A big thank you to the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort for hosting our stay so we could write this review of our experience.
This summer, we took a road trip along the California coast, the first time we’ve ever driven from Northern California to Southern California.
This bucket list trip was so much fun with our little ones and we made some great stops along the way.
We started at the Montage Healdsburg and then made our way south. Our first stop was at Cavallo Point in Sausalito and from there, we visited Monterey and stayed at the Portola Hotel and Spa at Monterey Bay.
The final leg of our road trip took us from Monterey to Santa Barbara along California’s Central Coast, where we checked into the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. Santa Barbara is a favorite destination for our family. Just 130 miles from where we live in Los Angeles, it’s a quick and easy getaway to one of the most beautiful spots in California, often referred to as the American Riviera for its rugged coastal beauty.
Here’s our hotel review of the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort:
Nestled along the scenic coastline of California’s Central Coast, the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort offers a prime location to relax and explore one of the state’s most picturesque destinations. It’s so close to the ocean, which our kids loved because we could just walk outside the hotel, cross the street and have our toes in the sand. Plus, it’s just minutes from downtown Santa Barbara so it’s in a great location. Overall, this resort combines modern amenities with the charm of a seaside getaway.
Location
The Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is situated on Cabrillo Boulevard, directly across from East Beach. We loved the easy access to the beach as well as the resort’s proximity to popular attractions like the Santa Barbara Zoo, just a 10-minute walk away. A leisurely stroll along the adjacent beachfront path leads to Stearns Wharf and the vibrant Funk Zone, known for its eclectic mix of art galleries, wine tasting rooms, and casual dining options. The resort’s location offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Accommodations
AccommodationsThe resort has spacious rooms and suites designed with families in mind. Many rooms feature private balconies or patios with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Ynez Mountains, or the resort’s lush gardens.
Families will appreciate amenities like the mini-fridge, flat-screen TV, and the option for adjoining rooms, providing ample space for everyone.
Just be sure to stock up on drinks at the grocery store because they charge $7 for a bottle of water or $40 for a half bottle of wine. If it’s an option, consider booking one of the oceanfront suites for extra space and stunning sunsets right from your room.
Dining
With multiple dining options on-site, the Hilton Santa Barbara ensures that families have plenty of choices to suit every palate. The Set, the resort’s main restaurant, serves California-inspired cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Families can enjoy a casual meal on the outdoor terrace, complete with ocean views. For quick bites, Java del Mar offers coffee, pastries, and grab-and-go options perfect for a day of sightseeing. The poolside bar and grill is a hit with kids and adults alike, serving up drinks and classic American fare.
Activities and amenities
The resort offers bike rentals, making it easy to explore the scenic beachfront and nearby parks. Tennis courts, a fitness center, and a full-service spa ensure that there’s something for everyone. But one of the highlights for families is the resort’s large outdoor heated pool, surrounded by loungers and cabanas. Kids can splash around while parents relax.
We arrived around 4pm and went to the beach for an hour and then the pool for an hour. They were playing some great music at the pool but I’m not sure it was really family-friendly. After every two songs, they played a commercial for the grocery store Albertson’s. It happened so frequently that I finally started getting in on the act. I’d wait for someone to walk by and then yell to the kids, “Alright, kids! Out of the pool … we’re going to Albertson’s!” I guess you had to be there but my wife laughed her tail off, which is all that matters.
What’s also interesting is the hotel has an automated machine to get and return pool towels using your keycard. I’ve never seen before. The sign warns that guests will be charged $25 for towels that are not returned by 9pm.
Guests will love the proximity of the hotel to family-friendly attractions like the Natural History Museum (pictured above), the Botanical Gardens, the aforementioned Santa Barbara Zoo and the MOXI Museum, an interactive science and technology museum that’s just a short drive away. For those looking to venture further, the nearby Santa Ynez Valley offers opportunities for horseback riding, farm visits, and wine tasting.
Exiting the parking lot
Exiting the parking lotFYI: When exiting the parking lot, be sure you scan your keycard so the gate opens. Don’t hold up traffic like I did my first time exiting since I didn’t have my glasses on and couldn’t read the instructions on the screen.
Why families will love it
The Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort combines a prime location with solid amenities and a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for families. Plus, guests are able to pay for their stay using points or getting points in return. Whether you’re building sandcastles on East Beach, enjoying a sunset dinner, or exploring Santa Barbara’s many attractions, this resort provides an ideal home base for creating lasting memories. For families seeking a balance of comfort, convenience and coastal charm, the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort delivers.
TIP: Hilton Honors members have the opportunity to earn 2X Bonus Points on all stays between January 1 and April 30, 2025 with the Double Your Stay promotion. Members can now pre-register for the promotion and even if you’re not planning to stay at a Hilton, it doesn’t hurt to register, just in case. I did and it took just 30 seconds. Book your stay here.
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