A Sun-Drenched California Stay at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara

By Melissa Rosdahl
February 9, 2020
4 Min Read

Situated on California‘s Gaviota coastline between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez mountains, on a 78-acre stretch of scenic coastal bluffs, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara is the perfect getaway for families seeking rest and relaxation as well as an abundance of recreation options for all ages. The beachfront resort is easily accessible to travelers driving along the California coast; guests can fly into Santa Barbara Municipal Airport as well, only a 10-minute drive from the resort.

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara Review — King guestroom

Family-Friendly Review of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara

Accommodations

Families have numerous guest room options from which to choose. There are 45 specialty suites in addition to 313 luxury guest rooms, and each room or suite has either a private balcony or a patio with an ocean, garden or mountain view; we loved enjoying the gorgeous Southern California sunsets from our balcony. Rooms are well-appointed and decorated in a comfortable blend of Mediterranean and California luxury, and more than half include a fireplace. In-room tablets allow you to make spa or dining reservations, order room service and adjust the temperature of your accommodations.

Onsite Activities

There’s ample family fun on the resort property. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara has three saline pools onsite, two of which have beach and ocean views. The third pool is adults only and is near the resort’s full-service spa. Surrounding the two main pools are 26 private cabanas, which can be reserved and come with bottled water, fresh fruit, wireless internet access and butler service.

In addition to the pool facilities, families can enjoy access to either of the two 18-hole championship golf courses next to the property. There are four seaside tennis courts with a full-service pro shop. If you’re seeking beach time, the resort offers surf and body board rentals all day. Onshore family activities available include guided nature hikes, bicycle rides, vineyard tours and tastings, and shopping tours.

Dining

Angel Oak, the resort’s signature steak and seafood restaurant, is a highlight for families who want a special night out in a lovely setting that overlooks the Pacific. The Bistro offers casual fare in a relaxed environment and is situated oceanside with direct access to the pool. In addition to these options, there is an onsite coffee/ice cream shop an a spa cafe as well as wine tasting rooms and cellars.

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Ambassadors of the Environment

A very special feature of the Ritz-Carlton Bacara is the Jean-Michel Cousteau “Ambassadors of the Environment” program for all ages. This unique educational program introduces adults and children to the natural and cultural highlights of the area around the resort. The program includes hands-on exploration, adventure, and activities of the land and sea, with activities such as learning about the kelp forest, sharks, birds of the area and the intertidal zone of the Pacific. Daily eco-hikes with scavenger hunts are offered to guests. Additionally, the program educates guests on the local culture and traditions of the indigenous Chumash Native Americans, who inhabited the area for thousands of years.

Local Sightseeing

Just a stone’s throw from Santa Barbara, the resort is well positioned to take advantage of all the area has to offer. Highlights include the Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara Mission, Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and MOXI, he Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation. Depending on the season, you can also take a whale watching excursion, explore the local hiking trails or indulge in an afternoon of wine tasting.

Relevant Links:

Explore all kid-friendly California accommodations and activities on Ciao Bambino

See our favorite things to do in Santa Barbara with kids

Must-see stops on a California Central Coast road trip

A grand California family road trip

Photos by The Ritz-Carlton Bacara.

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.

Written By
By Melissa Rosdahl

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1 Comments

Megan says:

5 years ago at 11:32 am

Love Santa Barbara! Great option for a stop when driving the PCH route or also a nice long weekend all on it’s own. Staying at the Ritz can make the a California trip easy with all of the activities they offer too. An awesome spring break option for families!

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