Santa Barbara in December

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My daughter has decided I need a break and is planning a trip for the 2 of us right before Christmas. She was so anxious to book, that it happened a bit faster than I would have like; I like to research forever when trip planning!

We were planning on Cancun until I remembered last night that I didn’t renew my passport while my husband was sick; that left US travel only. We both wanted warmish weather, either a place to sit by a pool or beach and do nothing and relax, or a bit of relaxing and walking around and seeing the sites. We had Marriott points to burn, so that was the start, as well as a Delta companion fare. She decided on Santa Barbara; not really sure why. The Ritz Bacara had a cheap rate with points as well as a 5th night free, so that is what we booked. Now when I start thinking about it, I am wondering it that was the best choice. While the hotel will be free other than the resort fee and $70/night parking, which is outrageous as I understand it is an open lot, so easy to self park with no competition, it just irritates me to pay that much for parking.

The thought is to fly into LAX and rent a car, driving to Santa Barbara. We also thought about just driving the car and returning it to the Santa Barbara airport to save on parking charges, and then Uber wherever we want to go, then getting a car again maybe a day or 2 before we head back to LAX so that we can take a day trip somewhere, maybe Ojai.

Here is where I need suggestions:
While parking is $70/day, will we really save much money by Ubering into Santa Barbara for a day or 2, or will we end up spending close to that amount?

While I am sure the Ritz will be lovely, we are both too cheap to spend money there to eat! While we are happy to spend at a nice restaurant, hotel food is too overprices for what you get. We are both easy for breakfast-coffee and danish or cereal are good enough for us. I would rather go out for a salad or sandwich for lunch, and then have a nice dinner, or even casual somewhere off property. If we don’t keep a car, that would mean 2 round trip Uber rides unless we stay out all day, which might happen.

The Ritz does have ebikes, so that is an option during the day, IF weather and distance allows, although I am not sure yet what is close enough to the hotel to bike.

We envision a wine tour, walking on the beach, wondering around town somewhere, eating, and no clue what else! Looking for suggestions for things to do, places to eat, and anything else I might not be thinking of. While we could change where we go as the flights are changeable and hotel can be canceled, I think my daughter would kill me if I changed the plans. That said, if you know of the best warm location in the US, I am all ears!

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I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer about your plans. I’m a CA native. Honestly, I don’t think December in SB is going to be great for the experience you seek. It can be cold, wet and windy on the coast in December. I think you’d be far better off going to Florida, Hawaii, or Arizona if you’re looking for a bit of warmth and sunshine in December.

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I have zero advice as I’ve never been to that part of CA but wanted to say that I think it’s a lovely idea and I’m so glad that after all you’ve been through that you are getting away with your daughter.

I just looked up the hotel and it looks fabulous!

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I think you will enjoy this trip even if it’s raining and such. I’ve stayed at Ritz hotels, and I will say…have their breakfasts! They are fabulous. Then maybe folks here can give you dinner suggestions.

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Lovely idea to take a take a well deserved break in a relaxing area.

I agree that southern California weather can be changeable but it’s usually decent enough. Understanding that your daughter might kill you, I’ll throw out San Diego and the Coronado Marriott as an alternative. It won’t be as ritzy as the Ritz, but it’s in an excellent location. You wouldn’t even need a car; you could walk to the ferry over to San Diego waterfront, or an easy ride share. Or PM any of us locals for help!

There is a $40 daily resort fee.

Coronado is a lovely town to stroll and enjoy the many restaurants and stunning views. It’s perfect for biking. You can head over to the Hotel del Coronado to see their great holiday decorations and beach front ice rink, and walk the long wide beach.

And greater San Diego has tons of options depending on how busy or how relaxed you want to be.

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I think you’ll need a car, it’s a long way out of Santa Barbara. Not sure about eating, you have UCSB between the hotel and downtown SB, but the quarter ends Dec 15 so it will be quieter in Isla Vista after that.

There are lots of nice places within driving distance. Solvang is a big tourist destination, with wineries nearby. You might also see a launch from Vandenburg if you are lucky. The drive up to Hearst Castle is quite long (2 hours each way) but also worthwhile if you’ve never been there before.

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I think it’s wonderful that your daughter has made the plan. I have been to the Bacara but not stayed there. I can’t believe they charge for that parking lot. I’ve not eaten there but I haven’t ever heard anyone rave about the food. I’ve been to the spa several times and it’s quite nice and relaxing. It’s one of the few hotels in the area that are actually on the beach. It’s a nice beach for walking. I think you will want a car. There are no eating places within walking distance of the hotel. You could take the e-bikes and ride to the Camino Real Marketplace which has many low cost eating places.
The weather is not predictable. We sit and eat outside year round and if in the sun with no wind you feel the warmth of the sun. My husband swims in the ocean year round but he’s unusual.
I don’t know if she has made flight reservations but the Santa Barbara airport is the best. It’s so easy. Another option is to take the Santa Barbara Airbus from LAX and rent a car once you are up here.
Day trips-as you mentioned Ojai, Santa Ynez Valley, Lake Cachuma. I love the elephant seals north of San Simeon but it’s a longer drive.
Near the hotel is a monarch butterfly grove. I like taking a picnic to the botanical gardens. The zoo is a nice one. Lotus land is nice but requires advance tickets. Whale watching or a kayak tour.
You can PM me if you have any questions.

