Our Santa Barbara Honeymoon Guide Will Ensure You Have the Trip of a Lifetime

Deciding on your honeymoon destination is actually one of the more fun parts of wedding planning. If you're looking to stay domestic but craving a beachfront getaway, look no further than a Santa Barbara honeymoon. A California honeymoon is ideal thanks to the perfect weather, stunning beaches, delicious restaurants, buzzing wine scene and plethora of outdoor activities, making it a go-to spot to celebrate your nuptials.

Never been to Santa Barbara or just looking for some recommendations on what to do there? We're here to help. We've come up with a few pros and cons for spending your honeymoon along the southern coast of California, when to go, tips for traveling, where to eat and drink, what to do and what to pack.

Santa Barbara honeymoon tips in this article:

• Is Santa Barbara Good for a Honeymoon?
• The Best Time to Honeymoon in Santa Barbara
• Santa Barbara Honeymoon Planning Tips
• Best Santa Barbara Honeymoon Hotels and Suites
• Santa Barbara Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
• What to Pack for a Santa Barbara Honeymoon

Is Santa Barbara Good for a Honeymoon?

There are lots of fantastic things about going to Santa Barbara for your honeymoon. But there are also a few things to consider before you make your decision. So we laid out the pros and cons of a Santa Barbara, California, honeymoon.

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Pros of a Santa Barbara Honeymoon

Santa Barbara is as close to a Mediterranean climate as you can get without leaving the US. The average temperature is between the mid-60s to mid-70s, making it a great year-round destination. From mountain ranges and beaches to historical sites and delicious food and drink, there's plenty to do no matter what kind of honeymoon you're after.

Cons of a Santa Barbara Honeymoon

Since it's located in southern California, it could be upwards of a six-hour flight depending on where you're coming from. It's also an expensive area, so if you're looking for a budget-friendly honeymoon, Santa Barbara isn't necessarily the best location.

The Best Time to Honeymoon in Santa Barbara

The best time for a honeymoon in Santa Barbara is March to May and September to November. While the temperatures are mild year-round, the summer crowds might be a deterrent if you want a more low-key and private honeymoon. Of course, in the summer you can take advantage of all the outdoor beach activities, so if you don't mind a few extra tourists around, it's still a great time to go.

Santa Barbara Honeymoon Planning Tips

Santa Barbara Airport is conveniently located just 10 miles from downtown. It is a smaller airport, so you might need to connect somewhere else before flying in. Los Angeles is about two and a half hours south of Santa Barbara, but there are buses you can take from one location to the other. If you're coming from the West Coast, Amtrak provides daily service between Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Sacramento and Seattle.

You can get around using a rental car, taxi, Uber or Lyft. Or, if you want to go car-free on your honeymoon, you can rent a beach cruiser or an e-bike to get around. Plus, many of the hotels offer their own transportation. From beaches to historical sites, there are plenty of things to do on your honeymoon, whether you want to relax, get educated or just enjoy the great outdoors. Want some help planning your honeymoon? Head to The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find a pro who can help.

Best Santa Barbara Honeymoon Hotels and Suites

Whether you want a luxury stay with an on-site spa right near the water or a cozy ranch with romantic cottages, these Santa Barbara honeymoon hotels are the perfect addition to your getaway.

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara

With a name like Ritz-Carlton, you know you're getting the crème de la crème of high-end stays. Spring for a luxury honeymoon suite in Santa Barbara, complete with two bedrooms, a kitchenette, a living area and panoramic ocean views you can take in from an outdoor terrace. You can take a clinic at the world-class tennis facility, golf along the Pacific Ocean, relax in a poolside luxury cabana or unwind at the spa complete with a redwood sauna, steam rooms and an adults-only pool.

8301 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93117

4.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

San Ysidro Ranch

If you want to honeymoon where John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned, then you'll want to stay here. There are 38 vine-covered cottages in an idyllic garden setting complete with cozy fireplaces, private patios and rain showers. Dine at award-winning restaurants on-site, enjoy private wine tastings, take a private yoga class, enjoy one of the many relaxing spa treatments or charter a private boat. In other words, the options are truly endless.

