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Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals

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.

Montecito Rental Properties

Beachfront Bungalow

5 Guests | 2 Beds | 2 Bath

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Cielitomar

8 Guests | 4 Beds | 3 Bath

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Montecito Oaks

8 Guests | 4 Beds | 4 Bath

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Sweet Spot of Montecito

6 Guests | 3 Beds | 2 Bath

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The Cottage at Miramar

5 Guests | 3 Beds | 2 Bath

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A GUIDE TO THE MESA NEIGHBORHOOD

The Mesa is a coastal neighborhood in Santa Barbara that perfectly embodies a laid-back beach lifestyle. Its name, derived from the Spanish word for ‘table,’ reflects the area’s broad expanse of land that stretches from the harbor to Arroyo Burro Beach, right along the ocean’s edge. This neighborhood offers the perfect balance of tranquility and accessibility, with an abundance of peaceful outdoor spaces, all just minutes from the Funk Zone and downtown Santa Barbara.

Dive into the ultimate Mesa Neighborhood guide of shops, eateries, beaches, parks, and properties that showcase the best it has to offer – where coastal charm meets everyday convenience.

Shopping & Dining

Cliff Drive is the backbone of The Mesa, with most of its shopping plazas, restaurants, coffee shops, and neighborhoods branching off from it. The Mesa Shopping Center is dotted with lots of shops and local businesses, offering a convenient location to shop for all you might need. Lazy Acres is an upscale grocery market that features health-focused products and even local goods from Santa Barbara and Montecito. Not far away is Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone which is home to many art galleries and boutiques, and Paseo Nuevo is a little further away on State Street and is the main destination for shopping.

The Mesa is home to one of our favorite oceanfront dining spots – Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach. Located on the shores of Arroyo Burro Beach, known to locals as Hendry’s Beach, this restaurant is popular for brunch and dinner. Here you can enjoy an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere that specializes in fresh, locally sourced seafood and California coastal cuisine. Shoreline Cafe is another beachfront spot open for brunch and dinner, offering casual vibes and blend of Mexican and seafood fusion. If you’re looking for a quick snack, we recommend trying Blenders, a classic smoothie and juice staple in the community. Sam’s To Go is another community staple for sandwiches, and Lighthouse Coffee is a great cafe for your morning brew.

Beaches

Shoreline Park Beach is the largest in the area, found in the East Mesa Neighborhood near the city college. This is the perfect beach for day spent with family as it has restroom facilities, picnic benches, and a park nearby. Not only this, but it has lots of room for sand and water activities.

Probably the most popular beach in the area is Arroyo Burro Beach, or Hendry’s Beach. This lively beach is home to the Boathouse restaurant and is just below the Douglas Nature Preserve, nestling it amongst lots of nature trails. Here one can bask in the sun, try their hand at surfing, or just walk along the shore.

With the neighborhood lining the coast, there are many access points to beaches throughout the Mesa that are more low-key. Mesa Lane Beach is a secluded, narrow stretch of beach nestled below the West Mesa Neighborhood. At low tide one can enjoy soft sands for sunbathing, tide pools for exploring, and an area for dogs to roam off-leash. Mesa Lane Beach offers a serene, scenic escape.

Thousand Steps Beach is in the East Mesa Neighborhood and is a hidden gem located off Santa Cruz Boulevard. Also an off-leash beach for dogs, this beach is a great spot for water activities and long walks along the shore. Access the beach via the steep staircase built in the 1920s, which can also be considered your workout of the day!

Parks & Trails

Shoreline Park Beach is not only a great beach to visit, but has a large grassy expanse as well. The picnic tables, nearby Shoreline Cafe, and bike trails are perfect for a day spent outdoors with sweeping ocean views. Please note dogs are on-leash at the park, but allowed off leash on the west side of the beach.

Douglas Family Nature Preserve is a cherished 70-acre coastal park in the Mesa neighborhood, offering panoramic ocean views and a variety of recreational activities. Over three miles of trails meander through coastal sage, grasslands, and oak woodlands, providing stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean. It’s also a popular spot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, with opportunities to spot migrating monarch butterflies, various birds, and marine life from the bluffs.

For the more adventurous, Elings Park is a haven for paragliders, sports enthusiasts, and avid hikers alike. This park offers six tennis courts and 5 athletic fields, from a BMX track to even remote controlled car and airplane fields. Adding to the excitement, almost everyday you can catch a glimpse of paragliders taking off from this point. ALso, there are often large community events hosted here. Lastly, Elings Park is home to over nine miles of trails suitable for walking, biking, or equestrian riding.

