Kimpton Goodland, Santa Barbara

Located in Goleta, Santa Barbara’s sister, and some may say more authentic, city, this is the ideal hotel for a taste of true Californian life. You’re 5 minutes from the nearest sandy beach – why not travel there via an easy beach cruiser bike ride, available to rent from the hotel. Or, the hotel itself offers morning yoga, fitness classes and an outdoor pool. You’re also just half an hour from California’s wine country – the famous vineyards of Santa Barbara.

Rooms are aesthetically designed for a Cali surfer-chic ambience, featuring eclectic fabrics and splashes of colour. Hardwood floors and coastal wood with an abundance of light in every room ensure a fresh vibe, and there’s a hint of nostalgia too, with a record player in each room – vinyls can be borrowed from the lobby.

Fresh, healthy food is synonymous with the Golden State and The Outpost restaurant offers this in abundance. Chef James Siao uses locally-sourced ingredients to capture the essence of a Cali summer within every flavour-rich dish. From street-food inspired plates to seafood fresh off the coast, dishes are best enjoyed al fresco with an expertly mixed cocktail from next door’s Good Bar, paired with a golden Cali sunset. This hotel is a perfect stop on our Pacific Coast Highway Tour, a drive that pairs the best of Cali’s beaches with its exciting cities.