The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara: Where California Slows Down

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve gone somewhere far away—but somehow you’re still in California. It sits right on the ocean with these sweeping views, soft coastal colors, and that relaxed Santa Barbara energy that just makes you slow down the second you arrive. Spring and fall are especially beautiful here with perfect weather and fewer crowds, but summer has that classic California energy.

This is the kind of place where you wake up, open the doors, and immediately hear the ocean. It’s calm, it’s beautiful, and it just feels easy in the best way.

The property itself is really spread out, which I love. You’re walking along little paths, past courtyards, down toward the water, and every turn feels like a view. It’s one of those places where you don’t mind walking because everything is just so pretty. This is also one of those places where you say you’re just going to take a quick walk—and somehow end up wandering for an hour.

The food here is something I would fully plan my days around. I kept saying I was going to try something new each night, and then somehow found myself wanting to go back to the same spots again. I kept telling myself I’d try something different … and then didn’t.

At O Bar & Terrace, you’re sitting outside with a drink, ocean right in front of you, and it’s one of those first-night spots that just sets the tone. Must-orders: margarita or spritz, truffle fries, sliders. The truffle fries are definitely the kind you order for the table and then quietly keep eating yourself.

Lulio feels a little more elevated for dinner, with fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavors. Must-orders: grilled fish, pastas, seasonal vegetables.

Marisella is just a moment. Ocean views, coastal Italian, fresh pasta—this is the dinner you plan your night around. Go at sunset if you can. It’s one of those dinners you’ll still be talking about after the trip. Must-orders: handmade pasta, seafood crudo, anything on special.

SunBar is perfect during the day when you don’t want to leave the pool. Must-orders: fish tacos, salads, frozen drinks.

One of my favorite parts of being here is going into town for the day. Walking Stearns Wharf is something I do every single time. We always stop for ice cream, walk the pier, and then head down to the beach after. And we love watching the crab boats come in and unload—it’s one of those simple things that ends up being so fun to see. It’s such a simple tradition but one of my favorite family memories every time we go.

Right there is the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center which is so fun, especially with kids. And for lunch, Santa Barbara Shellfish Company is perfect. You’re sitting right over the water and everything is fresh and easy. Must-orders: crab cakes, shrimp cocktail, cioppino.

This is the kind of day where you start with coffee overlooking the ocean, wander to the pool, head into town for lunch, and end with a sunset dinner, and somehow it all feels easy.

Back at the hotel, the spa is really something special. You can have a full bath ritual set up right in your room, which feels like the ultimate way to unwind after a day out. Think a Lazy Days Seaweed Bath, a Warmed Spiced Mud Bath, or a Revitalizing Rice Bath, all delivered with a bath tray, herbal tea, guided meditation, and post-bath care. They’ll even bring a chilled cooling mist on ice, which is one of those little details you didn’t know you needed until you have it.

After a soak in the tub, slipping into bed with the fireplace glowing and a glass of wine in hand, this is my kind of night.

If you’re celebrating something, this is such a good place for it. Babymoons, birthdays, girls' trips, bachelorettes, romantic getaways… they do such a great job making it feel special. You can reserve cabanas by the pool ahead of time, and they can set up little touches that make the whole day feel like an event.

And this is where the destination really opens up. Going whale watching or kayaking along the coast is always so fun and one of those experiences you don’t forget. There’s also the Santa Barbara Polo Club nearby, which is such a fun and different thing to do if you’ve never seen a match before.

You can go horseback riding along the coast, play a round at Sandpiper Golf Club with those unreal ocean views, or do a sunset cruise in the evening. One of the easiest and most fun things is taking the Lil’ Toot, the little water taxi that runs between the harbor and Stearns Wharf. It’s simple, a little nostalgic, and ends up being one of those unexpected highlights.

Walking around Santa Barbara Harbor is something I always recommend, too. It’s especially pretty in the late afternoon, and pairs perfectly with a walk out on the pier.

If you golf, Sandpiper Golf Club nearby has some of the prettiest ocean views.

Solvang feels like stepping into a little Danish village, and a stop at Mortensen’s Danish Bakery for kringle and pastries is one of those sweet little moments you don’t skip.

For families, the kids' program is great and really focused on nature and hands-on experiences, which makes it feel a little more meaningful than just a typical kids' club.

For couples, this is just one of those easy, romantic places without even trying.

And when you book through me, you’ll get breakfast included, a hotel credit to use at the spa or restaurants, and an automatic upgrade if available, which, at a property like this, makes such a difference. Rooms can vary a lot based on location, so I always help make sure you’re in the best spot on property. Ocean-facing rooms are ideal—waking up to that view is everything.

This is the kind of trip where you actually relax, and then wonder why you don’t do this more often.

It’s one of those places where you arrive thinking you’ll explore—and then start wondering if you should just stay a few extra nights, and maybe start looking at dates before you even leave.

The breakfast buffet is almost too pretty to touch, but trust me, it’s just as fabulous as it looks.

A few things I would plan ahead: Make dinner reservations before you arrive, especially for Marisella. Plan at least one day in town. And always try to time something around sunset—it’s when everything feels the most magical. And definitely bring a light sweater or wrap for the evenings. Even in the summer, it cools down once the sun sets.

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