2022 Santa Barbara Vacation Ideas
2022 Santa Barbara Vacation Ideas
Make your travel dreams come true in the year ahead and treat yourself to the gift of transformative experiences
A new year is upon us, offering an abundance of opportunities to create fresh memories and bring your travel dreams to fruition. From multi-generational family reunions and long overdue getaways with friends, to romantic escapes and solo personal retreats, make 2022 the year that you say "yes" to travel—and all the positive benefits it yields. Travel is proven to make you happier and more creative; it's restorative and improves mental health; it opens your mind and broadens your horizons; it allows you to reconnect with yourself and others. These benefits and more are all accessible whether you're getting away for just one night, a whole week, or an extended stay.
Santa Barbara Hotel Collection's collection of four independent inns provide the perfect home away from home to set the stage for your adventures and escapes, no matter their duration. The Best Western Plus Santa Barbara, Brisas Del Mar Inn at the Beach, Inn by the Harbor, and Lavender Inn by the Sea all offer larger suites in addition to traditional room styles, which make them particularly attractive accommodations for traveling parties who need more space as well as for extended stays.
A timeless destination with global appeal, Santa Barbara offers the best of all worlds for visitors in search of beautiful scenery, awesome outdoor experiences, quality cuisine, exciting arts, pedestrian and bike friendly neighborhoods, and interesting independent shops. We've compiled a list of trip ideas to offer inspiration and help you set your travel planning in motion.
Family Reunions
Santa Barbara is an ideal place to bring family members together from different parts of the state and across the country, especially thanks to expanded connectivity via Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, which now offers non-stop service to 11 destinations including several major hubs for easy connections. Between the ease of getting here, getting around town, and close proximity of several kid-centric attractions, families traveling with children find Santa Barbara to be particularly stress-free. Must-dos for the younger set include visits to the Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation. Teens enjoy the shopping on State Street and beach scene, while parents and grandparents savor the regional cuisine, fine local wines, and culture. The whole extended family can enjoy whale watching cruises, coastal bike rides, and walks in the park. When it comes to where to stay, Best Western Plus Santa Barbara offers townhouses and one- and two-bedroom suites that give families extra space. Or book neighboring rooms at Inn by the Harbor, where spacious suites are appointed with kitchens.
Friend-cations
Gather a group of friends for a highly anticipated getaway to The American Riviera. Spend quality time together reminiscing and making new memories as you sip and savor your way through Santa Barbara wine country or exploring local craft breweries. Relish in the great outdoors hiking, biking, or golfing. Tighten your bonds with a team building adventure trying something new together such as surf lessons, kayaking at the Channel Islands, or horseback riding along the beach or in the backcountry. If pampering is on the menu, book our Sweet & Salty package that includes passes for Salt Cave Meditation sessions. After dark, check out the cuisine scene at the area's hottest restaurants and explore Santa Barbara's night life on and off State Street.
Romantic Retreats
Santa Barbara oozes romance and has long been a destination for couples, as well as weddings and honeymoons. There's something about the beauty and scenery—think lush gardens, dramatic vistas, secluded stretches of sand, and Mediterranean ambiance. Whether you want to carve out quality time with your significant other, are in the process wooing someone new, or are looking for a place to pop the question, you'll be able to maximize Santa Barbara's inherently romantic nature. Our Romance on the Riviera package will help you set the tone with a bottle of wine and box of chocolate awaiting in your room upon check in and a $50 credit towards dinner at bouchon. Or go big with the Four Days, Three Nights in Paradise package that adds a private wine tour and sunset cruise to the agenda.
Solo Adventures
Solo travelers can also easily tap into Santa Barbara's magic, whether you're interested in giving yourself time and space to reflect and get centered or simply wish to dig into the city's many sensory delights. Santa Barbara is a safe place for solitary adventures and you'll find welcoming, friendly locals at every turn. Take a sunrise stroll along the waterfront, treat yourself to spa day at Float, and cruise around town on one of our complimentary bikes. Browse the shops on State Street, meander through the Funk Zone, and cozy up in a café with a good book. Join guided tours of attractions like Lotusland or the Channel Islands National Park. And sail into the sunset with our go-to aquatic partner, Santa Barbara Sailing Center. We frequently recommend Lavender Inn by the Sea to our solo travelers, who appreciate the comfort, quiet, and proximity to the beach.
Special Occasion Celebrations
When it comes to celebrating major milestones like babymoons, anniversaries, graduations, and birthdays, Santa Barbara Hotel Collection is always here for you. In addition to booking accommodations and arranging special in-room welcomes, our knowledgeable team can help you find restaurants and venues for dinner parties and recommend outfitters for group activities. We would be honored to play a part in creating memories that will last you and your loved ones a lifetime!