Mesa Neighborhood Rental Properties

Mesa Sanctuary

6 Guests | 4 Beds | 2.5 Bath

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Mesa Beach Escape

6 Guests | 4 Beds | 2 Bath

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Santa Barbara Retreat

5 Guests | 3 Beds | 2 Bath

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Mesa Gem

8 Guests | 2 Beds | 2 Bath

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Mesa Jewel

6 Guests | 3 Beds | 1.5 Bath

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Adventures at Arroyo Burro

6 Guests | 3 Beds | 2 Bath

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SANTA BARBARA IN BLOOM

Spring into the season and witness Santa Barbara in full bloom at some of its best gardens and parks. Whether you’re looking for wide open green space or a quiet place to unwind, there’s a perfect spot soaking in the Spring scenery. All of these are just around the corner from some our vacation rentals, making for a serene Santa Barbara getaway.

Montecito

GANNA WALSKA LOTUSLAND

Tucked away in the hills of Montecito, Lotusland is a picturesque 37-acres of lush gardens and exquisite architecture. With the mission of preserving rare and endangered species, practicing sustainable horticulture, and enhancing the gardens once owned by Madame Ganna Walska, Lotusland is an inspiring estate filled with unique themed gardens.

Sweet Spot of Montecito

3 Beds | 2 Baths | 6 Guests

Nestled in the heart of the coastal city of Montecito, Sweet Spot of Montecito is a luxurious home placed on a large piece of landing, boasting mid-century modern decor and a backyard with all the amenities one could need. The inside of the home features 3 bedrooms, a large living space, chef-ready kitchen, and a dining room that opens up to the backyard. Outside is a patio set fit for al fresco dining, a grill, lounge chairs for basking in the sun, and a fire pit for enjoying the temperate nights.

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Cielitomar

4 Beds | 3 Baths | 8 Guests

With a name that translates to “little sky” or “little heaven” and “sea,” Cielitomar is a special retreat that embodies Montecito living. Each of the bedrooms are designed with the utmost of comfort in mind, and the open-concept living spaces feel warm and inviting. There is no shortage of outdoor space, with unique features like life-size chess, a bocce court, large swimming pool, and tons of seating areas throughout.

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Montecito Oaks

4 Beds | 4 Baths | 8 Guests

Montecito Oaks offers a lifestyle of luxury and tranquility that’s second to none.With its meticulously designed architecture and thoughtfully curated interiors, every inch of this residence exudes a sense of refined living. This duplex is unique in that you can access both the lower and upper units with a pass through door that allows guests to easily move from one unit to the other. The meticulous outdoor spaces, complete with a luxurious redwood spa, beautiful ocean views, and cascading water features throughout, beckons for relaxation, entertaining, and enjoying the beautiful climate year-round.

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Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens

Spanning across 78-acres, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden offers an immersive experience into all of California’s diverse landscapes. Wander on the miles of trails through the “living museum,” where you can experience species like towering Redwood to unique desert cacti.

Above It All

3 Beds | 3 Baths | 6 Guests

The epitome of contemporary living, this award-winning 3BR/3BA Santa Barbara estate commands an epic hilltop location at the foot of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The home is affectionately nicknamed Above it All, which perfectly sums up the setting – tumbling hillsides and the Pacific Ocean lay sprawled below this incredible retreat. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open up to mountain and ocean panoramas on each side of the living area. Kick back in an inviting sitting area with comfy furnishings and an indoor-outdoor gas fireplace. This house sleeps up to six guests between three immaculately appointed bedrooms, each with breathtaking views.

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Santa Barbara Hideaway

5 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 10 Guests

This multi-level Mediterranean-style home incorporates elements of contemporary, Spanish, and Italian design. It emanates an ambiance of spaciousness and light thanks to its dramatic white interior, open floor plan, and an abundance of windows and glass doors.The living room is spacious, hosting a relaxing fireplace and two terraces. This 5 bedroom 3.5 bathroom home features two primary suites; the top floor suite has a king bed with a fireplace in the bedroom and shares living space complete with wrap-around balconies; the bathroom has a separate jetted spa tub and shower.

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Casa Colibrí Del Mar

2 Beds | 3 Baths | 4 Guests

Perched on the hillside in Santa Barbara’s Riviera, Casa Colibrí Del Mar is a place of quiet elegance, where nature and refined comfort intertwine to create an unforgettable retreat. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific, the Channel Islands, and the city below. The main level, which opens from the street, is designed for effortless indoor-outdoor living. The open-concept kitchen, dining, and living spaces are bathed in natural light, enhancing the home’s warm and inviting atmosphere.

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Douglas Nature Preserve

The Douglas Family Preserve is a 70-acre coastal open space located in Santa Barbara’s Mesa neighborhood, offering panoramic ocean views and diverse habitats. It features over three miles of trails suitable for hiking and biking, and even has an off-leash area for pets.

