Living in Los Angeles offers many convenience aside from the blatantly obvious year round sunshine, beautiful landscapes and epicenter of west coast style. The proximity to other equally beautiful places is what people tend to think less of and if I had the option of nearby vacation home it would most certainly be Montecito or neighboring Santa Barbara. Both are just 90 minutes north of LA, involving a scenic drive up the California coast into a seaside oasis with not much else to do besides wining and dining and walking and lounging, all the while wrapped in a cashmere blanket, entranced in a good book as I did this most recent afternoon here.
I have visited Montecito many times, particularly my favorite place in the area, San Ysidro Ranch, as well as The Montecito Country Mart and Butterfly Beach. Most recently with my mother on one of our annual holiday trips, so I’ve rounded up a bunch of my favorite spots into this guide for your next visit to this charming coastal town. Enjoy, xx.
Where to Stay
San Ysidro Ranch // The epitome of Montecito magic, a mountainside oasis with the most idyllic grounds bursting with lush gardens and charming cottages, San Ysidro Ranch is perhaps the most splurge-worthy hotel in California. Regardless if you stay the weekend, I highly suggest you make a reservation for dinner around sunset and enjoy the twinkly lights and European summer vibe!
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel // The only hotel on this list I haven’t frequented, but a beautiful one that I’d love to escape to for a romantic weekend away. It’s a beautiful property perched in the hillsides of Santa Barbara and a magical spot to escape to for a long weekend.
The Hideaway, Santa Barbara // A coastal themed bungalow stay with fresh beach decor right in the center of Santa Barbara.
Simpson House Inn // Technically in downtown Santa Barbara, but worth considering if you’re looking for San Ysidro Ranch cottage vibes for a much more reasonable rate. We stayed in the garden cottage and loved the bed and breakfast feel.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara Resort // Such a beautiful hotel on the water where my dear friend got married and truly a stunning piece of Southern California property! Many of us loved the now closed Four Seasons Biltmore Resort, but in my opinion Bacara delivers the same Spanish architecture and luxury. A good choice for families, girlfriends or couples.
Rosewood Miramar // An elegant escape reminiscent of the east coast, primely situated on the beach along the American Riviera. This Caruso jewel property is a Disneyland for everyone with a bunch of chic restaurants, beach access, elegant shops (including a Goop store and The Webster) all on a sprawling beachside estate. It’s a family friendly destination you really don’t need to leave until checkout!
Where to Eat
Bouchon // in downtown Santa Barbara but so worth it for an incredible French cuisine experience!
Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch // the most romantic at dusk, think European summer with the stone backdrop an twinkling lights al fresco. Don’t worry about the chilly evening, they have built in heat lamps and will bring you a soft throw to warm up. That or the famous and absolutely delicious tortilla soup! Stop by the new speakeasy, Plow and Angel, after a post meal cocktail and live music!
Tre Lune // Another local favorite with the absolute best truffle gnocchi I dream about all the time. Wonderfully charming and fairly causal, a great spot for lunch or dinner in the center of town.
Bettina // yummy pizzas made fancy with a full bar and cute decor, it’s a perfect dinner or lunch spot for families and couples.
Merci // everything is good but the cinnamon roll is to die for! Frosting added on at purchase and soooooo yummy!
Caffe Luxxe // My favorite coffee spot in LA but it’s home is Montecito, so I had to mention it here! My favorite vanilla latte is incredible an I love taking home the little bag of Argentinian alfajor cookies! My friend also loves the shakerato which is iced coffee with chocolate sauce, it’s my favorite coffee shop in Southern California for sure.
Oliver’s of Montecito // Plant based, beautiful cocktails and a gorgeous sunny patio!
What to Do
Santa Ynez Wineries // Santa Ynez is a relaxed wine country nestled in the mountains with several little towns like Solvang and Los Olivos. It’s about 45 minutes away from Montecito/Santa Barabara and definitely an easy day trip for the experience. My dear friend had her bachelorette party there an we stayed in a wonderful airbnb with an amazing view but next time I plan to stay at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olives.
Montecito Country Mart // a great spot for families with some large open spaces to hang out, chic little shops and places to eat, a full on post office with cute gifts, as well as a full grocery store directly adjacent to the mart. Everything at the mart is chic but some of my favorite spots in particular are Caffe Luxxe, Poppy Store, the cinnamon roll at Merci, Clic boutique, the post office, Matte Gallery and Bettina.
Butterfly Beach // the best beach in Montecito for a day of fun, a short beach so it’s easy to jump right in and swim or picnic on with beautiful views.
Santa Barbara Zoo // a much smaller, cleaner zoo than most others, haven’t been for a while but feeding the giraffes last time was quite the highlight! Definitely worth a visit with the kids to tire them out before dinner.
Antiques + Boutiques // Two of the best spots for antiques we visited on our last few trips were William Laman and Country House Antiques, appropriately next door to one another in the Upper Village. For clothing and accessories we loved Clic, The Post Office at the Montecito Country Mart had adorable gifts and home decor, Plant Gallery is an exceptional florist with tons of greenery to take home and Poppy (also in Brentwood) has all the chic kids clothes.
Lotusland Botanical Garden // an absolute treasure and must see on your next trip. The former estate of Madame Ganna Walska houses 37 acres of incredible and diverse flora; it was easy for us to get lost on a bright afternoon before dinner. Reservations are limited so be sure to reserve tickets early, it’s such a treasure!
What to Wear
Despite being a beach town in California with year round sunshine, Montecito remains breezy at night and very laid back. Think Nancy Meyers, coastal grandmother vibes all the way! So if it’s winter time, bundle up with a chic camel peacoat at night, black leather pants. In summer, white linens and striped sweaters are perfect, sundresses and chic leather sandals are as dressy as people tend to get!
Spring/Summer Shop
Fall/Winter Shop
