The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara: June 2025

When you fly into Santa Barbara Airport, the first thing you notice on approach is the Pacific, its deep blue, cerulean expanse. The second thing, equally as grand, is The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. The iconic resort stands apart for its unmistakable Spanish-style architecture and sprawling grounds spread out across 78 oceanfront acres. For those planning a stay at this renowned locale, it’s almost as if the vacation begins before the plane has landed.

Breakfast Get Zen Go outside

California Luxury, Reimagined

By Monica Vanover on June 12, 2025

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The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara has long been a gem of classic California style. With resort-wide renovations complete, a new era of oceanfront luxury has begun at this stylish coastal sanctuary. From the stunning lobby to chic poolside cabanas to reimagined bars and restaurants, the hotel’s new interiors immerse guests in custom textiles, furnishings, and lighting accented by a palette inspired by breathtaking sunsets, bold Spanish tiling, and the resort’s lush landscaping. Each room and suite blends modern luxury hospitality and laid-back Santa Barbara charm. And how could one forget the view? They call the Pacific the Ocean of Memory, and for good reason. A stay at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara is as unforgettable as the Pacific itself. Plan your stay for this summer now. For those desiring unparalleled luxury, The Ritz-Carlton Club Experience and the resort’s Signature Suites level up any stay.

Discover the Newly Refreshed Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

This three-day itinerary with options for adult getaways as well as kid-friendly stays features highlights from the hotel’s luxe renovation alongside offerings like The Ritz-Carlton Bacara’s legendary spa. For off-site activities, the Ladies and Gentlemen of the resort can craft a customized itinerary for your stay in what is deservedly known as the American Riviera.

Day 1

Ease Into the Flow

Start your day with a latte and house-made pastry at Mission Market, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara’s coffee house and cafe. Located in the resort’s upper village, this laid-back market also sells curated homewares and artisanal goods.

Morning

Lunch For Adults: Cabana Refresh For Families: Ritz Kids

SunBar, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara’s poolside restaurant, offers an eclectic menu of family favorites along with a few surprises; adults and kids alike will discover the perfect hand-held delight. Spend the heart of the afternoon in a private cabana at the pool with ocean views. Enjoy an afternoon cocktail, like the Surf and Sundresses, a coastal sangria featuring local red wines. Exclusively developed for The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz Kids is designed to intrigue and thrill bright minds and provide personal connections with the environment. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara’s Ritz Kids program offers a variety of supervised physical and creative activities designed for children aged 4–12.

Afternoon

Sunset Stroll Dinner See the Stars

There’s nothing like a sunset on the California coast. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara has beach access where you can walk along the waterfront as the sun sets. Dine at Lulio, the resort’s destination for fresh, Mediterranean-inspired fare highlighting local produce and sustainable seafood. Enjoy a refreshing craft cocktail — the Seaside Spritz and Elysian Garden mocktail are two favorites — and ocean views as the sun sets. Savor creative dishes emphasized by bold flavors of the Mediterranean, like the Iberico Pork Secreto Steak or the Whole Roasted Market Fish complemented by charred lemon, capers, and wild herbs. Embark on an enchanting journey under the celestial canopy with The Ritz-Carlton Bacara's Coastal Stargazing experience. Nestled along the tranquil shores, far from the city's glare, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the night sky as it unfolds above the rhythmic lull of the ocean waves.

Evening

Breakfast For Adults: Hit the Links For Families: The Beach Awaits

After a quick smoothie at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara’s Mission Market, it’s time for a day outdoors! The Ritz-Carlton Bacara features a world-class tennis program managed by Cliff Drysdale Tennis, an industry-leading company founded by legendary ESPN analyst and International Tennis Hall of Fame member, Cliff Drysdale. If golf is more your game, enjoy breathtaking ocean and mountain views from every hole at the historic Sandpiper Golf Club. The beach at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara is the perfect place for a day of sun and sand.

Morning

Dinner and Adult Night Life at the Funk Zone

Spend a night out in the center of Santa Barbara's arts, food, and wine scene with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop. For dinner, book a table at Michelin-rated The Lark. This trendy hotspot offers American cuisine perfectly suited for the Central Coast. Housed in a former fish market, the Lark uses artisanal and seasonal ingredients that has customers raving. Afterward, enjoy the Funk Zone’s two dozen breweries and wineries welcoming those looking to cut loose.

