Explore Santa Barbara From This Hotel by the Beach

Experiences

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From mornings spent touring the region’s vineyards, to afternoons passed within the buzzing arts community, Santa Barbara promises both outdoor adventure and cultural fulfillment. Discover boutique shopping, annual festivals, golf, horseback riding and more during your stay at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. Located by the beach, the hotel is near some of the city’s best-loved attractions, including the neighboring Sandpiper Golf Club, the avant-garde Funk Zone and the Santa Barbara Bowl, which hosts some of the city's biggest concerts. Strike out on your own, or allow the Ladies and Gentlemen of the resort to craft a customized itinerary for your stay on what is deservedly known as the American Riviera.

On-Site Outlets
"I Am Love" Rose Quartz Facial
Throughout October, The Ritz-Carlton Spa is donating a portion of the proceeds from this luxurious facial towards the fight against breast cancer. The antioxidant therapy combines the healing energy of the precious rose quartz and gemstone rollers, to protect skin from free radical damage.
Spa Exterior

The Ritz-Carlton Spa Bacara, Santa Barbara

The spa encompasses 42,000 square feet and features a full selection of amenities including an adults-only swimming pool, redwood sauna, eucalyptus steam rooms, fireside lounges, a rooftop terrace and more. Open 9:00AM-6:30PM.

Fitness Center

Fitness Center

Fitness Amenities

Relax and rejuvenate with our luxurious fitness facilities including a Sauna, Steam Room, Jacuzzi.

Resort Pool

Swimming

Main Pool

Mon-Sun: 10:00 AM-7:00 PM

Outdoor

Towels provided

Heated

Children's Pool

The Spa Pool

Mon-Sun: 8:00 AM-8:00 PM

Outdoor

Towels provided

Heated

Oval Pool

Mon-Sun: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Outdoor

Heated

Children's Pool

Whirlpool

Pool Area

The naturalists of Ambassadors of the Environment are more than just guides—they are equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to share and explore the wonder of the natural world with you. All naturalists have college degrees in a wide range of science fields and have experience working with young people. They are First Aid, CPR certified and are trained by Jean-Michel Cousteau’s team. Additional trainings are frequently held by the by renowned marine biologist, photographer and educator, Dr. Richard Murphy, the chief scientist with the Cousteau’s for more than 40 years.

Terms, Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions

  • Recommended attire for children’s programs:
    Closed toe shoes are recommended for hiking programs
    Sunscreen is recommended for all programs

  • Reservations for all activities are required and to ensure availability a minimum three hour advance notice is requested. Parents will be required to sign a release waiver before their children participate in an activity.

  • Activities are subject to weather conditions and may change. We reserve the right to cancel activities if there are no sign-ups by 5 p.m. for the next morning’s activities or three hours before the afternoon and evening activities.

  • All activities begin and end at the Ambassadors center located on the third floor of the main lobby adjacent to The Rotunda.

  • The children’s programs are limited to ages five and older and proof of age is required upon check-in.

  • For safety reasons, naturalists reserve the right to require any individual to wear a personal floatation device during water-based activities.

  • Please note that if you wish to change or cancel your activity, you must contact Concierge at 805-571-3012 or resort extension 43012, 24 hours in advance of the program to avoid a 50% cancellation fee, unless otherwise noticed.

  • Extended hours are available for all programs including the one hour break between programs (morning-afternoon; afternoon-evening) for an additional $30 USD per hour per child. Meals can be provided at an additional charge to the guest and can be selected upon program check-in and billed directly to the guest folio. (Lunch 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., Dinner 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.).
  • Exclusive Adult & Family Activities.

  • Private activities can be created for any family, couple or group. The Ambassadors program supports and partners with many local organizations and can create private activities with exclusive access for unmatched experiences. If you would like to experience an activity on a day it is not offered, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate your requests.

  • Birthday parties can be customized for kids of all ages. Pick from a variety of themes and activities. Please contact us for details.

  • Extended hours of supervision are available for participants of our programs at a charge of US $30 per hour per person. If desired, lunch and/or dinner can be provided, where not already stated, for an additional charge to the guest. Please contact Ambassadors of the Environment for more information.

  • Please note that if you wish to change or cancel your activity, you must contact Ambassadors of the Environment 24 hours in advance to avoid a 50% cancellation fee.

  • **Due to liability reasons, all children must be at least 5 years of age and bathroom independent. All 5 year olds must arrive with proof of age upon registration.

Lounge area alongside saline pool
Lounge area alongside saline pool

Activities That Appeal to Every Guest

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara guests can swim in three pools, surf or sail at the beach, receive one-on-one attention from the resident tennis pro, play a round at the adjacent championship golf course or walk the on-property nature trail. Santa Barbara is also home to a thriving arts community, festival circuit and winery region, inviting guests to explore beyond the resort to discover more of what the area has to offer.

Electric Bike Rentals

We are delighted to be the first hotel in Santa Barbara to officially offer guests 18 and older complimentary use of our fleet of pedal-assist bikes by BCycle. The bicycles have the ability to transport travelers up to 30 miles on a single charge at a maximum speed of 17 mph. If guests decide to go beyond the maximum range, the bike can simply be pedaled back to the resort just as one would a traditional, single-speed manual bike.

                                                      

Tennis

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara features four clay tennis courts adjacent to the beach that invite the Santa Barbara sunshine and coastal breeze in. The resort proudly features a world-class tennis program managed by Cliff Drysdale Tennis. Cliff Drysdale Tennis is an industry-leading company founded by legendary ESPN analyst and International Tennis Hall of Fame member, Cliff Drysdale. To learn more about our tennis program including court rentals, classes, clinics, and summer camp for kids, please contact: Galina Bykova, Director of Tennis G.Bykova@cliffdrysdale.com (805) 571-3141

Outdoor Adventure

Take advantage of Central California’s year-round temperate climate and discover the beauty of Santa Barbara on a leisurely bike ride along the beach or through historic downtown. Adventure seekers can enjoy mountain biking atop the Santa Barbara Bluffs, catching waves on a surfboard, and exploring the Gaviota Coast by kayak or paddle board. *Surfing, Kayaking, and Paddle Boarding are available off-site, weather permitting.

                                                                                               

Indulge in outdoor relaxation at one of our three pools including:

  • Main Pool

  • Oval Pool

  • The Spa Pool (Adults only)

 

Pool Cabana Rentals

Enhance your poolside experience with a luxury cabana.

Oceano Cabanas

Our most luxurious space offers a television, refrigerator, safe, dining table and comfortable lounge furniture for a soothing siesta.  With added privacy and direct access to the resort’s Cabana Pool, our Oceano Cabanas offer the ultimate in leisurely lounging. Fresh fruit and waters are also included.

Riviera Cabanas

Spacious with panoramic views, our Riviera cabanas are equipped with all the poolside essentials: added shade, a dining table and two lounge chairs. Fresh fruit and waters are also included.

Cabanas can accommodate up to six and are for registered guests and club members only. Dogs are not allowed at the pools or Oceano cabanas. Outside food and drinks are not permitted.  Please cancel 12 hours in advance to avoid a cancellation fee.

Beaches and Pools

Set on 78 acres, the resort offers two-miles of natural beach, three zero-edged heated saline pools with private cabana rentals and watersports including surfing, kayaking and paddle boarding.

Santa Barbara’s three 18-hole championship golf courses include Sandpiper Golf Club, located next door to the resort. Please contact our resort for additional information.

Planning Your Trip

Planning your trip to Bacara, Santa Barbara

Aerial View

More Activities and Local Partners