If you are planning for a relaxing, dog-friendly weekend getaway, Santa Barbara is the perfect place. Situated on California’s Central Coast, Santa Barbara is known for its Mediterranean climate and beautiful beaches. And, of course, its canine visitors are always welcome. From dog-friendly hotels such as The Leta Hotel and restaurants to parks and beaches, Santa Barbara has everything you need to make your four-legged friend feel right at home.

Short Guide on Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara is a beautiful city located on the California coast. The city is known for its Mediterranean climate, stunning beaches, and dog-friendly attitude.

Santa Barbara is a popular tourist destination, with its sandy beaches, lush gardens, and historic sites. The city is also home to many excellent restaurants, cafes, and shops. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an exciting adventure, Santa Barbara is the perfect destination for you and your furry best friend to visit.

3 Popular Santa Barbara, CA Cities to Visit

1. Solvang
2. Montecito
3. Goleta – The Leta Hotel is located at Goleta, CA

Where is Santa Barbara, CA?

Santa Barbara is a city located in Southern California, about 100 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

How long is the drive time from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara?

The total driving time is about 1 hour, 45 minutes and it depends on the traffic. If you plan to take the more scenic Pacific Coast Highway route for the drive, expect it to take closer to more than two hours without traffic.

Where is Goleta, CA?

Goleta, California is a city located in Santa Barbara County and is known as the Good Land.

Goleta is known for its beautiful beaches, its laid-back atmosphere, and its friendly locals. It’s no wonder that this charming town is often referred to as the Good Land. Goleta’s beaches are some of the best in California. Its small-town feel makes Goleta a perfect place to relax and enjoy the good life.

Depending on the traffic, Goleta, CA is about 10 -15 minutes from Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara Kimpton Goodman Hotel to The Leta Hotel then Becomes Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Just this year (February 2022), the beachy boutique Kimpton Goodman Hotel changed to The Leta Hotel and is now a Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel (started August 2022).

This historic hotel underwent significant updates for guests to have an elevated refreshing experience.

The Leta Hotel is considered a unique property as part of the Hilton Hotels Tapestry Collection.

Dog-friendly The Leta Hotel by Hilton

So glad to know that The Leta Hotel continued Kimpton Goodman Hotel’s pet policy.

Also, (this year, June 2022) Hilton expanded their pet-friendly offerings to their seven brands: Canopy by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, and Home2 Suites by Hilton. Nearly 85% of all Hilton properties in the U.S. is now pet-friendly.

Directions to The Leta Hotel

The Leta Hotel is located at 5650 Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93117

From Highway 101 / Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), you will exit on Patterson Ave in the town of Goleta (depending on the traffic, it is about 10 – 15 minutes from Santa Barbara ). Then, turn left on Calle Real, The Leta Hotel will be about a mile down on the right.

When you drive up to the main hotel entrance (for the lobby and registration), you will see an Airstream and Woody for guests to take classic photos.

5 Things We Love About Dog-friendly The Leta Hotel by Hilton

1. Big Dogs Are Allowed
It can be difficult to find a great hotel stay that accepts big dogs like KB and Kenzo. The Leta Hotel welcomes dogs of all sizes.

During our stay, we met many friendly well-behaved dogs. None of them barked at KB and KENZO.

How Much Will You Pay in Pet Fees at a Hotel?

The most common question we get is “How much is the pet fee … especially we travel with big dogs?

Different hotels have their own pet policy in regards to pet fee. The pet fee can be per day and/or per pet. Most hotels also charges a one-time non-refundable pet fee which is used as a cleaning fee.

There are a few dog friendly hotels that welcome all pets with no additional fees, regardless of their size, breed, or weight. One of them is the Kimpton Hotel. Since, The Leta Hotel by Hilton was Kimpton Goodman Hotel, Hilton continued this policy; not to charge for pets stays.

2. Dog Relief Area
There’s a grassy area by the gated pool which is primary for guests to enjoy chill and play games. There are wooden benches and set-up games like cornholes and a giant 4 in a row connect.

There’s a sign that no dogs are allowed. Many dog owner guests were respectful of this rule. We were one of them and definitely understood this regulation from the hotel.

