How the Pros Explore Santa Barbara: Insider Advice from Our Travel Editors
Welcome to our new series where our travel team dives deep into some of our top locations with tips for travelers to make the most of their stay. From hidden gems off-property to must-try amenities, we’ve curated a list of tried-and-true stops on your next racquets vacation. This week, Joey Hanf dives into an area close to home, the Central Coast of California, and more specifically, Santa Barbara!
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, combines the appeal of this coastal city with the beauty of its natural surroundings. The resort sits on 78 acres overlooking two beaches along the Pacific Ocean. This destination blends natural harmony, outdoor adventure, and cultural fulfillment. Bonus: 4 clay courts just seconds from the ocean! That is very rare for California as a whole, and makes this an incredible tennis destination for travelers around the world. Whether you are attending one of our Tennis and Wine Weekends or booking your own customized camp experience, you will have an amazing experience both on and off property. I was lucky enough to vacation to the Central Coast of California every summer as a child, and so places like Santa Barbara are very nostalgic for me. Perhaps the best selling point of this area - it's almost perfect weather year round! Check out the monthly averages below:
You might wake up to the marine layer rolling in, but rest assured, the sun will come out by around 1pm which makes for perfectly crisp mornings and bright, warm afternoons. Let's take a look at some of my top recommendations to add on to your trip.
Must Eat
Casual: Brophy's On The Alley – This is the sister (and more casual) site to the incredibly popular Brophy Bros restaurant of downtown Santa Barbara. No reservations, no fuss, but just fantastic seafood. Located in Goleta, this is just 6 minutes from the resort and tennis courts! I highly recommend the clam chowder, fish and chips, and fish tacos! It is hard to beat this price point given the fresh and quality nature of the food. The last time I was at one of our tennis and wine weekends, I ate here three times in two days - it's that good. Also located in the delightful Camino Real Marketplace, which home to another must try spot on this list...
Small Town Bakery: Anna's Bakery – The Bacara has GREAT breakfast options, but if you are looking for a changeup and have a sweet tooth, you've gotta get to Anna's Bakery. It's a local institution, and just a few hundred feet from Brophy's OTA. I can't even begin to recommend one thing because this bakery does EVERYTHING, including a great coffee menu. I promise you'll find something that you love.
Downtown's Finest: Barbareño – Just a block or two off of the bustling State Street, Barbreño has made a a name of themselves and for good reason. Served in a casual yet refined space and complemented by a highly curated wine list, the offerings here are tough to beat. Whether you want to try to the 8 course tasting menu, or just pick yourself, you'll have a great dining experience in the heart of downtown. We recommend advance reservations, and earlier is better so you can explore the area afterwards!
Iconic: The Lark – Looking for an upscale meal right next to the waterfront in the trendy arts and entertainment district? The Lark is your spot. This would be perfect for groups of 4+ as the menu is ideal for sharing and tasting everything the central coast of California has to offer. You will need advance reservations, but they are attainable!
Must Drink
Baraca Wine Tasting Room – A perfect spot to start your trip in wine country - and it's just 20ish feet from the lobby of the resort! The Bacara wine tasting room has options from all of the best options in the region, and a tasting here is a great way to figure out what winery you'd like to actually visit!
Explore Wine Country – Grimm's Bluff and Dragonette are our top picks. We recommend dedicating a day to this and possibly booking through a tour operator, as the experience is even better when you go that route. These are out in Los Olivos, but trust us, it's worth the drive.
Rodeo Room – This is a great upscale cocktail bar that can be a perfect nightcap. If you're looking for something a little more dive-bar-esque, try the Sportsman Lounge.
Best Way to Unwind in Santa Barbara
First off, the beaches at the Bacara are the BEST in town and by far the most quiet. You can take towels from the resort down and they have tar-washing stations on the way back up (yes, Santa Barbara beaches have natural tar in the sand, it comes right out with the right cleaning!). If you are a fan of wine or just stunning landscapes, then you should definitely do a day(or more) in wine country. Finally, a late afternoon into early evening on State Street is a must for the culture, shopping, and eating!
Insider Tips from Experience Travel Editors
One of the best things about the location of Santa Barbara, and the resort, is that you are so close to many other amazing towns. Solvang to the North is an incredibly cute Danish town, celebrity-heaven Montecito to the South has incredible hiking and it's famous Hot Springs, and a longer trip up the Highway 1 will take you to Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles, three VERY cool spots that I personally will always recommend to friends who are visiting Santa Barbara. Make this is a two stop trip with 3-5 days in Santa Barbara, and 2-3 days elsewhere!
An Electric Bike Tour is a great way to explore the coastline without putting too much stress on the body. You need to save your energy for the tennis court!
Old Mission Santa Barbara, founded in the 1786 by Spanish settlers, is a great historic site worth your visit and clear inspiration for much of the architecture in the region.
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