Members Only: Discovering Santa Barbara's Elite Club Scene
- Montecito Club: Nestled in the hills of Montecito with breathtaking ocean views, this recently renovated club boasts a championship golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Its blend of luxury amenities and relaxed California ambiance makes it ideal for affluent professionals and families seeking an exclusive retreat with exceptional dining and social opportunities.
Best for: tennis, pickleball, golf, swim, social hour & dining. - La Cumbre Country Club: With its immaculate 18-hole golf course as the centerpiece, La Cumbre offers a traditional country club experience in a family-friendly atmosphere. The club excels at balancing competitive golf tournaments with social events, making it perfect for multi-generational families who value both sporting excellence and community connection.
Best for: tennis, pickleball, golf, swim, & social hour. - Valley Club of Montecito: This historic gem features a classic Alister MacKenzie-designed golf course that golf purists revere for its strategic layout and pristine condition. With its understated elegance and emphasis on golf traditions, the Valley Club best serves discerning golf enthusiasts who appreciate architectural brilliance and a low-key, sophisticated environment.
Best for: golf, social hour & dining. - Miramar Club: Located adjacent to the Rosewood Miramar Beach resort, this exclusive beach club offers members privileged access to one of Santa Barbara's most beautiful coastlines. Its intimate setting and premier beachfront location make it ideal for ocean lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape with upscale amenities and unparalleled sunset views.
Best for: beach, social hour & dining. - Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club: This iconic oceanfront club features a spectacular Olympic-size swimming pool overlooking Butterfly Beach. With its distinctive art deco architecture and unmatched coastal setting, the Coral Casino best serves those who value maritime traditions, aquatic recreation, and sophisticated social gatherings in a historic setting.
Best for: swim, tennis, social hour & dining. - Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club: Home to world-class polo competitions since 1911, this prestigious club offers the thrill of equestrian sports in a picturesque setting. With multiple playing fields and comprehensive facilities, it's perfect for polo enthusiasts, equestrians, and social members who enjoy the excitement and elegance of polo culture.
Best for: polo, racquet, social hour & dining. - University Club of Santa Barbara: Housed in a charming Spanish Colonial building downtown, this club emphasizes intellectual and cultural pursuits alongside social activities. Its intimate atmosphere and focus on thought-provoking events make it ideal for academics, professionals, and community leaders who value stimulating conversation and downtown convenience.
Best for: social hour & dining. - Birnam Wood Golf Club: Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., this exclusive golf community combines exceptional course conditions with luxurious amenities. Its secluded Montecito location and emphasis on privacy make it perfect for accomplished golfers and high-net-worth individuals seeking a discreet club experience with impeccable service and refined social events.
Best for: golf, tennis & pickleball. - Santa Barbara Yacht Club: As one of the oldest yacht clubs on the West Coast, this maritime institution offers exceptional sailing programs and harbor-front facilities. Its combination of nautical tradition and modern amenities serves both serious sailors and social members who appreciate the club's rich history and spectacular harbor setting.
Best for: boating, social hour & dining. - Santa Barbara Club: Founded in 1892, this distinguished downtown institution represents the pinnacle of Santa Barbara's social heritage. Its historic building and tradition of excellence make it ideal for established professionals and community leaders who value privacy, refined dining, and the club's central location for business and social gatherings.
Best for: social hour & dining. - Knowlwood Tennis Club: This boutique tennis facility provides an intimate setting with expertly maintained courts and personalized instruction. Its friendly atmosphere and tennis-focused approach best serves dedicated players of all ages who prefer a specialized club experience over larger multi-purpose facilities.
Best for: tennis & swim. - Santa Barbara Tennis Club: Offering an expansive tennis complex with multiple court surfaces, this vibrant club combines serious tennis with comprehensive fitness facilities. Its diverse programming and welcoming environment make it ideal for active families and tennis enthusiasts seeking quality instruction, regular play, and a health-focused social community.
Best for: tennis, swim & fitness. - Cathedral Oaks Athletic Club: Set against the scenic foothills of Santa Barbara, this comprehensive fitness destination combines state-of-the-art facilities with personalized service. Its expansive campus features exceptional tennis courts, extensive aquatics programs, and diverse fitness offerings that attract active individuals and families. The club's balanced approach to wellness, competitive sports, and social recreation makes it particularly well-suited for health-conscious members of all ages seeking a vibrant community atmosphere without the formality of traditional country clubs.
Best for: fitness, tennis & swim.