All dog owner guests were asked to use the designated dog relief area located at the end (corner) of the west parking lot. It was an open area with two big trees. The grassy area was enough space and it was clean (many responsible dog owner guests). The hotel provided a poop bag station and a nearby trash bin.

3. Minimalist Room Decor – No Carpet
The room is nicely nostalgic and earthly decorated with minimal essential furniture only; large bed, 2 nightstands with lamps, table, chair, long dresser and a floor lamp.

It was bright and inviting when we entered the room. Both KB & KENZO did their doggy smell room inspections. It was clean and loved that there’s no carpeting. Definitely, a 4 Golden Paws rating when you travel with Golden Retrievers.

Our room was on the first floor facing the garden patio and gated pool area. Everyone was respectful and we had a quiet 3 nights / 4 day stay.

Take Note: The Leta Hotel is a two story hotel with 158 rooms. Other rooms on both the first and second floors are facing the parking lot.

4. Dine With Your Dog
The Leta Restaurant has a large outdoor dining area patio that allows you to dine with your dog and enjoy some California cuisine created using local ingredients.

During our stay, we enjoyed three early dinners at The Leta Restaurant outdoor dining area. We were impressed with the food (it was pleasantly unexpected from a hotel restaurant). The menu is simple but yummy. We ordered salads and flat breads – our favorites are the Strawberry Fields Salad and Kale Pesto Flat Bread.

The servers were very nice and attentive. They were very caring and provided bowls of drinking water for KB & KENZO. The ambiance was wonderful and we had an enjoyable experience.

The Leta Restaurant is also a popular neighborhood restaurant. Many locals are dining in and The Leta Bar hosts fun events. During our stay, the entrance to the hotel was closed for a cornhole tournament. Many of the locals participated and it was fun to watch. Oh and some of them brought their furry friend.

5. Memorable Photo Spots
During this trip, we were busy with work plus dog show events and did not have a chance to do some sight-seeing. So glad for The Leta Hotel’s photo “insta-worthy” spots.

The woody and airstream are the hotel’s main attraction by the hotel entrance to take photos. So many cool photos you can create with the lobby and registration chic decor. Also, there are two colorful mural walls by the entrances to the garden patio rooms and one fun mural wall by the Leta Bar.

4 Nearby Dog Friendly Attractions from The Leta Hotel

1. Goleta Beach County Park
is about 3.8 miles (8-10 min car ride) from The Leta Hotel. This park is located at 5990 Sandspit Road Goleta, CA. Dogs must be on leash.

2. Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry’s Beach)
is about 7.6 miles (12-17 min car ride) from The Leta Hotel. This is a very popular off-leash dog beach located at 2981 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA

3. Chromatic Gate – next to Cabrillo Ball Park
is about 10 miles (15-20 min car ride) from The Leta Hotel. Designed by Herbert Bayer and located at 721 E Cabrillo Blvd Santa Barbara, CA. This iconic public art is 21 feet and weighing 12.5 tons. A fun place to take photos with your dog then cross the street and go for a beach walk on Cabrillo Path

4. Downtown Montecito – Coastal Village Road
is about 12 miles (15-20 min car ride) from The Leta Hotel. Our favorite place to dine. Most the restaurants are dog-friendly. Lucky’s and Los Arroyos are our favorites.

We did not have much time to visit these places. Fur sure, KB & KENZO would have enjoyed going to the Arroyo Burro Beach. When KB was a young pup and still figuring out his love of water, we took him to this beach several times and had so much fun.
We love visiting Santa Barbara. It’s our favorite weekend dog friendly getaway. As Hilton Honors members, we are glad to know many Hilton properties are now dog friendly and accepts big dogs. Definitely, we will plan another stay at The Leta Hotel which we are giving a rating of 4 Golden Paws (4/4)!

If you plan to visit Santa Barbara, pack your bags and your pup’s favorite toys and treats and head to The Leta Hotel Santa Barbara Goleta, CA Tapestry Collection by Hilton for an unforgettable funtastic vacation.

Sharing a short video of KORU BEAR’s Gotcha Day celebration from June 2020 at Santa Barbara, CA