Mesa Sanctuary

4 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 6 Guests

Mesa Sanctuary is a serene getaway located in the charming Mesa neighborhood of Santa Barbara, blending luxury and comfort for an unforgettable stay. The heart of the home is the expansive kitchen area with a large breakfast nook; perfect for preparing and enjoying meals together. The backyard is a true highlight of this home, with a hot tub and plenty of seating for dining and relaxing. This beautifully landscaped area is perfect for unwinding and enjoying the outdoors. With its luxurious amenities, thoughtful details, and prime location, Mesa Sanctuary promises a stay you’ll cherish forever.

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Mesa Beach Escape

4 Beds | 2 Baths | 6 Guests

Located in a quiet neighborhood, this vacation rental is ideal for couples and families who want to have a vacation close to the beach as well as hiking trails, open space, and so much more! With 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, there is plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the home. The primary bedroom has a Cal-King size bed, the first guest bedroom has a queen-size bed, the 2nd guest room has two twin-size beds and the 3rd guest room is a den with a pull out queen-size sofa sleeper. All bedrooms are nicely appointed with comfortable bedding and accessories. When it’s time to wind down after a day at the beach or a day of exploring Santa Barbara, you can relax in the beautiful, newly renovated backyard. Enjoy the hot tub, or just take in the coastal breeze with your favorite beverage.

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Adventures At Arroyo Burro

3 Beds | 2 Baths | 6 Guests

Located in the vibrant and active Arroyo Burro neighborhood of Santa Barbara, this 1300 sq. ft vacation rental is your ideal home base for an adventurous visit. The home features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with an inviting living area. There is a plus one, multifunction room near the dining and living room that can be used as office space, a children’s area, or with the available sleeper sofa; as it can function as another bedroom for one person. The spacious kitchen has been fitted to maximize cooking or beverage preparation.

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Santa Barbara Retreat

3 Beds | 2 Baths | 5 Guests

Nestled in a tranquil enclave, this residence graces the coveted Mesa Neighborhood, offering unparalleled tranquility mere moments from the ocean, retail havens, and restaurants. This elegant three-bedroom two-bath home exudes sophistication with its lofty ceilings, chef ready kitchen that opens to the living room. Fresh interiors invite a sense of renewal. Step outside and unwind by the fire pit or take a dip in the spa. This remarkable property boasts not only an excellent location but also refined features that define elevated Santa Barbara living.

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Mesa Jewel

3 Beds | 1.5 Baths | 6 Guests

The nicely finished and furnished 3-bedroom ranch-style home is nestled behind tall fencing for privacy. The yard is set up with several activities with a large hot tub spa, a game space on artificial turf, and the dining space, with a propane grill, at the back entrance to the home, bringing together a great outdoor meal. The primary bedroom has a king bed with a half-bath ensuite. The guest rooms both have queen beds. The bathroom in the hall has a bathtub with a shower for the house to share.

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Summerland

LOOKOUT PARK

Summerland beach is one of the most picturesque in Santa Barbara county. Lookout Park is a serene strip of park just above it, overlooking the calm waters.

Lazy Hummingbird

4 Beds | 3 Baths | 8 Guests

Lazy Hummingbird is a multi-unit ocean view property in Summerland with three separate living quarters, featuring panoramic and expansive views of the Channel Islands, incredible sunsets, and the glimmering Pacific Ocean. The Lazy Hummingbird property is composed of three units with private entrances and living spaces. Renting the property as a whole is a unique opportunity for families or groups traveling together to maintain separate accommodations all on the same property. There are deck spaces and room to share each other’s space if desired, as well as a large communal yard with breathtaking ocean views for those spectacular golden hour skies. All decks have modern, luxury lounge furniture and accessories as well as electric grills.

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EASTER ACTIVITIES IN SANTA BARBARA

Spend your Easter weekend in Santa Barbara with this handpicked selection of activities in the area. Find options like prix fixe brunches, easter egg hunts, and more.

Brunches & Dinner

Easter Breakfast, Brunch & Egg Hunt | El Encanto

This Easter at El Encanto you can celebrate with gorgeous garden views and your choice of an á la carte breakfast or brunch buffet. Cost will vary from breakfast items and the brunch is $175 per person. Afterwards join in on an Easter egg hunt on the property at 1pm.

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Easter Brunch Buffet | Brass Bear Uptown

For a more family-friendly atmosphere delight in a buffet style brunch at Brass Bear, complete with options like egg strata, lox and bagels, crepes, a ham carving station, and more. Face painting and toys will also be available. Costs are $55 per adult and. $20 per child.

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Four-Course Brunch | Caruso’s

With a menu inspired by California’s Central Coast, Caruso’s located at the Rosewood Miramar Beach offers an elegant Easter spread served along side views of the Pacific. Costs are $215 per adult and $95 per child.

