What is the nicest hotel on ocean? Maybe 2 choices??

Hilton Oceanfront Resort if you can afford it. $305/night and up. Way up.

I don’t know, I think I’d pick Ritz-Carlton, or Miramar. If I won the lottery, and lost all of my common sense, that is. Like Tom indicated, even “budget” hotels in SB are obscenely expensive. Pick the best you can afford?

Please define expectation of "on the ocean." No hotels in SB, iirc, are right ON the beach. Across the street (Cabrillo Blvd) and can see the beach and ocean, but it's not as if you can leave your hotel room or lobby, and walk directly onto the beach.
Also to consider as you choose, how far do you want to be from downtown/State Street? Do you want to be in easy walking distance of that, as well as the beach?

Be aware of railroad tracks that go along the coast very near Ritz-Carlton.

We stayed at Bacara quite a few years ago. I see it is now Ritz-Carlton Bacara. It's a beautiful resort and when we were there the food was excellent and the spa was also very good. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again if we were in the area.

If you want something with direct sandy beach access, I don't think Santa Barbara is your man.

Maybe Pismo Beach area.

Miramar and Bacara are your best bets, now that the Four Seasons is closed. As others have noted, you will need to walk to the beach. The Double Tree Hilton may satisfy your beach access needs at a more reasonable ( but still $$$) price point.

What is your budget and what do you wish to do while you're in the area?

There is a place in Carpenteria called the Sugar Shack (apartment/condo). It is less than $100/night and is about 200 yards from the Carpenteria State Beach. When our son was at UCSB in Goleta, we stayed at the Sandyland Inn in Carpenteria (also cheap).

Harbor View Inn is right by the Wharf and has a pool, close to lots of restaurants.



We have a nice budget but realizing we need to be near shops and restaurants due toweling issues

We stayed at the Hilton and loved it, short walk to Sterns Wharf, can even walk up State street from there. The picture is below, hopefully it doesn't post as big as it shows on preview. Check out our Santa Barbara YouTube video, it is only a couple minutes -

Thanks for posting the video. Hoping for a return visit!!!

we decided on the Kimpton Hotel. We have stayed in these before and like them, location seems good. Thanks for all of your help, everyone

The Canary downtown? Their restaurant, Finch & Fork is wonderful. The hotel is nice but I'm guessing the rooftop pool and bar are closed due to covid. It's a long walk to the beach but doable.

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