The Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club: It’s Who You Know

Opened in 1937, the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club remains one of Santa Barbara’s most private of playgrounds. With just a few hundred members, it offers a rare experience that is also now open to guests of Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara.

In 2008, the entire Club – which boasts sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Barbara coastline from its perch on Butterfly Beach – was treated to a comprehensive USD 65 million restoration. Modernizations include its Olympic-sized pool, 31 coveted cabanas, glamorous ballroom, poolside café and the addition of a new second story restaurant, as well as refurbished locker rooms, fitness facilities and children’s pool.

But what of the name “Coral Casino”? It remains as an homage to an unrealized dream – the idea was that, in compliance with local laws forbidding gambling, members might be shuttled out to visiting cruise ships via the Club’s pier, which has long since been removed.