13 Best Hotels in The Central Coast, California

Built in 1915 and following more than $100 million of extensive renovations a century later, this Santa Barbara icon lives on to thrill a new generation of guests with its relaxed-luxe bungalow rooms, lush gardens, and personalized service. The landmark-preserved, Mediterranean-style complex has hosted many luminaries over the years, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt and privacy-seeking stars from Hollywood's golden years. Rooms and suites come in two styles of bungalows—Craftsman and Mission—nestled among lush gardens, courtyards, and pathways.

The redwood guesthouses at this luxurious retreat blend almost invisibly into a wooded cliff 1,200 feet above the ocean and have views of the sea or the mountains. On-site activities include everything from yoga to stargazing.

Hundreds of celebrities have escaped to this romantic resort on 160 tranquil acres 1,200 feet above the Pacific, where you can participate in a range of activities, workshops, and programs; sunbathe; hike in the nearby hills; or pamper yourself with mind-and-body treatments in the spa or your own private quarters. All rooms have walls of natural wood and cool tile floors; some have private hot tubs on expansive outdoor decks. If you prefer more rustic accommodations at a lower rate, opt for one of the resort's 15 safari-style glamping cabins in the redwoods.

Since 1946, celebrities and plain folk alike have come to this 10,000-acre ranch to join in a slew of activities, including horseback riding, tennis, golf, archery, boating, and fishing. You can also just lounge by the pool or book a treatment at the day spa. The ranch-style rooms and suites come with garden views, covered porches, high-beam ceilings, and wood-burning fireplaces, and the decor incorporates Spanish-tile accents and fine Western art.

A sprawling collection of Spanish-Moorish buildings that opened in 2017 at the site of the historic 1925 Hotel Californian, this sophisticated property with a hip youthful vibe occupies nearly three full blocks just steps from Stearns Wharf and the harbor. The complex includes various rooms and suites created by famed SoCal interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, a rooftop pool deck with panoramic views, a Moroccan-theme spa, three restaurants and bars, meeting rooms, ballrooms, and three wine-tasting rooms.

In the stagecoach days, Mattei's Tavern provided wayfarers with hearty meals and warm beds; in the early 2020s, new owners restored the 1886 building and four cottages (historic artifacts, paintings, and photos are on display everywhere) and added clapboard, cottage-style buildings with guest rooms sprinkled over the 6-acre property with winding paths and gardens amid old-growth palm and olive trees. Part of Auberge Resorts Collection, the inn offers an array of luxurious amenities. Nearly all the cozy, contemporary rooms have an indoor fireplace and private patio with fire pit or sun porch with a swing, and all hold vintage furnishings with brass accents and sumptuous bathrooms with walk-in showers; some have standalone bathtubs.

A luxury resort with four restaurants and a 42,000-square-foot spa and fitness center with 36 treatment rooms, the Ritz-Carlton Bacara provides a gorgeous setting for relaxing retreats. The Spanish Colonial–style buildings and manicured gardens sprawl across 78 acres next to a rugged stretch of beach 15 miles north of downtown Santa Barbara. The rooms have views of the ocean, mountains, or gardens; all rooms have private balconies or patios and about half have fireplaces. Kids and adults alike can join in Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program, which connects participants with natural wonders along the Gaviota Coast.

Sprawling across 16 lush acres on one of the area's most scenic and exclusive beaches, this luxury resort was built from scratch on the site of the former Miramar by the Sea hotel, where generations of fashionable SoCal residents vacationed for decades. The stunning design pays tribute to the hotel's history while providing ultraluxe modern amenities, including a full-service spa.

At this romantic hideaway on a historic property in the Montecito foothills—where John and Jackie Kennedy spent their honeymoon and Oprah sends her out-of-town visitors—guest cottages are scattered among groves of orange trees and flower beds. All have down comforters and fireplaces, most have private outdoor spas, and one has its own pool. Seventeen miles of hiking trails crisscross 500 acres of open space surrounding the property.

A full-service hotel in the heart of downtown, this Kimpton property blends a casual, beach-getaway feel with contemporary California style. Spanish tiles, wood floors, and sea-grass color schemes create an exotic mood throughout. Homey touches in the light-filled rooms include wood-and-rattan four-poster beds, yoga mats, and canvas tote bags to take along while touring the town. The sixth-floor, guests-only rooftop lounge has a pool and stunning views.

On grass-covered bluffs overlooking Shell Beach, this luxury resort looks and feels like an exclusive community of villas; choose among sprawling one- or two-bedroom suites, each with a gourmet kitchen, laundry room with washer and dryer, and contemporary furnishings. Two-bedroom units include either a spa tub or fireplace; penthouse units have both. Rejuvenate at the on-site spa, lounge by the spacious heated pool, or stroll down a short path to the beach to gaze at the sea—this place was made for upscale escape and relaxation.

This luxury inn's elegant, tree-shaded main building occupies a prime downtown corner, and its spacious accommodations, all completely updated in 2023, have fireplaces and include a complimentary wine tasting for two at Parker family tasting rooms. Nella, a modern Italian-inspired bar and restaurant on the first floor, serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.

Fine wines, a destination restaurant, and a vineyard's-edge setting make a stay at the Justin winery's inn an exercise in sophisticated seclusion. Three suites lie steps from the tasting room and restaurant. The high-style color scheme favors greens and dark walnut, the furnishings are contemporary with haute-1960s flourishes, and the bathrooms all have spa tubs. The fourth suite, ⅓-mile away and done up in French-country style, sits amid the production facilities, putting you even more in the thick of the winery action.