Location: Montecito
Top Things to do in Montecito
What to do and see in Montecito, California (CA): The Best Things to do
Home to some of Santa Barbara County’s most famous residents, Montecito has always had an irresistible allure, first attracting vacationing movers and shakers in the 1880s. Today, locals, visitors and celebrities meander along Montecito’s stunning beaches, including famous Butterfly Beach, charming Coast Village Road and Upper Village. Drive or bike along the tree-shaded lanes, and do what the locals do: hang out on a sunny patio, read the paper and don't make a fuss if you see a famous face.
Restaurants in Montecito
1. Butterfly Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
A beautiful stretch of beach in front of the Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel.
Reviewed By evanscaribbean - Washington DC, United States
A walk along Butterfly Beach was just what we wanted. A few joggers, some locals walking their dogs....it was just nice to be outside and walking. The gentle waves of the Pacific rolling along beside us. Just perfect.
2. Ganna Walska Lotusland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 463 reviews
Lotusland is considered to be one of the top 10 botanic gardens in the world. Situated in the foothills of Santa Barbara, California, this 37 acre botanical wonderland is home to more than 3,000 different types of plants from all around the world. The estate gardens were created by Madame Ganna Walska, who owned the property from 1941 until her death in 1984. Lotusland is home to several extraordinary plant collections and around each corner there is the unexpected - a surprise of unique garden design and plant species. The collections include rare cycads that are extinct in the wild, an unparaleled cactus garden, palms and euphorbias like most people have never seen. Additional gardens feature ferns, aloes, lotuses (bloom only in the summer months), water lilies and bromeliads. Lotusland horticulture philosophy is organic, using no chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Reservations are required. Tours are Wed - Sat at 10 AM and at 1:30 PM. Open Mid February through Mid November.
Reviewed By Explorer153715
This is a magical garden. I love all the unique plants and gardens. it is so fun.I learned so much. The docents are great and make the visit even better.
3. Julianne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Santa Barbara's local destination for women's luxury clothing and impeccable customer service. Julianne carries over 40 cutting-edge collections yet provides a bespoke shopping experience that is markedly old-fashioned. From elevated separates to red carpet gowns, you'll find it all here!
4. Miramar Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By amandap994
It was my birthday and my husband and I were renting a house locally in Monteceito. We walked from butterfly beach to miramar. The tide was out and we had most of the beach to ourselves. The beach tends to suffer less from the tar in the sand. It's a beautiful natural beach with driftwood stumps and seaweed. Clean and welcoming and hosts some beautiful properties lining the coast. When I think of California west coast, it's beaches like this that make me smile. I could have walked forever.
5. Mobile Spa Infinita
6. Montecito Aesthetic Institute
Montecito Aesthetic Institute (MAI) is a sophisticated and complete solution for medical and non-medical beauty treatments. Located on Coast Village Road, we offer the community and vacationers a boutique, luxury facility to relax, rejuvenate and revitalize in an environment that has been thoughtfully designed to blend a beautiful appearance, utmost privacy, and consummate care.
7. William Laman
William Laman opened over 20 years ago. You will revel in the ever changing mix of antiques, accessories and garden objects housed in a charming clapboard cottage and displayed in a setting as they would be used in one's own home and garden. This is why many of today's top interior designers, landscape architects, Hollywood celebrities, and savvy locals flock to William Laman's for inspiration.
