Wildflowers color the Valley in Spring
Cycling through the heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country.
A favorite spot on the ride.
Wildflowers color the Valley in Spring
I Bike Santa Barbara Wine Tours
805-705-7998
Single Day Wine Country Bike Tours
Santa Barbara Hotel Recommendations...
We love vacation planners! We appreciate those of you that do the research, read reviews, and make plans for exciting day trips and excursions like I Bike Santa Barbara. We have discovered that many of our guests are selecting our tour before squaring away their hotel reservations. So we have decided to create this resource of some of our favorite Santa Barbara Hotel Recommendations to make planning your stay in the Santa Barbara area easier. Here are a few of our favorites grouped by neighborhood/style. You can click the following to jump to: The Waterfront, Downtown, B&Bs, Uptown & Goleta, Vacation Rentals, Upscale/ High End (fancy!) properties, and Wine Country.
The Waterfront:
The Waterfront is a definite favorite for our active-lifestyle visitors to Santa Barbara. People who are attracted to our tour naturally love the outdoors and recreation options offered at the beach like Stand Up Paddling, Kayaking, Sailing etc.
Franciscan Inn -- I always feel great recommending this Inn. Not only is it a lovely property just a block off Cabrillo Blvd with nice rooms, a charming lobby, with breakfast pastries and afternoon cookies. But owner, Debbie Neer, is a local who has always shown great support to local non-profits. Her generosity and commitment to the Santa Barbara experience really shows through in her property.
West Beach Inn -- We probably have more of our guests here than anywhere else and why not? Perfect location across from Sea Landing. Turn right: you're at the Harbor. Turn left: Stearn's Wharf, State St. and Funk Zone. Nice value, recently remodeled lobby with breakfast items while you wait for us to arrive!
Pacific Crest -- This place is cool. Very retro 50s style motor lodge layout, but updated tasteful beach inspired rooms. The recent re-model is very nice. The owners are really dedicated and provide a lovely breakfast
Blue Sands Inn -- Actually, a lot like Pacific Crest above. The old-school motel layout is really elevated to something comfortable and fun. Both properties are just steps away from East Beach.
Beach House Inn -- Fun and Funky little beach bungalows. More like a small beach community than a hotel. The colorful courtyard is great for lounging. Many of the rooms have kitchens which make this property a favorite among extended stay travelers.
Brisas Del Mar Inn -- A romantic Mediterranean villa inspired hotel that is just steps away from the Santa Barbara Harbor. We always see the guests enjoying breakfast on the patio outside the lobby. Across the street is their sister property Lavender Inn. Another nice choice that is part of the Santa Barbara Hotel Group affiliation of hotels.
Santa Barbara Inn -- A classic property that recently went through a full remodel, making it a more upscale Waterfront property. Lots of amenities and a nice restaurant. Luxurious resort on a great location.
Fess Parker Hilton -- Classic California charm in an unbeatable location with ocean views. At this larger hotel there is a nice spa, fitness center, a wine tasting experience, and great steakhouse as well as casual dining. The staff is exceptionally well trained and experienced. I always like the energy in their lobby.
Downtown:
So many of the best shops, restaurants, and museums are right on State Street. Strolling State is a pleasure for locals and visitors alike. You may well want to be just steps away from where all the action is.
Kimpton Canary -- A sophisticated, upscale property right in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Everyone loves the views and ambiance of their roof-top pool and bar area. The decor and amenities are quite stunning; Conde Nast recently named it one of the top 15 properties in Southern California. We recommend their Farmer's Market inspired restauant, Finch & Fork highly as well.
Spanish Garden Inn -- A truly initmate and elegant luxury property. Feels like a different world, but in fact is just a few blocks from the heart of State Street.
Bed & Breakfast:
The charm and personal touches that Bed & Breakfasts offer are often just the thing for those who are attracted to our tour.
Cheshire Cat -- One of our most highly regarded and well loved B&Bs over the 30 plus years the Dunstan family has operated it. Beautifully appointed Queen Anne houses and Craftsman cottages. Homemade breakfast. Afternoon Wine hour. Gardens. Steps from downtown. A real favorite.
Bath Street Inn -- A welcoming experience in a historic home in a pleasant Santa Barbara neighborhood. Guests often comment on the friendliness of the owners and management. We have likewise found this to be true. Very homey and nice value.
