Welcome to Montecito
Elite seaside paradise offering exclusivity and postcard-pretty scenery
Lavish estates, marble palaces, and Mediterranean villas dot the cresting, oak-strewn foothills of Montecito, an affluent coastal sanctum settled just east of Santa Barbara. One of the most distinguished areas, Montecito offers deluxe resorts, outstanding schools, three country clubs, and a selection of fine restaurants amid an attitude of understated elegance and a high-quality lifestyle.
Bathed in year-round sunshine, its population of mega-celebrities, billionaire entrepreneurs, and CEOs hang out along beaches and luxury destinations on its two main streets, relishing the neighborhood’s laidback vibes on quiet streets spreading out to posh estate entrances. With homes peeking out from gates and lush greenery, Montecito offers enviable seclusion to its residents, home styles reflecting the touch of celebrated names in architecture, from George Washington Smith to Frank Lloyd Wright.
What to Love
- Quiet residential streets
- Plentiful sunshine
- Blissful ocean breezes
- Proximity to Santa Barbara
- Recreational opportunities in the Santa Ynez Mountains
- Posh dining and fabulous shopping
Local Lifestyle
Laid-back with top-of-the-line amenities, Montecito epitomizes the creme-de-la-creme of luxury living in coastal California. But it's affluence isn’t all glitz and glamor—Montecito has held fast unto its semi-rural character, staying true to its natural charisma despite its evolution with modern tides. A casual, relaxed atmosphere sweeps over the community, lush, tree-lined streets perfect for those seeking the idyllic getaway from prying eyes. Little wonder affluent families, retirees, and celebrities are the neighbors here. You can count on them to constantly take full advantage of the glorious weather and fun opportunities to relax and enjoy life.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Sprinkled with boutique shops, fine-dining restaurants, deluxe hotels, and more, Coast Village Road is an upscale marketplace thrumming with vibrant retail and coastal charm. Kickstart your athletic lifestyle with a stop at The Tennis Shop, a dealer in the latest/trendiest tennis equipment, gear, shoes, and accessories. For gift items and exotic jewelry, there’s no better place to stop than Lily Montecito. Go check out the stylish fits at Allora by Laura, where European dress inspirations paired with Cali attitude emerge into the creation of sophisticated elegance, enhancing customers' daily wardrobe and special event ensembles.
When it comes to dining, Coast Village Road is guaranteed to please. Visit Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant & Takeout for freshly cooked servings of chicken enchiladas, sizzling fajitas, and quesadillas paired with beer or michelada. Sushi Bar treats guests to intimate seating leading right up to the chef’s cutting boards, where you can watch your meal get prepared from fresh ingredients on the traditional sushi counter. At Lucky’s Steakhouse, delectable seafood dishes paired with martini are served, along with scrumptious brunch on weekends. Dine al fresco at the resplendent Bella Vista Restaurant tucked in the distinguished Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel.
Things to Do
Farmers Market on Fridays sets Coast Village Road abuzz with energy as people try to grab great produce sourced from local farms from the agricultural producers on hand. Whether you want to buy a fresh bouquet of flowers or crave artisanal cheese for your next cooking exercise, this market won’t disappoint. Locals call it Ghost Village Road in the spirit of Halloween and of course, no better time to chaperone your kids for Trick or Treating on Coast Village Road! This popular community event sees the streets draped in extravagant decorations, costumed kids getting candies from local businesses.
For a spontaneous staycation, no other place bests the ritzy Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club—the idyll oasis for relaxation plus the world’s premier oceanfront club complete with an Olympic-sized pool, private cabanas, state-of-the-art fitness center and so much more. A significant part of Santa Barbara’s social scene, hosting Hollywood events and accessible only by private membership.
Schools
Montecito is home to some of California’s highly acclaimed educational institutions, both public and private. Top neighborhood choices include:
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