Santa Barbara Holidays

Discover more of Santa Barbara Holidays

Santa Barbara is known as the ‘American Riviera’ simply because of the beauty of its beaches. Santa Barbara is a haven for beach lovers and offers miles and miles of beautiful coastline to be admired. Though Santa Barbara has plenty else to offer holidaymakers, from beautiful hotels to historic landmarks, and is the perfect location for a stop along your California West Coast Road Trip or as one destination in your Twin Centre California holiday!

If scenic views and beautiful hikes are what you are looking for, Santa Barbara has got you covered! Inspiration Point is a stunning viewpoint that looks over Santa Barbara’s coastline and Channel Islands in the distance. To reach Inspiration point you have two options: a shorter hike, around 3.5 miles round trip, that begins at Tunnel Trail if you’re looking for a morning hike before heading off elsewhere. Though, if you have a whole day to spend hiking in the pleasant sun, or even a whole afternoon, then you could begin your walk at Jesusita Trail as this option is a 7-mile round trip and you may even get to see some waterfalls if it has rained recently!

Foodies will want to head over to Stearns Wharf to sample the fresh seafood – you can even buy the fish straight off the boats! Seafood is not your only option here though: the Wharf also has brilliant steak and burger restaurants and wine tasting at the Harbour Restaurant. There are also plenty of shops and a touch aquarium for children to see the marine life up-close! Be sure to get to the Wharf early to avoid larger crowds, and to get the best fresh fish before it is all gone!

When it comes to swimming, surfing, and sunbathing, Santa Barbara has you covered; a favourite beach among locals is Butterfly beach as not only is it beautiful, its east-west facing shoreline also makes it perfect for spectacular sunrises and sunsets! Refugio State Beach is another that boasts calm, crystal clear waters that is lined by palm trees to make for the perfect oasis. The beach is known for its ideal picnic spots, coastal fishing, and amazing kayaking – some guests also love to camp at this beach to make the most of the Santa Barbara night sky and beautiful stars.

22 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara sit the Channel Islands, or the “Galapagos of North America” as they are known, and they are home to 2000+ plants and animals. The Channel Islands are accessible via day trips from Santa Barbara, and you can also stay the night if you would like. On the Channel Islands you will be able to spot wildlife like harbour seals, California sea lions, California Brown Pelicans and more! Whale Watching cruises are also available around the Channel Islands if visiting in the right season – there are 27 species of whales and dolphins off the coast of Santa Barbara, including the Blue Whale, so this is sure to be a memorable experience! Snorkelling and Kayaking tours are also available and offer an up-close look at the Islands – the tours will take you through the kelp forests and sea caves, as well as teach you about the epic Santa Barbara coastline. Advanced SCUBA divers can also dive into the rich underwater world surrounding the Channel Island’s and SCUBA expeditions here are known to be world-class diving opportunities and adventures! If you haven’t quite mastered your sea legs or prefer dry land, the islands also offer stunning hikes and camping opportunities (with advanced reservations). There are plenty of ways to get to the Channel Islands from Santa Barbara, including taking the Island Packers Ferry, but one that will be totally unforgettable is chartering your own boat (with a captain) who will take you on an epic adventure to the islands and include whatever you wish – for example, kayaking, sea cave exploration, Snorkelling and more! Booking a private charter requires advance planning, and this is something Charter Travel will be able to assist you with when you book your California / Santa Barbara holiday with us.

There are plenty of accommodation options in Santa Barbara, but a favourite among holidaymakers is the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort; this resort truly is ‘beachfront’ and is located right on the golden sands of the Santa Barbara coastline. The hotel is also home to a large outdoor pool where you can relax under the California sun as well as lovely restaurants serving local ingredients. Another fabulous, luxurious hotel in Santa Barbara is The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara; with stunning coastal views, this hilltop hotel is one of Santa Barbara’s most exclusive. The hotel offers a peaceful escape to 2 beaches, 3 infinity edge pools and an exclusive, amazing spa. This hotel really is suited for a special occasion that you never want to forget!

Santa Barbara is where Californians come to relax, retreat, and get away from busy city life. It is the perfect place to swim, surf, enjoy nature and soak up the stunning Californian sunshine. So, call and speak to one of our Santa Barbara experts on 01635 551011 or email us at enquiry@chartertravel.co.uk to book your experience of a lifetime.

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