Montecito is home to the rich and famous—big names like Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Julia Louis Dreyfus and Rob Lowe are among the community’s residents and its most ardent fans. But you don’t have to be a superstar or mega-wealthy to live like a local here. Montecito abounds with incredible restaurants serving up innovative, delicious fare. It’s also a premium luxury shopping destination, a hub of high-end hotels and an outdoor lover’s paradise. Follow our guide on what to do and where to eat and shop and you’ll be living your very best life like a true Montecito local.
Things to DO
The best way to go “behind the gates” of Montecito’s magnificent residences is on guided tours of Lotusland and Casa De Herrero. Both properties are open to the public for guided tours with advance reservations. The National Historic Landmark Casa Del Herrero is a showcase of 1920s-era design and architecture, while Lotusland is all about the gardens with its collection of 3,000 plants.
You’re in for a treat if you get to meet our knowledgeable “Like a Local” Montecito insider, longtime Lotusland docent Carol Beamer. As she says, “There’s no other garden like it in the world.”
The beaches are another top draw, from Butterfly and Hammonds to Miramar. Hiking is a quintessential Montecito “do,” with varying levels of difficulty and duration between Cold Spring Trail, Hot Springs Canyon, San Ysidro Trail and Tangerine Falls. The Vedanta Temple is a peaceful spot for meditation and a stroll. The photogenic Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church was established in the 1800s and looks like something straight out of a movie set. Sense at Rosewood Miramar Beach welcomes day visitors and hotel guests alike for pampering treatments. Taste local vintages at the Folded Hills tasting room on Coast Village Road, where you can choose between a tasting flight, wines by the glass, or purchase bottles.
places to EAT
Start the day with breakfast at Bree’Osh, Renaud’s Bakery, or Jeannine’s Bakery. Vegans and meat-eaters alike rave about Oliver’s, which specializes in upscale plant-based cuisine for lunch and dinner. Sushi by Scratch Restaurants presents a delectable 17-course Omakase dinner experience at the 10-seat chef’s counter.
Tre Lune and Pane E Vino are the top spots for Italian, while Los Arroyos is a must when it comes to delish sit-down Mexican. Lucky’s steakhouse is a Montecito institution—the martinis are just as classic as the people watching. The Honor Bar is equally enticing for eats, drinks, and a lively crowd.
Montecito Country Mart is a dining destination in its own right. The fast-casual staple Panino is a local go-to’s for satisfying sandwiches. Pair Neopolitan-style pizzas and farm-fresh salads with perfect negronis at Bettina Pizzeria. Savor organic fare crafted by acclaimed pastry chef Elizabeth Colling at Merci Montecito. Perk up with a coffee at Caffé Luxxe or a fresh juice at Pressed Juicery. And satisfy your sweet tooth with a scoop or two of Rori’s Artisanal Ice Cream.
If you’re not staying at one of Montecito’s premier resorts, dining and drinking on property is the next best thing. Sip and savor in style at San Ysidro Ranch’s Stonehouse or the more casual Speakeasy at Plow & Angel. Catch the sunset while sipping cocktails at Four Season’s Ty Lounge followed by dinner at Bella Vista. And eat and drink your way through the Rosewood Miramar Beach’s Beach Bar and Caruso’s.
Shopping Spots
Shopping in Montecito is concentrated in three primary hubs—Coast Village Road, the Upper Village, and Montecito Country Mart. Coast Village Road is the main drag, dotted with women’s clothing boutiques like Angel, Whiskey & Leather, Whistle Club, and Allora by Laura. Discover divine home goods and art at Maison K, Lily, Legacy, and Heather James Fine Art. Montecito Country Mart is home to local favorites like Mate Gallery, Kendall Conrad, Malia Mills, Hudson Grace, and Space NK Apothecary. The Upper Village (at the intersection of San Ysidro and East Valley Roads) features a cluster of shopping centers catering to upscale clientele with shops like Wendy Foster, Jenni Kayne, Julianne, and William Laman.
The Music Academy of the West summer music conservatory is home to two resale shops open year-round Monday through Saturday from noon until 3 p.m. The Rack and Treasure House carry beautiful apparel and antiques with inventory changing almost daily—and sales benefit the nonprofit music education program. The Rosewood Miramar is home to the first of its kind goop Sundries boutique, stocked with clean beauty products, wellness goods, clothing, accessories and more. The resort also features The Gatehouse, a California-inspired concept store curated by California casual designer James Perse.
INSIDER INSPIRATION
Shop the Montecito Farmers’ Market held every Friday morning from 8:00 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. on Coast Village Road. It’s particularly popular for the flower selection. Keep channeling that flower power on a botanical tour around the world at Lotusland, where our “Like a Local” expert docent Carol Beamer helps guests discover the magical garden masterpiece created by the legendary Madame Ganna Walska.
If you like Montecito, we’d also recommend:
