What to pack for a stay at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara
Pack beachwear, layers for cool ocean breezes, a swimsuit and sunscreen, and at least one smart-casual outfit for restaurants like Marisella or Lulio. Bring tennis or workout gear if you plan to use the Fitness Center or courts, a photo ID for check-in (minimum age 18), and any pet supplies if bringing a dog (dogs up to 50 lbs allowed with a fee).
In this guide
Location & arrival essentials
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara is at 8301 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, CA 93117. The resort sits on extensive oceanfront grounds and provides ocean and resort views from many rooms.
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. The property requires a guest at least 18 years old to check in and assume liability for the reservation.
- Bring a government photo ID for check-in (minimum age 18 to check in).
- Keep your reservation and contact details handy: BookResorts agents (24/7): +1 (888) 605-1350; resort phone for dining/reservations: (805) 968-0100.
- Plan transport: Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is the closest airport (about a 10-minute drive); taxis and rideshares are common options.
| What to have ready | Why |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Check-in (minimum age 18 rule) |
| Reservation confirmation | Quick verification at arrival |
| Phone numbers | For arrival help or dining reservations |
Clothing: beach days and cool evenings
Santa Barbara coast weather is mild; daytime beach temperatures are pleasant but evenings by the ocean can be noticeably cool. Pack light summer clothes plus a few layers for after-sunset breezes.
You’ll want at least one smart-casual outfit for dinner at venues such as Marisella or Lulio; restaurants list smart casual or similar dress codes.
- Swimsuits, rash guard or sun shirts
- Light shorts, tees, sundresses for day
- A light sweater, windbreaker or shawl for evening
- One smart-casual outfit (collared shirt, neat dress or equivalent) for dinner
| Situation | Suggested items |
|---|---|
| Pool / beach | Swimsuit, cover-up, water shoes |
| Evening dining | Smart-casual top/dress, closed-toe shoes optional |
| Cool nights | Light jacket or sweater |
Spa, pools and age rules
The resort has three outdoor heated saline pools (Main Pool, Oval Pool, and the Spa Pool). The Main Pool and Oval Pool are open to all guests; the Spa Pool is adults-only and located inside The Ritz-Carlton Spa Bacara, Santa Barbara.
If you plan to use the spa facilities or book treatments, bring suitable spa wear and note that spa appointments and some amenities may require reservations.
- Swimsuit and a cover-up
- Flip-flops or pool sandals
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen and a hat
- Waterproof pouch for phone/IDs when at the beach or pool
| Pool | Access |
|---|---|
| Main Pool | Open to all guests |
| Oval Pool | Open to all guests |
| Spa Pool | Adults only (18+), inside spa |
Dining and evening items
On-site dining includes Marisella (Italian/coastal-Italian), Lulio (Mediterranean), 'O' Bar & Terrace, SunBar (poolside), and Mission Market (coffee and grab-and-go). Dress codes are generally smart casual or casual depending on venue.
If you expect to dine at Marisella (evening-focused) or enjoy cocktails at 'O' Bar & Terrace, bring a neat outfit and, if you prefer, a light sweater for outdoor terraces at sunset.
- Smart-casual outfit for Marisella or dinner nights
- Comfortable poolside attire for SunBar
- Reusable water bottle or small cooler for day trips (check hotel rules for use on property)
| Venue | Typical service / hours (high level) |
|---|---|
| Marisella | Dinner-focused, evening hours |
| Lulio | Breakfast, lunch and some dinner evenings |
| SunBar | Poolside daytime bites and drinks |
Activities — what to bring for sports and excursions
The resort offers free bicycles, four Har-Tru tennis courts, a Fitness Center, and on-property yoga classes. If you plan to use those, pack athletic shoes, tennis gear, and workout clothes.
Nearby options include beaches (Haskell’s Beach is a short walk), kayaking, sailing and surfing arranged locally; bring basic beach-activity gear if you prefer to use your own equipment.
- Athletic shoes and workout clothes (Fitness Center open daily 6 a.m.–8 p.m.; use requires minimum age 16)
- Tennis racquet if you prefer your own gear
- Daypack, binoculars or camera for whale-watching season (Feb–May)
- Light hiking shoes for nearby preserves and trails
| On-site activity | Suggested gear |
|---|---|
| Bicycling | Helmet (often provided), comfortable shorts |
| Tennis | Shoes, racquet |
| Yoga / fitness | Mat (optional), workout clothes |
Room basics, families and pets
Rooms and suites include free WiFi. Room types include Room, Resort View; Room, Balcony, Resort View; Room, Balcony, Pool View; Room, Ocean View; Club Suite, 1 Bedroom; Club Suite, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View; Suite, 1 Bedroom, Resort View; Club Room; Club Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Penthouse Suite, Balcony); Club Suite, Ocean View (Island); and Room.
The resort is family-welcoming and runs a Jean-Michel Cousteau nature program for children ages five and older. The spa’s pool is adults-only and the Fitness Center requires users to be at least 16.
- Pack child essentials and proof of age if signing children up for the Ritz Kids/nature program (ages 5+).
- If bringing a dog: dogs up to 50 lbs are accepted with a pet fee (service animals exempt). Bring your dog’s bed/food or use the hotel’s provided items when available.
- Bring chargers and device cables — rooms have complimentary WiFi and wired Internet.
| If travelling with | Pack |
|---|---|
| Kids (5+) | Swimsuit, activity clothes, proof of age for programs |
| Pets (dog up to 50 lbs) | Leash, food, bed, any health documents |
| Couples or adults | Smart-casual attire, swimwear, light layers |
Practical extras and fees to know
The property charges a mandatory daily resort fee in addition to room rates, and valet parking is the only on-site parking option. The resort accepts cashless payment methods.
Spa appointments, dining reservations and some activities may require advance booking. If you need an EV charging station or other services, check availability with the resort ahead of arrival.
- Bring a card for incidental charges and the resort/resort-fee; verify current valet and resort-fee amounts with the hotel before travel.
- Reserve spa treatments and popular restaurants in advance when possible.
- Pack chargers, small power bank, and any special adapters for electric devices.
| Service | Tip |
|---|---|
| Valet parking | Valet only — no self-park option |
| Resort fee | Mandatory; confirms access to some services — check current inclusions |
| Spa & pools | Appointments recommended; spa pool is adults-only |
