A Vacation, Once and For All

Looking for a family-friendly getaway? Look no further than Santa Barbara, California.

-Deborah Perry Piscione

We all suffer from burnout every now and then. Whether you’re overwhelmed from work, personal issues, or just life in general, sometimes you just need to take some time out and give your batteries a chance to recharge. And what better way to do it than to get away from it all—literally?

This was the situation in which I recently found myself: I had had enough, and just needed a break—that is, with three young children in tow and a husband who could not join us due to work commitments. I wanted warm sun, relaxation, and not to have to get onto an airplane.

Living in Silicon Valley, we are blessed, as you can spend decades exploring California and not be bored with the diversity of the milieu—California truly is one of the most spectacular landscapes on earth, and just driving from one destination to another is a gift.

I gathered my kids, twin boys Drake and Dominick (both age 7) and my daughter, Dayne Alexandria (age 3), onto the living room floor, opened up an old Atlas (yes, a paper atlas), and had them each suggest a place on the map that they’d like to travel. It was very quickly decided upon that beach, sun, and swimming were at the forefront of a winter vacation. As far as we were concerned, at that moment, you could have Lake Tahoe and anything else that represented cold temperatures.

We wanted to drive to somewhere we had not been, or at least in which we had not spent considerable time. Santa Barbara spoke to us, screaming our names. It was an easy and, quite frankly, beautiful 5-hour straight shot down Highway 101. Knowing that this was going to be my only vacation and/or break for the foreseeable future, I needed idyllic accommodations.

With young children to haul around, the definition of “idyllic” takes on a different meaning, but any family can relax and recharge at the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club at the Four Seasons Biltmore. The stunning ocean view, Olympic-size pool, chair-side service, and selection of kids’ amenities make a stay here an indulgence you won’t want to vacation without.

Up next: What to do, where to eat, and more!