Toes in the sand, drink in hand, skin getting tanned—beach life is the sweet life. At the shore, the pace slows, moods elevate, and beachfront hotels line the horizon. Whether you’re a jump-straight-in-the-water person or like to remain on dry land, you’re living your best life at the beach. Better yet, get cozy at beach hotels Santa Barbara after the day’s surf-and-sand activities for some post-sunset chilling.

Vacation + beach = perfection

The best things come to those who beach. Find watersports like surfing, snorkeling, waterskiing, paddle boarding, kayaking—options are aplenty for enjoying the waves. Feel like taking it easy? Nothing’s better than napping under an umbrella and taking in the sounds of the surf. Bring a kite, enjoy a round of spike ball, or get competitive over a volleyball match. It’s easy to check all the boxes on beach days. The best beach hotels in Santa Barbara can point you toward delicious food and other activities in the area. And they likely have enough on-site amenities that you’ll never have to venture far from shore.

She saves (sand) dollars by the seashore

If you think you can’t beat a good day at the beach, add the best prices to the equation, and you’ve found the right formula for the best time ever. Filter hotels by the following to make one and one equal amazing:

• Hotwire Hot Rates: With a Hotwire Hot Rate, you’ll think you found the mecca of cheap beach hotels. In reality, you’re seeing some of the best discounts on premium hotels, because mystery deals really pay off. You may even end up in the best luxury beach hotel at an incredible price.

• Price: If the beach is enough to make you swoon, look for the lowest price on hotels. If you’ve set your sights a little higher, up those price points for a swankier stay.

• Amenities: You came for the beach, but extra perks don’t hurt. Get straight to the waves and grab a free breakfast. Relax even more at a full-service spa. When it comes to a tailor-made getaway, finding the right amenities ups the experience to the power of perfect.

Subtract stress, add a sprinkle of sun and sand, and enjoy the sum total of your days at the beach. When you book with Hotwire, your vacation satisfaction can reach 100 percent.