6 Stunning Corporate Retreat Locations near Santa Barbara for 2024
Looking to plan your next corporate retreat? Santa Barbara, California has you covered. Known as the American Riviera, this destination features award-winning wineries, California’s oldest working wharf, and a microclimate that makes it a year-round touristic spot.
From the Chumash people’s ancient legacy to the city’s modern arts scene, Santa Barbara’s legacy is evident in the region's art and traditions.
Whether it's hiking the San Ysidro Trail, catching waves at Butterfly Beach, exploring Goleta Beach, or getting familiar with the artsy Funk Zone, Santa Barbara has something for everyone’s taste.
At TeamOut, our mission is to help you craft an unforgettable retreat tailored to your team's preferences. Get ready to experience the best of the American Riviera on your next corporate getaway!
Top Corporate Retreat Locations Near Santa Barbara
1. San Ysidro Ranch: Let Nature Surround You at the Foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains
Nestled in the Santa Ynez Mountains, San Ysidro Ranch offers a private escape for corporate retreats. Spread across 550 acres, 38 vine-covered cottages boast private patios, hot tubs, and outdoor rain showers with Pacific Ocean views.
Savor farm-to-table delights at The Stonehouse as you enjoy the bar lounge and outdoor terrace. Sip 1920s-inspired cocktails at The Speakeasy, or dine fireside at The Veranda, ideal for celebrations. Access to 17 miles of hiking trails or explore the renowned wine cellar with 12,000 bottles.
Flexible event spaces, including the enchanting Garden Patio, cater to groups, with full buyouts available for groups of 150 guests. And for team activities, there's swimming at Butterfly Beach, hiking San Ysidro Canyon, or exploring the vibrant Funk Zone and Urban Wine Trail. Get your adventure started at San Ysidro Ranch!
Surrounded by lush gardens and Pacific Ocean views, this is the perfect haven for a peaceful team outing!
📍 Location:
Montecito, California
🛫 Logistics:
15 miles from Santa Barbara Airport (SBA)
94 miles from Los Angeles Airport (LAX)
🏠 Property feature:
6 event spaces
Flexible indoor/outdoor meeting spaces
Heated swimming pool & pool bar
Signature spa & salon
On-site fitness center
🔎 What to explore:
Swimming and surfing in Butterfly Beach
Hike the San Ysidro Trail
Visit the Funk Zone, a charismatic neighborhood
Downtown Santa Barbara
Sightseeing in Stearns Wharf
Visit Lotusland
Explore the Urban Wine Trail
2. Ojai Valley Inn: A Spiritual and Artistic Retreat in the American Riviera
Looking for an outstanding corporate retreat? Picture 220 acres of coastal valley awaiting at Ojai Valley Inn.
Unwind with a game of tennis, tee off at the 18-hole golf course, or rejuvenate at the Spa Village. With four pools and seven dining outlets, including Olivella for California cuisine, The Oak for fresh valley fare, and the Wallace Neff Heritage Bar for cocktails, there's something for everyone.
Discover the Farmhouse , ideal for multi-course meals, and ignite creativity at the Artist Cottage & Apothecary. With 20,000 sq ft of indoor space, breakout rooms, and unique meeting spots like 8500-square-foot Great Room, your team will thrive.
For team activities, dive into Camp Oak's arts and crafts, enjoy guided bike tours with kombucha tastings, or saddle up for a River Valley Trail Ride.
The Farmhouse is an indoor/outdoor venue ready to host gatherings and multi-course meals for teams of every size!
📍 Location:
Ojai, California
🛫 Logistics:
42 miles from Santa Barbara Airport (SBA)
76 miles from Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
84 miles from Los Angeles Airport (LAX)
🏠 Property feature:
4 swimming pools (one adults-only pool)
Multiple flexible indoor/outdoor event spaces, including the library, the lawn, and several ballrooms
Join your team for a retreat at The Leta Hotel, a boutique hotel just 15 minutes from beaches, hiking trails, and downtown Santa Barbara.
Savor the flavors of coastal California at CAYA Restaurant and Bar, where locally sourced ingredients complete every dish. With indoor or outdoor seating and live acoustic music, it's the perfect spot to unwind. Reunite for team drinks at The Leta Bar, serving up drinks from the region.
Reserve 10 to 25 hotel rooms for your crew and make the most of the 7,000 square feet of event space. Six meeting venues, including a 3,080-square-feet room, got you covered for your corporate retreat needs.
And for team activities, venture to Sandpiper Golf Club, Lake Los Carneros, or Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove, just a short drive away. Experience the best of Goleta at The Leta Hotel!
