Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the breathtaking Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara is one of the most glamorous towns in California and offers a perfect weekend gateaway.
Downtown, Mediterranean-style buildings reflect the city’s Spanish colonial heritage while upscale boutiques and restaurants offering local wines and seasonal fare line State Street.
Santa Barbara is a year-round tourist destination renowned for its mild climate and 300+ days of sunshine each year, downtown beaches, and Spanish architecture. It is home to an array of festivals from the Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, and the annual Summer Solstice Parade.
Shops are scattered throughout all of Santa Barbara, these include consignment stores, souvenir shops, gift shops and galleries just waiting to be discovered.
Santa Barbara is also famous among nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities from hiking, fishing, biking, kayaking, surfing, and whale watching.
If you are looking for luxury accommodation, the following are top picks:
Fess Parker Wine Country Inn (View Photos)
Offering a year-round outdoor pool and spa center, Fess Parker Wine Country Inn is situated in Los Olivos. The property, established by actor Fess Parker, is in close proximity to over 30 wine tasting rooms. A complimentary wine tasting for two is also included with the stay at Fess Parker Vineyard and Epiphany Cellars.
HotelsCombined Rating: 9.4
Expedia Rating: 4.7
Price: $1,576 (2 weekend nights, June 15th to June 17th)
Santa Ynez Inn, Luxury Boutique Hotel (View Photos)
If you are looking for a sophisticated wine-country luxury inn, this is your place. This newly remodeled 20 room Inn offers an atmosphere of luxury and indulgence. Despite being designed after a historic turn-of-the-century Inn, Santa Ynes Inn offers an array of modern conveniences. Pampering is part of the menu as spa treatments are available for guests along with a small gym, if you are so inclined.
HotelsCombined Rating: 9.8
Expedia Rating: 4.8
Price: $1,314 (2 weekend nights, June 22nd – June 24th)
Spanish Garden Inn (View Photos)
Spanish Garden Inn provides their guests with an array of fine amenities designed with luxury and comfort in mind. From deluxe continental breakfast to soothing heated outdoor pool, this zen-like Santa Barbara boutique hotel has all the personalized services guests could ask for. Treat yourself to effortless luxury at Spanish Garden Inn, featuring private gardens, in-room spa treatments and a sparkling lap pool.
HotelsCombined Rating: 9.9
Expedia Rating: 4.8
Price: $1,277 (2 weekend nights)
Kimpton Canary Hotel (View Photos)
The Kimpton Canary Hotel is said to provide the quintessential Santa Barbara hotel experience. The Spanish-style hotel boasts with a rooftop pool which allow for stunning views. With an emphasis on luxury, staff guide guests on adventures that include private wine tastings and curated beach excursions.
HotelsCombined Rating: 9.0
Expedia Rating: 4.5
Price: $1,272 (2 weekend nights – June 15th – June 17th)
The Fess Parker – A DoubleTree by Hilton Resort (View Photos)
Blending his gracious Texas manner and a tremendous eye for real estate, actor Fess Parker opened his first resort hotel in Santa Barbara in 1986. Set on 23.5 oceanfront acres, The Fess Parker, a DoubleTree by Hilton, is situated on Cabrillo Boulevard in the heart of Santa Barbara’s waterfront. This beautiful hotel has five restaurants, spa facilities, meeting space and more. This mission-style resort is on Cabrillo Boulevard across from Chase Palm Park and the beach. State Street, the Santa Barbara Zoo, and Santa Barbara Harbor are within a mile.
HotelsCombined Rating: 8.0
Expedia Rating: 3.9
Price: $1,234 (2 weekend nights, June 15th – June 17th)
Rincon Ridge – Summer Rental (View Photos)
Rincon Ridge is a stunning vacation retreat behind private gates, offering one of the most spectacular ocean views anywhere along the Santa Barbara coastline. With landscaped grounds and luxury accommodations, the property acts as your very own resort. The front deck overlooks the ocean and the Carpinteria Pier. Tennis courts on property are available for guests and lush green surroundings and postcard-perfect views of Rincon Mountain make for a truly magical setting.
