Babymoon at San Ysidro Ranch
Wearing: Apiece Apart dress and Jenni Kayne sunhat (Michael wearing a cute trial lawyer tee shirt).
Last week we got back from our babymoon in Santa Barbara, California — our favorite place to visit.
Funny enough, I was born in Santa Barbara (my family left in 1995), and I hadn’t returned until 2019, when Michael and I had a sudden curiosity to visit my roots. Immediately, we fell in love. We’ve been back every year since and have stayed at lovely places, but this year, we decided to stay at an extra special place for our babymoon. We chose San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito.
To say this place was magnificent is an understatement—truly no detail goes overlooked at San Ysidro.
Upon arrival, we were given a map of the grounds, including all the charming French-country inspired cottages, the restaurants, the pool, spa, fitness center, and of course, all their iconic gardens. They also have a few hiking trails nearby that we explored.
We booked our nights in the Jasmine Cottage, but were upgraded to the Rose Cottage — such a pleasant surprise! It was a complete dream with two fireplaces, an outdoor shower, a private jacuzzi, a personal parking space (nice to not have to bother with valet), a private patio, and more.
We dined every night at the restaurants on site, since all our meals were included with our stay (and we’ve done so much dining in the city on previous trips). Our favorite was the outdoor patio at their Stonehouse restaurant — the food was unreal, and the views are simply stunning overlooking the mountains. They also have a less formal setting called Angel & Plow, and amazing causal dining in the pool area.
Oh, also: their service will bring your menu choices to your cottage and set it up with a white table cloth! So special, especially in the morning for breakfast on the patio.
Being 32 weeks pregnant, I wasn’t sure how I’d hold up with the travel, but honestly, this place was the greatest place to do a babymoon. It was an easy staycation, and never wanted to leave the actual site. Actually, we left only a handful of times to visit our favorite breakfast spot, taco spot, ice cream shop, a farmers market, and some shops in the Montecito area.
We’ll definitely be back, San Ysidro — next time, with a little girl. :)
Other places we love in Santa Barbara:
Belmond El Encanto —located in the Riviera, this is one of our favorite hotels and has the dreamiest views overlooking all of Santa Barbara (including the ocean). Recommend a brunch or dinner on the patio.
Rosewood Miramar Hotel — one of the newest poshest places. Get a drink on the patio or go inside to visit the Goop store.
Zaytoon — if you love Mediterranean food, this place is a must (best falafel and hummus ever).
Scarlett Begonia — We never go to Santa Barbara without visiting our favorite breakfast/brunch spot, Scarlett Begonia. Everything is made in house—like everything—including the ketchup, jams, creams, you name it. We love their lemon ricotta pancakes.
Santa Barbara Public Market — a cute market with the best tacos (IMO) called Corazon.
Butterfly Beach — they say this is where the locals go, because it’s a lot less busy than other beaches. It’s also so lovely and has a beautiful walking path above.
The Mission — iconic, and the rose gardens are beautiful. Picnic season must.
El Presidio de Santa Barbara — For some historic beauty. El Presidio was built in 1782 to house the Spanish military. Its Spanish structures are breathtaking, and it happens to be right across from one of the best coffee shops called Handlebar.