Featuring 7,000 sq.ft. of event space, a spacious outdoor pool and an excellent location, The Leta Hotel is a great choice for your corporate retreat!
📍 Location:
Goleta, California
🛫 Logistics:
1.8 miles from Santa Barbara Airport (SBA)
97 miles from Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
🏠 Property feature:
158 guest rooms
7,000 sq ft of total event space
6 meeting rooms
Outdoor pool
On-site fitness center
🔎 What to explore:
Lake Los Carneros
South Coast Railroad Museum
Goleta Beach
Goleta Butterfly Grove
Funk Zone
4. Alisal Ranch: Your Western-Style Haven in Santa Barbara Wine Country
Alisal Ranch is a captivating retreat located in Santa Ynez Valley. Just 30 minutes from Santa Barbara, this 10,500-acre ranch invites your team to escape to another world.
Choose from studios, cottages, or houses for your accommodation. Savor delights at The Ranch Room & Creekside, curated by Chef Erik Sandven, where California cuisine blends with Western ranch cooking. The Range Course Grill & Golf Lounge hosts special events and The Rodeo is reserved for alfresco barbecues. Stop by the Waggin’ Tongue Bar for mingling and drinks.
For team bonding, enjoy Western Steak Barbecues, horseback riding in Adobe Camp, or kayaking on the 100-acre lake. With flexible meeting spaces and an array of activities, Alisal Ranch can accommodate groups of any size. Experience a taste of the old west in the heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country!
Boasting golf courses, tennis courts, a barn, a rodeo arena, and multiple event spaces, what else could your team wish for?
📍 Location:
Solvang, California
🛫 Logistics:
35 miles from Santa Barbara Airport (SBA)
🏠 Property feature:
Suites, cottages, and houses
Outdoor pool
Tennis court/ Golf course
On-site barn
Alisal Rodeo Arena
🔎 What to explore:
Alisal Ranch’s Challenge Ropes Courses (on-site)
Boat races, bocce ball, croquet, and shuffleboard (on-site)
Hiking through Deer Canyon
Explore the 120 vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley
Visit the village of Solvang
Top Corporate Retreat Locations in Santa Barbara
5. Riviera Beach House: The Ultimate Offsite for a Holistic Santa Barbara Experience
Discover the prime location of The Riviera Beach House, located near the Funk Zone neighborhood, known for its lively nightlife, art scene, and dining spots.
Recharge in European-inspired, eco-friendly accommodations with your team. Try the flavors of Mexico at Santo Mezcal Mexican Restaurant, a local favorite serving up traditional cuisine and inventive cocktails.
Host brainstorming sessions at The Nook or The Terrace, ideal for intimate meetings of up to 20 guests. For larger events, the hotel offers partnerships with nearby venues like MOXI, just next door.
With Stearns Wharf just a 4-minute stroll away and the beach within two blocks, challenge your team with a stroll along State Street's pedestrian walkway or hit West Beach for some surfing and swimming fun.
With a privileged location in the heart of Santa Barbara, Riviera Beach House is an excellent choice for intimate team gatherings!
📍 Location:
Santa Barbara, California
🛫 Logistics:
10 miles from Santa Barbara Airport (SBA)
90 miles from Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
96 miles from Los Angeles Airport (LAX)
🏠 Property feature:
One indoor and one outdoor meeting venues
Partnership with larger venues available
🔎 What to explore:
Sailing along the coastline
Explore Santa Ynez wine country
State Street, a 10-block pedestrian walkway
West Beach, for surfing and swimming
Moxi - The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
Welcome to Drift Santa Barbara, your beachfront escape and boutique hotel in Santa Barbara! Here, modern minimalism meets SoCal's surf culture with complimentary yoga, surf equipment, and bike rentals.
Dawn offers the finest drip coffee, espresso classics, and pastries while Dusk serves expertly crafted mezcal cocktails and agave spirits. Host your team at Dawn and Dusk, accommodating up to 67 guests, or atGalería, an indoor-outdoor event space on State Street, for larger celebrations of up to 200.
Explore the car-free promenade along Drift for outdoor dining and evening strolls. For team activities, visit The Lark fish market, Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens, or catch a concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl. Experience the hype at Drift Santa Barbara!
Top-notch amenities, a central location, and an outdoor pool overlooking the mountains is the perfect setting for a rejuvenating retreat!
📍 Location:
Santa Barbara, California
🛫 Logistics:
10 miles from Santa Barbara Airport (SBA)
🏠 Property feature:
Outdoor pool
Two indoor-outdoor meeting spaces (up to 200 guests)
Complimentary yoga, surf equipment, and bike rentals
🔎 What to explore:
The Lark - fish market/eatery
Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens
Santa Barbara Bowl
Elings Park
Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard
Douglas Family Preserve
The Must Do Team-Building Activities in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara features a range of team-building adventures for your corporate retreat.