HotelsCombined Rating: n/a
Expedia Rating: n/a
Price: $1,044 (2 weekend nights – June 1st to June 3rd)
Chumash Casino Resort (View Photos)
Chumash Casino Resort is a one-of-a-kind entertainment destination in Greater Santa Barbara, California. The AAA Four Diamond-rated hotel has 320 rooms and 58 suites and now features a 135-foot tower, giving guests exquisite views of the Santa Ynez Valley. The resort offers all the comforts of home, plus much more, such as luxuriously appointed guest rooms, a hotel lobby bar and multiple relaxation areas. The casino floor features 2,300 of the newest slot machines, more than 45 popular Vegas-style Table Games and an all new Poker Room.
HotelsCombined Rating: 8.8
Expedia Rating: 4.5
Price: $921 (2 weekend nights, June 15th – June 17th)
Hyatt Centric Santa Barbara (View Photos)
Hyatt Centric Santa Barbara is your gateway to the American Riviera. Just minutes from Santa Barbara’s downtown, lies a hotel featuring 1930s Spanish Colonial architecture blended with modern luxuries. The hotel is located on Cabrillo Boulevard, across from East Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Relax poolside, or step out onto one of Southern California’s most beautiful beaches and take it all in. the hotel has a heated outdoor pool and whirlpool featuring cabanas and fire pit and is only a short drive away from the Santa Ynez Wine Country.
HotelsCombined Rating: 7.0
Expedia Rating: 3.6
Price: $874 (2 weekend nights, June 22nd to June 24th)
Montecito Inn (View Photos)
Montecito Inn is a boutique hotel in the southwestern part of Montecito, California. It is considered a Santa Barbara landmark. The hotel was built by Charlie Chaplin and friends in 1928 as an upscale getaway. It soon became one of the most desirable destinations along the California coast.
The inn boasts with a complete library of Chaplin’s films, while his image is seen in etched glass doors and in the hallways which are lined with movie posters. It is said that the 1936 Rodgers and Hart song, There’s a Small Hotel, drew inspiration from the Montecito Inn.
HotelsCombined Rating: 8.2
Expedia Rating: 4.2
Price: $779 (2 weekend nights)
Ballard Inn & Gathering Table (View Photos)
Set against the scenic vineyards and orchards of the Santa Ynes Valley, Santa Barbara County’s renowned wine country, this AAA diamond rated hotel is the perfect weekend getaway. The hotel invites guests to celebrate its Western roots with gallops through the orchards on horseback, indulgent wine tours of a round of golf at the Alisal and La Purisima golf courses.
HotelsCombined Rating: 9.2
Expedia Rating: 4.7
Price: $724 (2 weekend nights – June 29th – July 1st)
The Upham Hotel & Country House (View Photos)
The Upham Hotel is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Southern California, built in 1871. The hotel is divided into two sections; the Country House and the Upham Hotel. While the Country House offers a more true bed and breakfast experience the Upham Hotel embraces its legacy while providing modern day amenities. More like a small boutique property, the hotel has 50 rooms and suites located in several single and two story buildings. Both properties are conveniently located to Santa Barbara’s vibrant downtown shopping and historic district.
HotelsCombined Rating: 8.8
Expedia Rating: 4.3
Price: $720 (2 weekend nights, June 22nd to June 24th)
Inn on Summer Hill (View Photos)
A perfect southern California getaway to Santa Barbara beaches and the quaint towns of Montecito and Summerland, this distinctive AAA four-diamond inn offers everything you need for an incredible Santa Barbara experience. Offering a seaside atmosphere with the amenities of a boutique hotel, this Santa Barbara bed and breakfast is set in unique and colorful landscaping with ocean views.
HotelsCombined Rating: 8.8
Expedia Rating: 4.4
Price: $654 (2 weekend nights)
