With miles of beaches, a backdrop of rugged mountains, beautiful Spanish Colonial-style architecture and a vibe that’s equal parts outdoorsy energy and laid-back laissez faire, it’s easy to see why the coastal California city of Santa Barbara is dubbed “the American Riviera.”
Although the area received its current name from Portuguese explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo in the 16th century and was colonized by the Spanish in the 18th century, the region had been home to Chumash Indians for over 10,000 years by the time Europeans arrived. And no wonder. The fertile soils, teeming seas and hospitable climate (it gets over 300 days of sunshine each year) — all of which continue to make Santa Barbara a popular destination and agricultural hub to this day — had everything they needed to thrive.
Visitors will find some of the best California beaches to sunbathe and surf, hiking trails galore ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert, a historic town core sprinkled with landmark buildings, and even an urban wine trail with a few dozen tasting rooms representing some of the region’s best wineries. Also, since it’s just 90 miles north of Los Angeles, it’s easy to make it part of a longer road trip throughout California or just a one-off destination on its own.
Whether you’re considering Santa Barbara for a romantic weekend or a longer family vacation, there’s plenty to see and do for every type of traveler in this seaside city, including a passel of pleasant places to stay the night.
Skewing more natty Newport than upmarket Mediterranean, the Rosewood Miramar Beach is only the latest incarnation of this rarefied beach resort in the tony enclave of Montecito, about 5 miles east of Santa Barbara, which dates to the late 19th century. While it’s probably the closest you can actually get to a hotel that sits on the sand around these parts, it’s actually bisected by a railroad track that helpful escorts aid guests in traversing – far from an annoyance, this gives the place a truly Californian feel.
Nautically themed with clean lines and crisp blue-white patterning, the 158 guest rooms and suites start at over 500 square feet and feature garden or ocean views from private lanais and balconies. Spacious and chic marble bathrooms feature Hollywood Regency-style finishes and custom-created La Bottega bath products.
The hotel has a fitness center, which includes an outdoor section to take advantage of the area’s sunny clime. It’s also home to one of Rosewood’s branded Sense spas, which proffers wellness sessions, including a heavenly rose-citrus full-body massage that incorporates an exfoliation with Himalayan salt and antioxidant-boosting cranberry.
The resort boasts two pools: the family-friendly Manor pool, whose yellow-patterned loungers and umbrellas are allusions to the surrounding citrus trees (Scoop Shop, serving burgers and ice cream, is also here), and the 21-and-over Cabana pool, which has a distinctive scalloped edge and is bordered by 19 private cabanas.
As for dining, there’s the Cabana Bar for light bites and drinks, Ama Sushi for Japanese specialties, the oceanfront Miramar Beach Bar for small plates and drinks, and the Michelin one-starred Caruso’s for fine dining with panoramic views that will have you thinking you’re on the Italian Riviera instead of the American one.
Rates at the Rosewood Miramar Beach start at $1,505 per night.