Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

The Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is the biggest full-service hotel on the city's waterfront and the easiest choice for families and groups who want space, a pool and the beach across the street. It occupies 24 acres at 633 East Cabrillo Boulevard, facing East Beach and the palm-lined waterfront path, in low Spanish-style buildings arranged around lawns and gardens; the property was long known as the Fess Parker resort, named for the actor-turned-developer who built it, and now carries the Hilton name. There are 327 guest rooms and 23 suites, many with ocean views, and the facilities are those of a true resort: a large pool and hot tub, a spa and salon, a fitness center, tennis courts and extensive event lawns. The Set is the oceanfront restaurant, with weekend brunch and holiday dinners, and the resort runs a lively calendar of concerts and weekly activities. Pets are allowed, which is unusual at this size, and parking is charged. The location suits active travelers: East Beach's volleyball courts and sand are across the boulevard, the zoo and the bird refuge are a short walk east, Stearns Wharf and the Funk Zone are about fifteen minutes on foot or five by bike, and the Sunday arts and crafts show sets up along the boulevard a short walk west. Look for multi-night offers in the off-season. For families, reunions and anyone who wants a classic beach resort without leaving the city, it is the reliable pick.

The resort's scale is its advantage. Where the boutique waterfront hotels squeeze rooms around a courtyard, the Hilton spreads across lawns and gardens, which gives children room to play, groups places to gather and couples quiet corners away from the pool. Ocean-view rooms look across Cabrillo Boulevard and East Beach to the channel and the islands, and the long, flat waterfront path in front of the hotel is perfect for morning runs and evening strolls.

Choosing a room and tips: pay for an ocean view if the sea is why you came; garden-view rooms are quieter and better value. Families should consider suites. Ask about current resort or parking charges when booking, and check the events calendar, since large weddings and conferences can make the grounds busier on some dates. Rent bikes or surreys nearby for the ride to Montecito's Butterfly Beach or to the wharf, and walk to the zoo in the morning before the crowds.

Who should stay: families with children, multi-generation groups, dog owners and travelers who want resort facilities on the city beach. Those who prefer boutique style or to walk out to dinner in the Funk Zone every night may favor the smaller hotels nearer State Street, and those seeking total seclusion should look at Montecito or the Bacara.