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Champagne Easter Brunch | Scarlett Begonia

Delight in a delicious three course meal at Scarlett Begonia, a charming brunch spot loved by locals located on State Street. The first course features their famous cinnamon rolls and biscuits, and the second and third courses offer delicious California cuisine options. Enjoy bottomless drinks like champagne, apple cider, fresh squeezed juice, and more. Price is $85 per person.

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Prix Fix Easter Dinner | Opal

An eclectic California Cuisine restaurant located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, Opal will be offering a prix fixe Easter menu starting at 4:30pm on April 20. The experience will include three courses. Cost is to be announced.

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Family Activities

The Great Egg Hunt | Elings Park

This free Easter egg hunt is a beloved Santa Barbara tradition. Enjoy lots of sunshine, expansive ocean views, a bounce house, and more!

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Miramar Beach Easter Egg Hunt | Rosewood Miramar Beach

The Rosewood Miramar Beach is offering multiple Easter egg hunts this year on their Great Lawn. For ages 6 and under, 12pm and 2pm, and ages 7 & up at 12:45pm and 2pm. Reserve your spot at the link below.

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Bunny & Duck Garden | Rosewood Miramar Beach

Hop on over to the Event Lawn where you can meet & take photos with adorable, local bunnies and ducklings!

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MONTECITO HAVEN

Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals is excited to present our newest property, Cielitomar—a luxurious haven of refined living, perfectly situated in Montecito. With its name translating to ‘sea’ and ‘little heaven,’ this vacation rental truly captures the essence of a serene escape by the sea.

Cielitomar offers a world of its own, with expansive front and back yards thoughtfully designed for ultimate entertainment and relaxation. Adorned by old oak trees, the property offers a sense of seclusion and serenity. Upon entering through the front gate, you’re greeted by a vast lawn complete with a life-size chess set and Adirondack chairs, inviting you to unwind. At the front of the home a cozy patio awaits, offering the perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee while savoring the coastal breeze.

Beyond the front doors lies an open-concept kitchen, living, and dining area that serves as the heart of the home. Designed to create an inviting atmosphere for relaxation and connection, the chef-ready kitchen and beautifully appointed dining table make every meal at home feel like a special occasion. The kitchen features a Sub-Zero fridge, Wolf range, and quartz countertops, and adjacent you can find a wet bar complete with an ice machine.

The dining and living areas are framed by large French accordion doors that open to the luxurious backyard, allowing for plenty of natural light while seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living. Embracing the essence of Montecito living, these doors invite you to enjoy the region’s year-round temperate weather.

Perfectly suited for up to 8 guests, Cielitomar boasts 4 luxurious bedrooms, each curated with the utmost comfort in mind. At the south end of the home, a private primary bedroom features a queen-sized bed, en-suite bathroom, and a second living space, offering an escape within the home. The north end hosts another primary bedroom with a king-sized bed, an adjacent office with a Peloton bike, and a grand en-suite bathroom. One of the remaining bedrooms is furnished with a queen-sized bed and ample space, while the final bedroom offers two twin-sized beds, ideal for families traveling with children.

Step outside to a backyard that’s truly what dreams are made of, where every corner offers a new opportunity for entertainment and relaxation. A brand new swimming pool and hot tub beckon you to enjoy a sun-soaked afternoon, and the adjacent fire pit with ample seating offers a space to relax under the stars. An outdoor dining table sets the stage for al fresco meals, and a nearby patio set offers a cozy space to relax. For added enjoyment, a bar area with stools awaits, ideal for enjoying a drink or meal with loved ones.

Challenge your loved ones with a game of bocce on the private bocce ball court just around the corner. This spot is perfect for an entertaining day spent at home.

Cielitomar is ideally located, placing you just minutes away from all that Montecito has to offer. A few minutes walk gets you to Coast Village Road, the main drag of town dotted with boutiques, restaurants, and local-favorite shops. Just beyond lies the Montecito Country Mart, a major hub for dining and shopping. If you continue towards the coast you will end up at Butterfly Beach, a stretch of beach complete with picturesque bike and walking paths, a long strip of soft sand, and beautiful blue waters. Not far is Miramar Beach, a world-famous beach where the Rosewood is located. Up the road there are plenty of hiking trails and parks like Rocky Nook Park, Lotusland San Ysidro Trail, Tangerine Falls, and many more.

Whether you spend your days exploring or lounging by the pool, Cielitomar is a luxury vacation rental in Montecito provides a refined yet laid-back retreat, capturing the essence of luxe coastal living.

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Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals (805) 617-0438
27 W. Anapamu St. #228 Santa Barbara, CA 93101

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