand, serves light snacks and cocktails. Residents will appreciate the hotel’s beautiful outdoor pool and can workout in its fitness center or recover at the spa. 

Guests looking for a secluded and peaceful retreat will find Belmond El Encanto to be the perfect choice. Check current rates.

Santa Barbara InnSanta Barbara Inn

The Santa Barbara Inn sits directly on Santa Barbara’s beautiful East Beach. A family-friendly hotel, it boasts 360 rooms that can fit 360 families or groups. Every room is spacious, comfortable, and has a beautiful ocean view that guests can see from a private balcony. 

Guests at the Santa Barbara Beach Resort will find that they have several dining options. The Convivo Restaurant serves cuisine inspired by its Italian roots. On the other hand, the Set on the Beach gives diners a relaxed atmosphere out on the beachfront. Just as the Resort has multiple dining options, there are three swimming pools in the facility, as well as a gym and a spa. The Santa Barbara Beach Resort is the perfect choice for families or couples looking for a fun and relaxing beach vacation. Check current rates. 

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Kimpton Canary HotelKimpton Canary Hotel

The Kimpton Canary Hotel is a small and luxurious hotel located in Santa Barbara’s downtown area. The hotel is a stone’s throw from the beach and within walking distance of the many shops and restaurants in the area. There are 97 rooms in the hotel, each featuring the Mediterranean-inspired style and stunning mountain or ocean views that visitors love.

The hotel has a rooftop lounge called Perch. Guests can sit in Perch and get a cocktail or a light meal as they look at the beautiful city below. Diners looking for more serious meals can head to the Finch and Fork restaurant for delicious New American cuisine made with local ingredients. Guests will also enjoy swimming in the hotel’s rooftop pool, working out at the gym, or taking full advantage of the full-service spa. Check current rates

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa BarbaraThe Ritz-Carlton Bacara

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara lays just a few miles north of Santa Barbara, in an area known as the Gaviota Coast. A luxury beachfront resort, the Ritz Carlton Bacara has 358 spacious and elegantly decorated guest rooms and suites. Every room provides residents with breathtaking views of the ocean, the mountains or the hotel’s gardens.

As expected, the Ritz-Carlton Bacara gives its guests several dining options on-site. Visitors to the Angel Oak restaurant will find the steak and seafood delightful, while visitors to the Bistro will enjoy its Mediterranean-style cuisine. Guests can take advantage of the resort’s gym, full-service spa, and three swimming pools. They can also try out any of the outdoor activities such as golf, tennis, and different water sports. Check current rates

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Harbor View InnHarbor View Inn

The Harbor View Inn is a charming hotel located just steps away from the beach and Stearns Wharf. The hotel has a total of 115 guest rooms and suites, each of which is comfortable and beautifully decorated. The rooms feature private balconies or patios with views of the ocean or the gardens.

The hotel has two on-site restaurants. The Bistro serves casual American fare, and the Eladio’s restaurant offers fine dining with a Mediterranean influence. The Harbor View Inn also has a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, and full-service spa. Check current rates. 

The Montecito InnThe Montecito Inn

The Montecito Inn is situated a few miles to Santa Barbara’s south in a town that shares the Inn’s name. Although the hotel has been in existence since 1928, its owners have restored it to its original splendour. The hotel can house 61 guests in its rooms and suites. Each of its rooms is spacious, elegantly decorated, and offers excellent amenities.

There are two on-site restaurants at the Montecito Inn. The Montecito Cafe gives guests delicious California cuisine, while the Cava Restaurant serves Mediterranean-style meals. The hotel also has a gym and a gorgeous outdoor pool. Check current rates

Hyatt Centric Santa BarbaraHyatt Centric Santa Barbara

The Hyatt Centric Santa Barbara is a beachfront hotel located just steps away from East Beach. The hotel has a total of 200 guest rooms and suites, each of which is spacious and comfortable. The rooms feature private balconies or patios with views of the ocean or the gardens.

The hotel has two on-site restaurants. The Marbella Restaurant serves Spanish-inspired cuisine, and the Bistro offers casual American fare. The hotel also has a fitness center and a beautiful outdoor pool. Check current rates. 

Conclusion

Santa Barbara is a beautiful destination with plenty of options for beachfront hotels. From luxurious resorts to charming boutique hotels, there is something for everyone. No matter which hotel you choose, you are sure to have a wonderful and relaxing vacation in this beautiful coastal city.

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Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flights

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! My second favorite site to find flights is Momondo, another great site for finding cheap flights.

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO.

Rent Clothes

Rent clothes for your trip with Travel Style Expert for only $50 a month! The first 30 days are free!

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area I use Get Your Guide and Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If I am going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean I use Apple Vacations.

Rent a Car or Take a Lyft

More often than not Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Discover Cars.

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