Montecito
Lay of the Land
Tap or click to interact with the map.
Commute Times
Downtown Santa Barbara — 10 min by car, 15 min by e-Bike
Santa Barbara Airport — 20 min by car
Santa Ynez Valley (Wine Country) — 45 min by car
Nearby Neighborhoods
Santa Barbara, Hope Ranch, Summerland, Carpinteria
At A Glance
Tucked between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific, Montecito is a coastal enclave defined by timeless architecture, lush gardens, and quiet sophistication. Just minutes from downtown Santa Barbara, it balances the ease of small-town living with an international sense of style. From historic estates shaded by ancient oaks to modern homes framed by ocean views, Montecito remains one of California’s most sought-after and storied communities—a place where beauty and privacy still feel effortless.
A Deeper Look
Set between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Montecito offers a rare blend of coastal beauty and seclusion. Just east of Santa Barbara, the community unfolds across winding oak-lined lanes, terraced hillsides, and sunlit beaches. Its two main arteries—East Valley Road and East Mountain Drive—connect a tapestry of distinct neighborhoods, from the historic estates of the Golden Quadrangle to the seaside cottages of the Lower Village. Residents enjoy proximity to award-winning schools, fine dining, and world-class resorts such as the San Ysidro Ranch and the Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel. Despite its international renown, Montecito retains a small-town rhythm, where morning walks, garden gatherings, and mountain views still define daily life.
Architecture
Montecito’s architecture is rooted in Spanish Colonial Revival traditions of the early 20th century — its homes blend stucco walls, red-tiled roofs, and hand-forged ironwork with a reverence for light and landscape. Visionaries like George Washington Smith and Lutah Maria Riggs helped shape the region’s identity, creating estates that feel both enduring and intimate.
Alongside these historic properties, understated contemporary residences now reinterpret Montecito’s architectural language through natural materials, open-air courtyards, and seamless indoor–outdoor living. The result is a community where craftsmanship, restraint, and timeless design still define the standard of beauty.
Lifestyle and Community
Life in Montecito moves at an unhurried pace, shaped by morning walks under canopies of Coast Oaks, afternoons at the beach, and evenings gathered around long tables. The village centers—Upper and Lower—offer everything from family-run cafés and boutiques to world-class dining at the Rosewood Miramar Beach and San Ysidro Ranch. Excellent public and private schools, including Montecito Union and Crane Country Day, make it a cherished place to raise a family. Locals prize privacy and connection in equal measure—neighbors greet one another at the farmers market, yet homes are tucked behind stone walls and hedges. In every sense, Montecito embodies California living at its most graceful and enduring.
Neighborhoods
Birnam Wood
Centered around the private Birnam Wood Golf Club, this gated enclave epitomizes refined Montecito living. Elegant estates line manicured fairways, offering mountain or ocean views and 24-hour security. With its lush grounds and timeless architecture, