An Unforgettable Santa Barbara Experience: Luxury and Coastal Charm at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara

Santa Barbara, California, is known as 'The American Riviera.' Santa Barbara captivates both visitors and locals with its Mediterranean-like climate, breathtaking coastal views and an elegant lifestyle reminiscent of the French Riviera.

Experience the best of Santa Barbara, from its rich art and cultural offerings to outdoor activities such as hiking and an acclaimed food and wine scene. With numerous top-rated restaurants and a variety of vibrant events year-round, there’s something for every visitor!

Location

This quintessential resort, formerly known as Bacara Resort, has become an iconic symbol of Santa Barbara. With 358 hotel rooms and suites, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Indulge in luxury: Resort amenities and dining

The resort features two natural beaches, three infinity pools and a luxurious 42,000 sq. ft. spa.

Six on-site restaurants offer a culinary journey showcasing the best of Santa Barbara.

• Angel Oak: The signature fine-dining restaurant with oceanfront views showcasing California Coastal Cuisine. It houses an impressive and exclusive wine cellar — a 12,000-bottle collection.

• The ‘O’Bar + Kichen: Located adjacent to the hotel lobby, offering contemporary Central and South American cuisine and premium beverages.

• Haskell’s Poolside Bar: Eclectic menu of family favorites like fish tacos.

• San Setto: Japanese restaurant with a menu of traditional sushi, sashimi with touches of Coastal California flare.

• The Cohiba Experience: A cigar lounge with al-fresco setting.

• The Bistro: Ocean-front terrace seating with menu highlights of local produce and sustainable seafood highlights. Traditional bistro favorites, including brick oven flatbreads, seasonal salads and the signature Santa Barbara burger.

A golfer’s paradise: Sandpiper Golf Club

For golf enthusiasts, the historic Sandpiper Golf Club is less than a mile from the property.

Getting to The Ritz-Carlton Bacara: Travel tips

Getting to Santa Barbara is easy and convenient, whether by private or public transportation (train, plane or bus). Most key attractions are within a 10–15-minute drive. If traveling by air, Santa Barbara Airport is just a 10-minute drive via Highway 101. United Airlines operates multiple daily flights between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Santa Barbara Airport (SBA). The flight duration is approximately one hour and 21 minutes.

Overview

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara is the ultimate luxury destination for relaxation, wellness and unforgettable events. Catering to couples, families, golf enthusiasts and corporate retreats, this resort offers an exceptional experience for discerning travelers seeking the finest in hospitality. Whether you’re exploring on your own or letting the ladies and gentlemen of the resort curate a personalized itinerary, you'll experience the best of the American Riviera.

I highly recommend The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara to clients looking for a luxury getaway and a collection of elevated experiences. It’s ideal for a honeymoon, romantic trip, a family destination with family friendly activities like Butterfly Bike & Hike and Ritz Kids.

Signature suites and exclusive guest rooms

What makes The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara uniquely special is its geography and the placement of its guestrooms. Covering 78 acres, the resort features 358 hotel rooms and suites, all designed with Mediterranean-inspired architecture, creating the feel of a charming seaside village. It features 15 villas with various room types and suites to suit every guest's needs.

Looking for guaranteed ocean views from your guest room? They are renowned for its suites and rooms, each offering spectacular views of the Pacific.

Let’s begin with their two signature suites: The Ritz-Carlton suite and The Channel Island suite. Let’s dive in!

• The Ritz-Carlton suite: The 2-Bedroom Suite is a 2,000 sq. ft. retreat where elegance and comfort come together. Ideal for families or friends, this stunning suite boasts two beautifully appointed bedrooms. Each has a luxurious king-sized bed, providing a peaceful haven for ultimate relaxation.

• The Channel Island suite: Experience ultimate luxury in their expansive 3,700 sq. ft. 2-Bedroom Suite, perfect for families or groups of up to eight. Each bedroom features a plush king-sized bed, while the separate living room includes a cozy sofa bed for additional sleeping space. With three elegant bathrooms, a mini fridge, and a coffee/tea maker, this suite offers both comfort and convenience. Enjoy exclusive lounge access, along with complimentary wired and wireless internet, evening turndown service, and state-of-the-art entertainment options. Additionally, the spacious outdoor terrace of the Channel Islands Suite provides the perfect setting for intimate socializing or unwinding while watching the sun set over the Pacific.

The property also offers a variety of other guest room types, including a 1-bedroom suite with full or partial ocean views. Fireside rooms have your own cozy fireplace and resort-view rooms with one or two beds, which are equivalent to Standard or Deluxe Rooms. For guests traveling with pets, the resort is fully pet-friendly, with a $250 per stay pet fee. Ocean view guest room rates (excluding The Ritz-Carlton Suite and The Channel Island Suite) range from $700 to $1,600, per room per night (excluding taxes, resort fee and pet fee).

Perfect weather year-round: Santa Barbara’s climate and what to expect

The best time to visit Santa Barbara is during the summer months (June to August), when you can enjoy perfect beach weather and soak up the sun. This is also the peak season, so expect a lively atmosphere and higher hotel rates!

Santa Barbara has a Mediterranean climate and the weather alone is one of the highlights of the destination, making it a year-round favorite for travelers. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Spring (March to May): Temperatures range from the mid-60s to low 70s °F (18–22°C). The weather is typically mild with occasional rain showers. It is a great time to visit for comfortable outdoor activities and to see wildflowers in bloom.

• Summer (June to August): Average temperatures hover around 70–90°F (21–32°C). Coastal fog can roll in during the morning, but by the afternoon, you can expect plenty of sunshine. It's the peak tourist season, so expect more crowds, especially in July and August.

• Fall (September to November): Temperatures stay warm, from the low 70s to low 80s °F (21–28°C) and the weather is typically dry with minimal rain. This is a fantastic time to visit for vineyard tours, as it’s harvest season in the wine country.

• Winter (December to February): Temperatures range from the mid-50s to mid-60s °F (13–18°C). While it’s still mild compared to other parts of the country, the winter months can bring occasional rain. It’s the off-season, so there are fewer tourists, and you can find good deals on accommodations.

Overall, Santa Barbara offers consistent sunshine and mild weather, making it an attractive year-round destination!

Santa Barbara will always be a place close to my heart, as I had the incredible opportunity to call this beautiful town — home for nearly three years. I’ve experienced so much of what this stunning destination has to offer, and I know it will leave a lasting impression on you, too.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Santa Barbara page.