Last Updated on April 22, 2026
My husband is a history buff. And so, when I asked him where he’d like to celebrate his birthday weekend this year, he said, “Santa Barbara.” Being the beach girl that I am, at first, I admitted to being a bit confused.
However, Santa Barbara is one of those rare California coastal cities that blends beach-town ease with a polished, almost Mediterranean vibe. It’s nicknamed the ‘American Riviera’ for its mild year-round climate, and resemblance to the European French Riviera with sweeping ocean views and distinctive white stucco buildings and red tile roofs. It also has a fascinating history, starting with the Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786.
Having stayed in oceanfront venues in the past, we decided on a historic bed and breakfast close to the heart of Santa Barbara offering the traditional warmth and gracious hospitality of a European inn. Bath Street Inn perfectly fit our expectation.
Two things were undeniable on our arrival: the welcoming front porch with rocking chairs and the intoxicating scent of night jasmine covering the arches and landscaping all around the Inn.
History of Bath Street Inn
The Queen Anne Victorian Bath Street Inn dates back to the 1890s when it was constructed as a private residence. It was reportedly gifted by Richard Hails to his wife, Abigail, for their 50th wedding anniversary, which was a common romantic gesture among affluent families of that era.
Like many homes from that period in Santa Barbara, it reflects the city’s transition from a small coastal town into a fashionable resort community. For most of its early life, the house functioned as a residence, as many of the homes in the area still are, until June 1981 when it was transformed into a bed-and-breakfast. When it opened, it was part of a broader trend in California of restoring historic homes as boutique inns.
From the beginning, it leaned into a “gentler time” aesthetic—emphasizing Victorian décor, personalized hospitality, and a slower pace of life, maintaining its historic character and architecture, including keeping period-style furnishings and intimate common spaces.
Accommodations of the Inn
Bath Street Inn offers a choice of 12 unique accommodations, each with its own personality and private bath. The main Victorian 1890s House offers eight rooms, while the Summer House, an addition added later, separate from the Main House has four rooms. Some have fireplaces and balconies.
My husband and my accommodation in the Summer House was Susan’s Loft with a fascinating beveled roof and lots of vertical space featuring a queen bed, separate bathroom, and walk-in shower. A black pot-bellied stove in the corner provided warmth and a touch of romantic ambience on a cool spring evening, while the outdoor patio offered a great place to relax and take in the fresh air.
Other rooms have meaningful names reflecting the history or natural beauty of the area such as Abigail’s Room, named after the original owner, and others that include Tiffany, Wedgewood, Wisteria, and Jacaranda.
Note this is an adults-only inn and does not have an elevator servicing the multi-story house; that could be a problem for those with a movement disability. The Inn also does not allow pets.
Amenities at the Inn
Along with a full made-from-scratch breakfast provided each morning, the inn offers afternoon tea, coffee, homemade cake and cookies, and a late afternoon wine social hour. Breakfast is served on a courtyard patio (weather permitting) and the other events inside the lobby area of the Main House. Guests also have access to 24-hour tea, coffee and hot chocolate.
Our breakfast consisted of granola with fresh berries, a poached egg, and a delightful layered French toast topped with bananas and powdered sugar.
On-site parking and WiFi are complimentary.
Beyond the meals and basic comforts, the Inn offers a garden and patio courtyard surrounded by flowers and greenery along with a front porch and back porch dining area. A cozy parlor and living room include comfortable seating with books and pamphlets filled with local information, and a quiet reading loft and mini library is located upstairs in the Main House.
Final Thoughts on the Stay
Though Bath Street Inn is a five-to-ten-minute drive (or 30-40- minute walk) to the Santa Barbara waterfront and its magnificent dining and boutique stores, the quietness, serenity, history and ambience make it ideal for a relaxing weekend getaway.
Considering the made to order breakfast, afternoon tea and cakes, and wine social, the reasonable price for this lodging is even more impressive with the added complimentary features.
Those looking for a different side of Santa Barbara will love the option of a bed and breakfast stay. I know that for my husband and I, it has piqued our interest and desire to look for this option in our future travels.
