Goleta
Travel: Easy Weekenders
Goodland Hotel
The brand-new Kimpton property on the Calle Real strip in Goleta offers enough activities on its own to make you say, “What Santa Barbara?” That includes happy hour prizes, adult arts programs, live music, and Friday night movie screenings. The hotel makes dining a whole new experience, too, with off-menu items discoverable through social media, a nightly s’mores cart, make-your-own-guac, and spiked agua frescas. Designed by Studio Collective, The Goodland is billed as a “surf lodge meets chic boutique.” Goleta or bust! Starts at $229/night
Borrego Springs
Travel: Easy Weekenders
La Casa Del Zorro
A weekend at La Casa Del Zorro is great if you’re craving seclusion and silence—one of the casitas lies a half mile from the lobby. At night, grab a blanket and cuddle near a fire ring under the stars. Borrego is a designated Dark Sky Community, and all lights on property must point downward. The historic hotel was closed for three years and recently reop ened with improvements like the Butterfield Room, the most upscale dining in Borrego. This season, guests can try the brand-new Rams Hill Golf Club with a special golfers’ package ($220/night).
Pasadena
Travel: Easy Weekenders
DusitD2 Constance Pasadena
Headed to the Rose Bowl? DusitD2, downtown Pasadena’s first hotel to open in 20-plus years (a redo of the 1926 Hotel Constance), lies on the Rose Parade route and is just 10 minutes from the Rose Bowl (also home of the Pasadena Flea Market!). The hotel, owned by a Thai hospitality brand, boasts a modern design influenced by roses and the Rose Parade. Every room is equipped with an iPad acting as your virtual concierge. Starts at $229/night
Coronado
Travel: Easy Weekenders
Hotel Marisol Coronado
Coronado’s Blue Lantern Inn (1927) has been reimagined by local real estate investors John Murphy and Ann Keyser. The three-story Spanish Eclectic hotel delights with its refurbished wood beam ceiling, original wrought-iron grilles, and more—plus an update of custom furnishings, Italian linens, and WiFi. Stay in one of the 15 rooms or junior suites, and if you can bear to leave this charmer, the beach is just a few blocks away. The staff will loan you a bicycle, beach chair, and towel. Starts at $199/night
