In its distant past, February 23, 1942, this property was home to the Richfield Oil Field Facilities that were attacked by a Japanese submarine I-17 with 25 5-inch rounds. Not since the War of 1812 had the US mainland been attacked by a foreign power. There's quite a history here but when you look out to the blue Pacific and the pier, all you feel is calm, peaceful serenity.

Popular with corporate event planners, individuals can stay in a room or suite and enjoy the best of the coast with restaurants, bars and cafes overlooking the ocean. On our visit we drove up to the huge entry circle with a large, powerful fountain of water gushing into the air and 8 or so valet attendants running like crazy, parking cars. We noticed a few beauties set off to the side such as a dark blue, Rolls Royce Corniche, shining in the afternoon sun. The lobby (right photo above, under the pier shot), is elegant, but casual with its finished, beamed ceilings. Mediterranean architecture is seen in the outcropping of buildings with rooms and suites that blend in with the hillside on which they sit. In several previous passes, we didn't even notice the property and thought it was a condominium complex, tucked off behind a grove of trees from Highway 101 north of Santa Barbara. Right next to the resort with it's tennis, spa, launch ramp and beach is Sandpiper Golf Course. We can see why Bacara is so popular. It has the beach, golf and even wine tasting a short trip away. Romantic getaways, anniversaries and birthdays would be happily celebrated at Bacara, where privacy and pleasure are honored.