If you’re planning a couples getaway to California, there are few places more effortlessly romantic than Santa Barbara—and few stays more charming than the newly renovated Mason Beach Inn.
We spent two nights at this quaint low-rise hotel, and it was everything we could have hoped for: stylish, walkable, and just the right mix of laid-back and luxurious.
Tucked just steps from the city’s iconic waterfront, the Mason Beach Inn blends into its residential surroundings with gorgeous Spanish architecture, white stucco walls, and brown-tiled rooftops draped in bougainvillea. It honestly looks more like a beautiful private home than a hotel, which is perfect for this small, beachside neighbourhood.
inside the mason beach inn
With just two floors and 45 renovated guest rooms, the hotel feels peaceful and private, ideal for a romantic escape.
When we checked in, we were greeted with a sign: Your first two drinks are on us. Yes, really. Behind the front desk is a mini cooler stocked with wine, beer, and more, and guests are welcome to two complimentary drinks to start their stay off right. How iconic is that?
Right beside the check-in counter when walking into the lobby, there’s a charming space where fresh coffee is always brewing and a glass dome is stacked with freshly baked, in-house cookies. We definitely made repeat trips for those. In the morning, there are light breakfast options too: oatmeal, cereal, fresh fruit, and more—perfect to grab before heading out for the day.
We stayed in a spacious king room with soaring diagonal ceilings, soft white-and-green leaf-print wallpaper, and cozy accents throughout.
We also loved the thoughtfully designed vanity and sink area just inside the door, keeping your makeup and getting ready area separate from the shower and toilet.
The large bed was so comfy with a luxe pillow-top mattress and crisp white bedding that’s so perfect to jump into after a day of sun and exploring. Even with the size of the bed, there is so much space to settle in, making the Mason Beach Inn perfect for longer stays, too!
location, location, and we can’t stress this enough, location
What makes the Mason Beach Inn such a great choice for a date night getaway is the unbeatable location. The beach is just a few minutes away on foot, and we spent time biking along the waterfront boardwalk using their convenient on-site bike rentals.
We grabbed a few shots with the rental bikes at a nearby lookout—a seriously romantic moment.
On one evening, we kept things super casual and picked up a wood-fired pizza from Lucky Penny, a local favourite, and brought it back to the hotel for a cozy in-room pizza date. With our drinks from check-in and a warm cookie or two for dessert, it was the perfect way to enjoy the space and unwind together.
just hang out
Their pool and lounge area is another lovely touch. It’s surrounded by loungers, palms, and that signature Santa Barbara sun and ideal for those warm days you don’t feel like being at the beach.
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