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We have visited SB once, in 2019. What we did was arrive in LAX, ubered to Enterprise in Santa Monica, then drove to SB. It was an easy, scenic drive. We did keep our car, because if you parked on the streets around the hotel, it was free. So I can’t help with that decision. We did Uber everywhere. We drove back to Santa Monica and spent one night there before departure the next day. Drove out car to Enterprise and they drove us to our hotel. We love SM, so wanted to do that the last night.

We took a wine tour, they pick up from your hotel. It was wonderful. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen the movie “Sideways”, but it was filmed in SB wine country.

Had drinks at Loquita’s in the Funk Zone, really fun and happening restaurant/bar. Then went over to The Lark for dinner. State Street is a fun place to walk and shop, eat.

One evening we ubered to Lucky’s in Montecito for dinner…you might catch a celebrity! Prince Harry, Oprah, Ellen and Katherine Mcvee have all been sighted there. We grabbed a table in the bar area, as that was more fun, I think. I really want to go back there during the day.

There is way more to do in San Diego, as Marilyn above pointed out. Coronado really is a great place, as would be staying downtown. So much to do in San Diego. It’s like several areas all within 20-30 minutes of each other. Downtown, Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Coronado, Old Town. If you have never been, in December, you might consider there because if it’s chilly there is still so much to do. I never understood why people always traveled to San Diego, until we went in 2016. We’ve been back twice since.

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What a wonderful idea!! How incredibly thoughtful of your daughter. You have 2 options: 1. Let her know that it might not be warm but you are happy to go to SB and enjoy the spa with her if it is indoor weather or 2. Surrender and let her plan the whole trip and enjoy the spa with her if it is indoor weather.
Neither option is bad. It will be nice for you to have time with her without you being in charge of organizing anything after what you are going through.

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I think it is so lovely that your daughter has planned this trip for the two of you. I have been to Santa Barbara in December a few times and have been pretty lucky with weather. One year we took our girls to Hearst Castle before Christmas on a nighttime tour where they had actors in period costumes and we all loved that. I don’t know if they still do this. Lots of great wineries near Santa Barbara to visit. As others have said it can be warm with the sun out if it’s not windy. I walk and sit on the beach at home (San Diego) year round, but don’t swim in the ocean except for summer.

Others above have given you great suggestions about San Diego if you decide to change plans. There is a lot to do here and there will be many places decked out for Christmas in December to also walk around and see.

Whatever you choose to do I hope you get to relax and enjoy your time after everything you have been through.

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Well, after sleeping on it, and both staying up way too late last night, we revamped the plans. We had avoided Florida, as we live in the south and have been 100 times, so wanted something different. California was on the list, but after much thought, we decided to table it and go another time when we can spend more time outdoors, and not be tied to one location for 5 day. The 5 days was due to the Marriott book 4 and get the 5th night free.

We decided on the JW Marriott at Marco Island so we can just relax. We can also drive around to other places if we decide to, go to a movie, or just enjoy some girl time hanging around. The funny thing is, we went as a family to this same hotel 36 years ago when I was having chemo for breast cancer. It was the kids spring break, and we wanted the warmest location where we could fly, as I didn’t want to be in the car for 10 hours. Delta had a dream vacation package that included airfare and hotel that fit the bill. I sat by the pool all day reading while the kids played in the pool. Will be doing the same thing here if weather allows, but will not have to watch any kids! We both are feeling good about the change in plans.

We will revisit a California trip in the future. I told my daughter when she and her husband want to go, they can take me as a babysitter for their 4 year old!

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Santa Barbara is one of my favorite places… my mom grew up there and I spent a ton of time there growing up. We went for a long weekend in January a few years ago and while it wasn’t “warm” it was nice enough to eat outside, rent one of those pedicab bikes and ride it along the beach. I hope you make it there on a future trip!

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I’ve been to this JW a few times and agree it is a nice place to relax. Sounds like what you both need. Hope you enjoy your time together.

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Changed plans sound great. You’ll have wonderful company and no obligations or responsibilities beyond relaxing. I hope it warms both body and soul!

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Yay that you and your D will have sone time together to relax and unwind after this intense and challenging time. Sounds like the new plans will be a very chill and fun time together.

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That sounds like a great plan. Hope you have were able to sleep restfully after making the decision.

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