Tennis, Tan Lines and Aperitifs: Spring Break at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

From sunset dips in the heated pool to seaside drinks by De Soi, here’s why the Hilton is SoCal’s best kept spring break secret.

  • By: Amanda Coscarelli

Location, Location, Location

You know that Miley Cyrus song that goes “I woke up in Montecito// I was thinkin’ about my life”? When you stay at the Hilton, you’ll get it. Technically located in the luxurious city of Montecito, hugging the edge of Santa Barbara, this hotel is the perfect place to rediscover yourself and return home a better version of the person who checked in. The hotel sits across from the beach with sweeping ocean vistas and a picturesque view of the channel islands on a clear day. It’s just minutes from Downtown Santa Barbara, and the pier lights up the coastline just West of the property around sunset. It’s secluded from the main town enough to feel like a quiet escape, yet close enough to make the most of your stay. And the fact that the hotel isn’t right on the sand feels like curated luxury, because it allows for a beachfront lawn with fire pits and room for dogs to run around— Yes, doggies! The hotel is dog-friendly so be ready to make some four-legged friends.

With close proximity to the ocean, just a walk across the street, the hotel also offers a variety of beach amenities such as kayaking, paddle boarding and yoga. Pro-tip: kayaking is the best way to get up close to wildlife such as sea lions and dolphins! It’s no secret that Santa Barbara is home to many of So Cal’s most beautiful beaches, so there’s lots to explore nearby, from snorkeling through the kelp forests at Butterfly Beach to sunrise surfing at Leadbetter.

Going out for a night on the town? Head to State Street for the best shopping, dining and drinks. There are so many hidden gems to discover from vintage stores to historic theaters and funky insta-worthy architecture. Seriously, don’t forget your film camera. The city just has an unbeatable mix of college town feel mixed with beach town charm. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway but you’ll find yourself wanting to stick around. Time moves slower here than it does in LA and the Hilton is a quiet reminder that you needed this more than you realized. It’s warm, relaxing and a perfect place to find yourself again.

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The Room

Let’s get right into it. I’m not gonna lie, when I tapped my key to the door and turned the handle, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew the room would be amazing, I just wasn’t prepared for my jaw to drop. But when I opened the door, my jaw hit the floor. I was immediately welcomed by sunshine glistening on the ocean, right outside my window. Beyond the sliding door was a patio where I could spend my afternoon sipping wine and watching dogs run around on the grass lawn, and spend my evening searching for stars in the moonlight. And drink wine I did, compliments of the hotel, who truly thought of everything. They seriously didn’t miss a beat, from the bed facing the water (because who doesn’t want to wake up to an ocean view) to the extra vanity outside of the bathroom, so you can do your makeup while your friends are in the shower.

I stayed in the gardenia tower on the second floor, which offered the best view of the ocean, plus close proximity to dinner at The Set, the pool and hot tub, and the ocean-front lawn with fire pits. I’d book a king room with a patio and ocean view for a similar experience.

Dinner and Drinks

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Heading down to The Set for dinner? The hotel’s main restaurant comes with beach-front views and is the perfect place to catch the sunset. Do. Not. Pass up the truffled brussels sprouts, loaded with creamy parmesan and zingy, garlicky truffle oil. And if it’s available, opt for fire-pit seating so you can roast s’mores for dessert.

For drinks, De Soi’s zero-proof aperitifs take the cake. Newly available at The Set, you don’t want to miss out on the mock-marg “Haute Margarita” (tangy citrus, smooth agave, fiery jalapeno) or the essential spring break spritz “Spritz Italiano” (sweet and bitter citrus, crisp white grape, bold gentian root). Co-founded by Katy Perry, De Soi’s drinks are smooth, sexy and sparkling. They feel like an indulgence without the consequences and with all the benefits of adaptogens like lion’s mane, L-theanine and reishi mushroom instead. Head to The Set to try all four flavors including “Tres Rose” and “Golden Hour.”

Pool, Spa and Other Amenities

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At the Hilton, you don’t even have to leave the hotel to make the most of your spring break. Take a dip in the heated pool, which is always the perfect temperature, even when SoCal is still a breezy 75 degrees, or warm up in the hot tub as the sun goes down. Grab a heated towel and work on your tan, or snack on poolside service in a lounge chair while you wait for your appointment at Float Luxury Spa.

But if that’s not really your speed, there’s also tennis and pickleball courts, a fitness center equipped with exercise bikes, treadmills and free weights, and lots of room to walk around the property. My perfect day? Coffee with an ocean view, gym, shower, pool, spa, dinner and drinks, walk on the beach and s’mores on the lawn under the stars.

As my stay at the Hilton came to an end, I realized that I was a different person than the one who had checked in. I was refreshed, I was grateful for another day and I was already planning my next trip. It’s in the quiet moments when you really find yourself again, and it’s at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort that you discover the kind of life you want to live. Slow down. Take time to enjoy what’s right in front of you. And when happiness comes in waves, be ready to ride them.

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