Uptown & Goleta:
This section has some properties just outside of historic Santa Barbara. If you have a car, it's only a few minutes drive. There can be some real savings by staying just outside of town, giving you a bit more to splurge on that reserve bottle of wine, shopping trip, or special dinner out.
Peppertree Inn -- Love this property! It's our designated pickup location as its central location is easy to get to from SB or Goleta, and it is right of the road that we take into the wine country. It's upper State Street location makes it a straight shot to downtown. And it has some of our favorite restaurants nearby. Great shopping center right across the way. Super friendly staff. Great value.
Ramada Santa Barbara-- An oasis with lush gardens, this award winning property is just a few exits north of downtown. Their Director (and our friend) Drew Wakefield always ensures the guests there get service and great value, not just on the rooms, but on packages for activities around time. It's my Pop's favorite when he comes to visit. Mention you are touring with I Bike Santa Barbara and receive 20% off your room rate.
Hampton Inn by Hilton -- A newer modern hotel in Goleta. It has the business traveler in mind, but the nice rooms and facility make it a great home base on a Santa Barbara vacation. Comfy spot and nice value especially if you have some Hilton rewards points.
Vacation Rentals:
For the bigger family get togethers, girlfriend getaways, bachelorette parties etc. , it can be great fun to rent out your own house or villa. There are some stunners in and around Santa Barbara. You can hunt around airbnb and VRBO and find some gems. Or find all kinds of outstanding properties listed together at our recommendation...
Paradise Retreats -- A lot of great luxury properties listed together, ranging from Santa Barbara's most beautiful neighborhoods to outstanding wine country getaways. Their concierge services can really help to plan the ideal Santa Barbara vacation.
Upscale/High-end Properties:
In addition to world class wines, Santa Barbara is home to some world-class resorts. The following properties are very special, and uniquely beautiful. All have wonderful amenities, fine dining, and expertly trained staff.
Ritz Carlton Bacara -- A 78 acre resort that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. It brags private beaches, lush gardens, and an impressive spa and fitness center. The restaurants have outstanding cuisine and house over 12,000 wines. What we love most is their attentive and helpful concierge, front desk, and valet staff; they are always so good to us and their guests.
El Encanto -- Historically, a special Santa Barbara Riviera retreat. But the full remodel a few years ago really knocked it out of the park. Gorgeous rooms, thoughtful staff, great spa and dining, and the VIEWS! A modern classic in a setting that feels worlds away, but actually is close to the mission and downtown.
San Ysidro Ranch -- Simply put, one of the great hotels of the world. And it has been for 125 years. 41 individually decorated cottages in the gorgeous foothills above Montecito. Beautiful gardens, word class cuisine and wines, the most experienced and well trained staff. The historic 1825 Adobe makes for an incredibly charming private dining experience. A getaway for famous entertainers since Hollywood's golden age.
Wine Country Properties:
Our tour includes transport from Santa Barbara to the wine country, but many of our guests prefer an extended stay up in the wine country to explore more wineries and enjoy the restaurants and activities in Santa Ynez Valley and how can we blame you?! The following hotels all provide a great wine country experience. All are close to our cycling starting point.
Ballard Inn -- This charming property celebrates its historic western roots while maintaining accommodations that are well-appointed, charming, and inviting. Terrific restaurant here. Very close to several wineries right on Alamo Pintado Road. Exactly what you would want for a wine country escape.
Chumash Casino Resort -- Wine country is relaxed and laid back, but maybe you want to add a little excitement and nightlife. You can get in on the action with a bit of gaming and live entertainment here. A great spa, restaurant, and rooftop pool deck await here. Why not finish your ride with us with a nice massage at the Chumash spa?
For Friends Inn -- A boutique Bed & Breakfast right in the heart of Santa Ynez. Read their outstanding reiews to get a sense of how accommodating, gracious, and involved the owners are.
Mirabelle Inn -- The Danish village of Solvang is so pleasing to visit and make the hub of a Santa Barbara wine country experience. There are numerous fun motor lodges in and around town, but I would say Mirabelle Inn is quite an elevated Solvang experience. Guests love the decor and service here. Breakfasts are great, but the restaurant makes for a great dinner experience as well.
Fess Parker Wine Country Inn -- Very elegant and cozy rooms in a full service hotel with all of the amenities. The experience is very wine focused, and the rooms all include breakfast at their Bear & Star restaurant. This property is just steps away from the start of our ride. If you stay here, you just walk right over to your awaiting bike and start our tour. How great is that?