Evening

Lunch For Adults: The Luxe Treatment at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara Spa For Families: Santa Barbara Zoo

Head back to the hotel for an afternoon of relaxation, beginning at 'O' Bar & Terrace for coastal California cuisine in a casual yet refined dining atmosphere overlooking the majestic Pacific Ocean. A thoughtful nod to the nearby Santa Ynez wine country, the Vintners Salad includes roasted California grapes and a delicate Pinot Noir vinaigrette that is the perfect balance of brightness and depth. Indulge in an afternoon of personal luxury at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara Spa. After your treatment, enjoy access to a full selection of amenities including an adults-only pool, redwood sauna, and eucalyptus steam room. Fireside lounges and a rooftop terrace offer additional spaces to relax, restore, and enjoy the resort’s legendary views. Located near East Beach, this small zoo home to nearly 150 species is perfect for spending half a day amongst beautiful animals. Encounter the Zoo’s tallest residents during giraffe feeding, enjoy a scenic train ride, and observe behind-the-scenes food prep for the zoo’s residents at animal kitchen.

Afternoon

Day 2

Beach, Spa & Sports Day

After a light breakfast, enjoy a meditative sound bath at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara Spa. This immersive and transformative experience utilizes the vibrational power of sound to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit. Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment introduces guests to the natural wonders and rich cultural history of the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. Designed for adults, families, and children, participants in Ambassadors of the Environment can discover the Gaviota Coast’s natural wonders both on land and sea, including kelp forest, a diversity of birds, the intertidal zone, and traditional Chumash culture through exciting and memorable adventures and activities.

Breakfast Go For a Hike

At Lulio, mornings offer a different take on coastal Mediterranean flavors. Named after the Latin and Greek words for “July,” Lulio captures the warmth and inviting energy of endless summer. Savor fresh local citrus, vibrant brunch bruschetta with stone fruit and crème de brie, or the indulgent Harissa Shakshuka with baked eggs and grilled baguette—an inviting start to the day before The Ritz-Carlton Eco Hike or a beachside stroll. The Ritz-Carlton Eco Hike is a great way to experience the natural splendor of this coastal paradise. Join a resident Naturalist on a leisurely hike through our resort's nature reserve. Discover the vibrant plants of Santa Barbara before walking up to scenic overviews of the Gaviota Coast.

Morning

Day 3

NATURE & WINE

Lunch For Adults: Wine Tasting For Families: Bacara Birding Adventure

For those heading into wine country, savor a leisurely lunch with a wine-paired menu at one of the valley’s scenic vineyard restaurants. Staying on property? Grab a fresh, flavorful bite at SunBar before setting off on a guided Bacara Birding Adventure. The valleys created by the Santa Ynez Mountains are dotted with rolling vineyards. Spend the afternoon visiting wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley (about 40 minutes from The Ritz-Carlton Bacara), or if you prefer to stay in Santa Barbara, visit tasting rooms on Santa Barbara's Urban Wine Trail.

Afternoon

Farewell Dinner & Nightcap

Wrap up a rejuvenating stay at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara at ‘O’ Bar & Terrace. Savor the Grilled Prawn Bucatini, delicately finished with samphire, a coastal succulent prized for its crisp texture and hint of sea-kissed salinity that perfectly complements the dish. Named for the Chumash word for water, ‘O’ offers a casual-yet-refined dining experience overlooking the majestic Pacific Ocean — a serene setting for your final evening.

Evening

Whale Watching Channel Islands National Park Santa Barbara Bowl

Consider a tour with Condor Express. The Santa Barbara Channel is nutrient-rich, attracting wildlife from all over during their migration routes north and south. Just off the shore is Channel Islands National Park, an archipelago where you can kayak through caves, snorkel in pristine waters, and hike among wildlife. You'll need to drive down the coast to Ventura to hop on one of the boats that will transport you to the National Park. See the best in world-class entertainment at the Santa Barbara Bowl, the Gaviota Coast’s premier concert and event venue. Located near the resort, the Santa Barbara Bowl is one of the best places to experience live music in the country.

Additional Activities

IF YOU HAVE TIME

The easiest way to get around Santa Barbara is by car. Santa Barbara is also served by Santa Barbara Airport with direct service to and from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, Portland, Seattle, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, Salt Lake City, Dallas-Fort Worth and Atlanta. For a more leisurely journey, Amtrak's Coast Starlight train pulls into town at Stearns Wharf, a 20-minute drive from The Ritz-Carlton Bacara.

Tips

Transportation

There is no bad time to visit Santa Barbara. If you're looking for a classic beach experience, the perfect months are July and August when the sun and the waters are warmest, though this is also a high season with larger crowds and higher prices. With temperatures that hover between 67–80 degrees year-round, you can plan a beach day almost 365 days a year.

Note

WEATHER

However you choose to spend your time in Santa Barbara, elevate your experience with a stay at the newly revitalized Ritz-Carlton Bacara — where relaxed luxury and coastal beauty come together effortlessly.