After a productive day, recharge with a sunset cruise along the Santa Barbara coastline or join your team for drinks at Santa Ynez wine country.
From tasting culinary delights at The Lark, to exploring the Funk Zone and engaging in outdoor activities at Douglas Family Preserve, there’s plenty to do and see at the American Riviera!
TeamOut has handpicked the top indoor/outdoor activities for your Santa Barbara excursion.
Get ready to experience the best of Santa Barbara with these suggestions:
Outdoor Activities:
Swimming and Surfing in Butterfly Beach: Located in the laid-back village of Montecito, Butterfly Beach is a favorite among locals. The beach’s shoreline is ideal for swimming, surfing and sunbathing, and its east-west orientation makes it perfect for watching both sunrises and sunsets.
Hike the San Ysidro Trail: Try this 8.6-mile trail near Montecito, California. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 hours to complete. 1.4 miles into the trail, you'll reach San Ysidro Creek, which features a small waterfall and a large pool. A great hike for adrenaline seekers, wouldn’t you say?
Visit the Charismatic Funk Zone: This is Santa Barbara’s hub for arts, dining, wine and spirits, retail and business, hotels, gorgeous scenery, and unique culture. Your team can’t miss this vibrant neighborhood!
Visit Lotusland: Lotusland spans over 37 acres of lush gardens and exquisite architecture. Exotic, rare plants and lotus-filled ponds are some of the things you can find in this secluded estate garden created in the 1940s.
Explore the Urban Wine Trail: For starters, their tasting room offers breathtaking 360° views of the Pacific Ocean, Channel Islands, and Riviera. Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail stretches across two neighborhoods and includes more than 20 different local wineries! Every wine lover will fall in love with this activity!
Explore Lake Los Carneros: With multiple trails, this is a popular recreation spot in Goleta, surrounded by unique trees and wildlife. It’s perfect for a team day-out in the countryside.
Stop by the Lark - Fish Market and Eatery: A shared dining experience, featuring artisanal and seasonal ingredients celebrating the Central Coast. This former fish market is located in the Funk Zone arts district, just a stone's throw from the oceanfront.
Watch a Concert at Santa Barbara Bowl: The Santa Barbara Bowl is a 4562-seat outdoor amphitheater. Book tickets in advance and watch a concert with your colleagues!
Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard: A small gem located in Santa Ynez Valley. The 107-acre farm and vineyard includes peach orchards, olive trees, and tasting rooms!
Visit the Village of Solvang: Gather your team for a trip to Solvang, a village where you can find four wooden windmills within four blocks and five authentic Danish bakeries within five blocks! Here’s something you don’t see every day, right?
Indoor Activities:
Escape Room Challenge at The House of Clues: This escape room in Santa Barbara combines mental puzzles with physical challenges and fosters a team-building mentality to the intense countdown of a clock.
Wine Blending Workshop & Wine Tasting at Grassini Family Vineyards: With a Tasting Room located in downtown Santa Barbara and an Estate Winery, situated in Santa Ynez Valley, Grassini Family Vineyards has plenty of activities in store for you and your team!
Cooking Classes with HEAT Culinary: Take a cooking class with your team and learn to prepare delicious dishes using local, organic, and seasonal ingredients. HEAT Culinary strives to create an environment that is both educational and entertaining!
Indoor Rock Climbing at Santa Barbara Rock Gym: Are you looking to expand your climbing skills, or are you a first time climber just getting started? It doesn’t really matter, because Santa Barbara Rock Gym offers a wide range of classes for climbers for every level!
Want to Plan your Next Offsite in Santa Barbara? Ask our Experts!
Planning a corporate retreat on your own can be a daunting task. That’s when TeamOut comes in, to lighten the load and improve your experience!
Experience the best of Santa Barbara with our epic team-building adventures!
Explore the Urban Wine Trail or relax at the famous Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens. From hiking through Deer Canyon to catching waves at West Beach, there's something suitable for everyone’s tastes and desires.
Let TeamOut handle the details! Our expert services are tailored to fit your team's style and budget, ensuring a seamless retreat.
Book a free call now!
With everything sorted and no worries on your side, get ready for an exciting adventure in sunny Santa Barbara!
Thomas Mazimann, a French entrepreneur and former international kayaking athlete, transitioned from sports to tech after moving to the U.S. He co-founded TeamOut, revolutionizing team gatherings.
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