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Resort, beach, Santa Barbara

An iconic beachfront resort

Our resort on the American Riveria was constructed in 1986 and has established a reputation for sophistication since its opening.

The Beginning

The original co-developer of the resort was American actor Fess Parker, best known for his work with Disney, Paramount and Warner Brothers’ Studios. 

  • 1950 – Moved from Texas to California
  • 1951 – Began acting career as an extra in a play
  • 1954 – Signed as Davy Crockett by Walt Disney
  • 1964 – Began filming Daniel Boone TV series
  • 2016 – Parker family operate two luxury properties: our resort and Wine Country Inn & Spa
  • 2018 – Redesigned and reopened as Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Our Story

It all began in 1911 when our site became home to two locomotive roundhouses:

  • 1911 – Southern Pacific Railroad constructs steam locomotive roundhouse
  • 1925 – Earthquake severely damages roundhouse
  • 1926 – Railroad designs new Spanish-style roundhouse and begins construction
  • 1961 – Southern Pacific Railroad ends freight service to Stearns Wharf
  • 1982 – Roundhouse demolished to make way for a resort
  • 1986 – The resort buildings we know today were constructed

Our Services & Policies

Our resort offers thoughtful amenities and superior services:

  • Free airport and Amtrak transportation – 5am to 9pm
  • Four restaurants and in-room dining
  • 60,000 sq. ft. indoor/outdoor meeting and event space
  • Spa services, salon and fitness center
  • Wi-Fi
  • Gift shop
  • ATM banking
  • Business Center & Concierge Services
  • Hertz car rental
  • Valet parking, $40 per night; self-parking, $30 per night
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Station
  • Early check-in is available for an additional $70 (7:00 a.m.-10:00a.m.) and $35 (10:00 a.m.-12:00 Noon) on a first-come, first-serve basis and based on availability. Early arrival on Saturday & Sunday is unlikely due to peak demand.
  • Daily Resort Charge ($30, plus tax) will be added to the room rate and includes: Guest internet access; 2-hour bicycle rental; glass of house wine (up to 2 adults); 2 bottles of water/day available at Front Desk; 20% discount on spa and tennis; local and toll-free calls

Our Location

Explore the area and get directions to our resort with our easy-to-use route planner. Finding your way around Santa Barbara is a breeze – check out our interactive map for all the top attractions and activities.

Get DirectionsFlights to and from Santa Barbara

Pooch-Friendly

Our concierge can advise on everything from dog-friendly beaches and off-leash parks to hiking trails in the nearby mountains.

  • Yappy Hour at The Set
  • Acres of landscaped grounds
  • Please note: there is a $50/nt non-refundable pet cleaning fee.