First of all, let me say I was very excited and more than a little anxious about staying at the Santa Barbara Auto Camp. The rates are reasonable and with the mild February weather here in Santa Barbara, I was kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop… it somehow seemed too good to be true. I’ve stayed in a rehabbed vintage trailer before, but never one that had a nicer bathtub than I have at my house! So far I’m blown away by what a great job they’ve done here. They have really thought of everything and made this a fun “something different” option for lodging… in an actual trailer park. Even better– all the Airstreams have been custom renovated here in Santa Barbara by local architect Matthew Hoffman’s firm, HofArc, using sustainable methods and materials.
A few days prior to my arrival, Hillary at the Auto Camp sent me a confirmation email with a passcode to get into my trailer. Since I have my lab, Scarlet, with me, I got assigned to Suite 1, a 1973 Vintage Airstream Sovereign that is both pet-friendly and has a killer clawfoot tub.
I got into my trailer without a problem and the wifi works well. There are is a great Guest Book and Neighborhood Favorites guide to tell you about all Santa Barbara’s “Funk Zone.” The 31 foot Airstream is described in the guest book as “This isn’t your Grandma’s trailer, but if it were she’d have been the talk of the neighborhood, especially if it was an RV Park.” It has Brazilian koa wood flooring and Direct TV. There is attractive landscaping (complete with bamboo) and an outdoor barbeque area. There is a small mini-fridge and a well edited minibar featuring many artisanal items made here in Santa Barbara. There are two beach cruiser bikes with lights and helmets. The location is ideal to explore by foot. There is a bar next door, a yoga studio across the street, a Ralph’s and a Trader Joe’s all within a block.
It was still a bit warm when I checked in at 4pm, but the Airstream has climate control and it wasn’t stuffy at all. Scarlet enjoyed sniffing around and chilling out with me near the BBQ area. The Santa Barbara Auto Camp is so charming two passersby even stopped by to ask about it while I was sitting outside.
My first thoughts are that this would be an excellent place for a group event like a bachlorette party or girls trip. It’s funky and fun, but comfy (hello– the bathroom amenities are Malin + Goetz) and I can’t wait to explore the neighborhood and try out the bathtub! My mother would die if she knew how excited I was to spend a few days glamping in a trailer park. It’s even lit by fairy lights at night.
Photos: inthralld.com
