If your idea of a Southern California getaway is longboards, poolside sangria cocktails, and coastal cuisine, the Kimpton Goodland in Goleta delivers exactly that. This surf-inspired hotel sits just minutes from Santa Barbara and the beach, with a Golden State-of-mind attitude baked into everything from the decor to the VNYL record shop and live music scene on-site. The whole vibe is laid back and eccentric in the best way—the kind of place where you genuinely want to settle in and slow down.

What makes it especially worth considering if you’re traveling with your dog is the genuine welcome here. Kimpton Hotels have built their pet program around actually accommodating dogs, not just tolerating them. There are no size or weight restrictions, no extra pet fees, and the room comes stocked with a pet bed, food and water bowls, and whatever else your dog might need. It’s refreshing compared to places that charge extra for every inch over some arbitrary weight limit.

The location works well for getting outside with your dog too. West Ellwood Beach is nearby and offers a nice spot for a coastal walk. Hendry’s Beach, also close by, has an off-leash policy, so if your dog enjoys some freedom to run around in the sand and surf, that’s a genuine option rather than something you’d have to drive far to find. Between the beach access and the general Goleta area, you’ll have plenty of room to explore without feeling hemmed in.

The hotel itself has that relaxed surf culture energy—you’ll notice it in the music selection, the clientele, the overall atmosphere. It’s not stuffy or trying too hard. If you’re looking for a place where you and your dog can hang out by the pool, catch some live music, and wake up knowing you’re minutes from the coast, this spot delivers on all fronts. The record shop alone makes it worth poking around before you head out for the day.