900 San Ysidro Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93108

4.6 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Hotel Californian

Set in bustling downtown Santa Barbara, this urban oasis is just the place to stay if you want to be in the middle of the action. Choose from seaside rooms or luxury suites, including the Alcazar Suite, which is dubbed the crown jewel of the hotel. They also offer a variety of fitness classes, have multiple on-site restaurants, and a spa where professionals can tailor one-of-a-kind treatments just for you.

36 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

4.3 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Rosewood Miramar Beach

Set on 16 acres, this beachfront resort is the epitome of modern elegance. Choose between beachfront guest terraces, guestrooms, and house or terrace suites. Dine at one of the six on-site restaurants, some of which you'll find listed in the Michelin guide. Step right onto Miramar Beach and receive attentive butler service, a wide range of beach activities, and complimentary use of chairs and umbrellas.

1759 South Jameson Lane, Montecito, CA 93108

4.4 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Santa Barbara Inn

This Mediterranean-inspired boutique hotel features red terra cotta roofs and dramatic ocean views. Enjoy the heated outdoor pool, the oceanfront terrace, fire pits and a fitness center. Each of the 70 rooms has its own private balconies overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Stearns Wharf, Channel Islands or the Santa Ynez Mountains. The hotel also promotes an eco-friendly environment with recycling, water conservation and energy-efficient programs.

901 E. Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

4.7 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Palihouse

Palihouse is an intimate vintage-preppy hideaway in Santa Barbara's historic Presidio neighborhood. Enjoy the Mediterranean-style courtyard, pool area and garden cafe. It's a pet-friendly hotel where your pooch will get a luxury dog bed, treats, ceramic food and water bowls, and anything else they might need to make their stay more comfortable. You can enjoy on-demand spa and massage services, dry cleaning and laundry service, grocery shopping service, and a lemonade and candy bar every afternoon.

915 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

4.7 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Santa Barbara Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

Winery hopping, whale watching and relaxing by the ocean are just a few Santa Barbara honeymoon ideas to add to your itinerary.

Visit Stearns Wharf

One visit to Stearns Wharf and you'll see why it's considered one of Santa Barbara's most iconic landmarks. Enjoy gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean as you walk along the boardwalk dotted with clothing and souvenir shops. Hop on a boat ride and toast to your future together or dine at one of the three full-service restaurants serving fresh seafood and homegrown wines.

4.1 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Go Whale Watching

Explore the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary by boat, and depending on the season, you might encounter a gray, humpback, fin or blue whale. Whether you prefer a private charter or a party cruise with opera and Broadway music, the Condor Express offers plenty of options.

4.6 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Visit Old Mission Santa Barbara

History buffs, this one is for you. This historic landmark sits on 15 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean and includes the church, historic cemetery and mausoleum, a nine-room museum and lush gardens. You can take a one-hour guided tour or attend a weekend mass. Whatever you decide, we highly recommend you check it out.

4.4 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Enjoy Leadbetter Beach

Don't leave Santa Barbara without a visit to one of the most popular beaches in Santa Barbara. If beach activities are your love language, Leadbetter Beach has plenty on offer. Surfing, boogie boarding, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking or beach yoga classes are just a few things you can do. Or, of course, you can lounge by the water with a good book.

3.9 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Follow the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail

Napa and Sonoma aren't the only hot spots in California to enjoy good wine. Over 20 wineries throughout five neighborhoods make up the urban wine trail. The wineries each offer their own events, which include live music, bingo and various food offerings. Don't forget your color-coded map to help you navigate all the deliciousness.

4.6 Star Rating | Read Reviews

What to Pack for a Santa Barbara Honeymoon

One of the best parts about Santa Barbara is that the weather is usually perfect. You'll want to pack comfortable clothes for mid-60 and mid-70 degree weather. It may get a little chilly at night once the sun goes down, especially since you're right by the water, so you'll want to pack a sweater or two. Don't forget any shoes you might want for biking or hiking and, of course, bring your bathing suit if you plan to take a dip in the Pacific.