April 23, 2025

A DAY IN MONTECITO

Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific, Montecito is a seaside enclave that feels like a well-kept secret, where coastal charm meets relaxed California luxury. From boutique-lined streets and 5-star dining to quiet hillside estates, there is plenty to discover in just a day’s worth of exploring.

Find a list of our vacation rentals located in Montecito at the end.

Coffee & Brunch

There is no shortage of charming cafés and breakfast eateries located throughout Montecito. If you’re looking for a quick coffee and snack to-go, we recommend trying Renaud’s Patisserie and Bistro, Bree’osh Bakery Cafe, and Honor Market all dotted across Coast Village Road. Down the street at the Montecito Country Mart, try Merci Montecito for delicious coffee and gluten free options and Caffe Luxxe for espressos and artisanal brews. In Montecito village we recommend Pierre Lafond or Montecito Coffee Shop. If you’re more of a smoothie and juice person, try the famous Blenders in the Grass or Juice Ranch Cafe.

For a sit-down brunch experience Jeannine’s Restaurant and Bakery is a local favorite complete with the cutest patio area on Coast Village Road. Lilac Montecito is a newer spot on the scene, great for European and Californian inspired dishes that are always gluten free. For a refined dining experience, try The Revere Room located inside the Rosewood Miramar Hotel.

Shopping

Coast Village Road is a shopping hub with tons of boutiques and galleries dotting its street. For women’s apparel you might try Whiskey + Leather, an eclectic spot for trendy and sustainable items, or even Montecito Collective, K. Frank, Johnny Was, Allora by Laura, or Angel Montecito, among many others. Civilianaire Clothing is a cool stop for American-made men’s and women’s apparel that features pieces inspired by Montecito and its local beaches. Besides clothing, you can find great jewelry pieces from places like Gorjana, and home decor at True Love Always, Legacy, and Lily. Keep an eye out for art galleries as well.

Nearby at the Montecito Country Mart you can find adorable boutiques like Poppy Marché, Dôen, and Hudson Grace. Even the Post Office here carries one-of-a-kind Montecito merchandise like tote bags and sweaters.

Lunch

After exploring the shops and boutiques of Montecito, settle in for some lunch at one of the town’s upscale bistros or sandwich stops. At the Country Mart Panino is renowned for their salads and sandwiches, while Alma Fonda Fina is great for Mexican cuisine. Honor Bar is loved for their Californian cuisine and is a great stop for a mid-day drink in the adirondack chairs along Coast Village Road. Next door, Honor Market makes great pizzas. Another great place to try is Los Arroyos for great Mexican food. For an upscale experience with an ocean view, stop by Miramar Beach Bar at the Rosewood.

Nature & Attractions

Montecito’s coastline is as serene as it is scenic. Butterfly Beach is the local favorite—perfect for a morning stroll, a mid-day sunbathe, or catching golden-hour views with the Channel Islands on the horizon. It’s just steps from the Four Seasons Biltmore, making it effortlessly elegant yet laid-back. For a quieter vibe, Hammonds Beach offers a more secluded shoreline, ideal for picnics or peaceful reflection by the waves.

Nature lovers will find no shortage of beauty in Montecito’s lush trails and garden escapes. Lotusland, a 37-acre botanical wonder, blends exotic gardens with artistic landscaping and is a must-see for plant lovers. For hikers, Hot Springs Canyon Trail is a local gem, leading to naturally warm pools tucked into the hills. And if you’re up for a short but scenic trek, the Ennisbrook Trail offers a shady, creekside stroll through oaks and sycamores.

Stroll through the historic Upper Village, where you’ll find artisan boutiques, local galleries, and cozy cafés. Architecture lovers will appreciate Casa del Herrero, a preserved 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival estate offering guided tours of its intricate interiors and gardens. Or, simply drive through Montecito’s winding, palm-lined lanes where sprawling estates and ocean views create a postcard-worthy backdrop.

Wine Tasting & Dinner

Stop in at Montecito’s only wine tasting room- Folded Hills Tasting Room. This wine bar serves up their finest blends, all hailing from their homestead near Santa Ynez.

Whether you’re looking for a meal to take home to your rental or a 5-start dining experience, Montecito boasts a plethora of restaurants that are sure to please everyone in your party. Some of our favorite fine dining eateries on Coast Village Road include Tre Lune (a classic Italian spot), Lucky’s (a famed steakhouse), Ca’Dario (authentic Italian), and Local Montecito (Californian cuisine). Clark’s Oyster Bar is a newer restaurant, serving coastal American classics and seasonal bounty from the Pacific ocean. Caruso’s at the Rosewood Miramar Beach is a Michelin-starred restaurant right by the ocean at Miramar Beach. It serves a seasonal farm-to-table menu, with fresh, local ingredients and beautiful views.