Things to do nearby: beaches, trails, golf and family activities
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara sits on 78 acres with two natural beaches and three heated saline pools on site, so beach time, pool days and coastal walks are the easiest options. Nearby you’ll find oceanfront golf at Sandpiper, short nature trails and family-friendly activities including a Jean-Michel Cousteau nature program for children ages five and up.
In this guide
Beaches and ocean access
The resort includes two natural beaches on its Pacific grounds and sits between Haskell’s Beach and nearby Driftwood beach areas. Haskell’s Beach is listed as about a 9-minute walk from the property.
On-property beaches are usable for walking, tidepool viewing and shoreline photos; services such as chairs or lifeguards are not detailed in the resort facts so check with the front desk for current beach access and safety information.
- Two natural beaches on resort grounds
- Haskell’s Beach — roughly a 9-minute walk
- Good for shoreline walks, photography and sunset viewing
| Beach | Access from resort | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resort beaches (two) | On site | Natural shoreline on the resort's Pacific grounds |
| Haskell’s Beach | Approx. 9-minute walk | Popular local beach; short walk from resort |
| Isla Vista / Goleta Beach | Short drive | Other nearby public beaches a short drive away |
Trails, preserves and wildlife viewing
The Bacara’s location offers easy access to coastal preserves and short hikes. Coal Oil Point Reserve and the Goleta/Coronado butterfly groves are nearby for wildlife and monarch viewing depending on season.
For short coastal walks and viewpoints try Douglas Family Preserve and local bluff paths; the resort’s front desk and concierge can confirm current trail conditions and directions.
- Coal Oil Point Reserve — coastal reserve with dunes and tidepools (short drive)
- Goleta Butterfly Grove / Coronado Butterfly Preserve — monarch viewing close to the property
- Douglas Family Preserve and Inspiration Point — coastal walks with ocean views
| Trail/Spot | Travel time from resort | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Coal Oil Point Reserve | About 10-minute drive | Coastal dunes, tidepools and birdlife |
| Goleta/Coronado Butterfly Grove | A few minutes by car / short walk | Monarch butterfly groves (seasonal viewing) |
| Douglas Family Preserve | Short drive | Cliffside trails and ocean viewpoints |
Golf nearby
Sandpiper Golf Club, an oceanfront course, is a quick option for golfers and is cited as about a 5-minute drive or roughly a 17-minute walk from the resort. The resort’s concierge can help with tee times and transportation.
Other courses such as Glen Annie Golf Club are a short drive away for additional options; confirm availability and booking through the clubs directly or through the resort’s tours and ticket assistance.
- Sandpiper Golf Club — oceanfront, ~5-minute drive
- Glen Annie Golf Club — a short drive inland
- Concierge/tours desk can arrange tee times and directions
| Course | Approx. travel time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sandpiper Golf Club | About 5 minutes by car (~17-minute walk) | Oceanfront course near the resort |
| Glen Annie Golf Club | Short drive | Inland course option |
Water sports, rentals and excursions
Guests can arrange nearby kayaking, sailing, surfing and windsurfing through local operators; the resort lists those activities among available arrangements. Contact the front desk or concierge for up-to-date vendor recommendations and reservations.
Boat and whale-watching excursions operate seasonally from the Santa Barbara area; gray whale migration season is noted as roughly February through May for better odds of sightings.
- Kayaking and stand-up paddleboard rentals — arranged through local vendors
- Surfing and bodyboarding — local beaches offer rentals and lessons
- Sailing and whale-watching — seasonal trips depart from nearby harbors
| Activity | How to arrange | Seasonal notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kayaking / SUP | Concierge can recommend local outfitters | Available most of the year; check conditions |
| Surf lessons / rentals | Local surf schools near Goleta and UCSB beaches | Summer and shoulder seasons are popular |
| Whale watching | Private operators from Santa Barbara harbor | Best for gray whale migration (approx. Feb–May) |
Family activities and children's programs
The resort is family-welcoming and hosts a Jean-Michel Cousteau nature and ecotourism program for children ages five and older; proof of age is required for participation. The Main Pool and Oval Pool are open to guests of all ages.
On-property family-friendly features include three heated saline pools (the Spa Pool is adults-only), free bicycles, and activities arranged by the resort. Ask the concierge about family itineraries and scheduled kids’ activities during your stay.
- Jean-Michel Cousteau children’s program — ages 5 and up
- Main Pool and Oval Pool — open to all guests and families
- Free bicycles and family activity suggestions from concierge
| Facility / Program | Age or access | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jean-Michel Cousteau program | Ages 5+ | Nature-based activities; proof of age required |
| Main Pool & Oval Pool | All ages | Heated saline pools with food/beverage service |
| Spa Pool | 18+ only | Adults-only pool located within The Ritz-Carlton Spa Bacara, Santa Barbara |
On-site fitness, tennis and spa options
The resort’s Fitness Center is open daily and includes cardiovascular and strength equipment plus instructor-led classes; guests must be at least 16 to use the Fitness Center. There are four Har-Tru tennis courts on site.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa Bacara, Santa Barbara is a 42,000-square-foot spa with an adults-only pool, redwood sauna, eucalyptus steam room, cold plunge and rooftop terrace — appointments are required for treatments and spa access details should be confirmed when booking.
- Fitness Center — open daily; age 16+ to use
- Four Har-Tru tennis courts — lessons and court time available via resort
- Spa — 42,000 sq. ft., adults-only pool and thermal amenities; appointments required
| Amenity | Hours / Age rules | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fitness Center | Open daily (6 a.m.–8 p.m.) | Guests must be 16+ to use equipment |
| Tennis courts (Har-Tru) | Court hours vary | Contact resort for lesson bookings |
| The Ritz-Carlton Spa Bacara, Santa Barbara | Spa hours listed as 8:30 AM–6:00 PM (confirm when booking) | Adults-only spa pool; appointments required |
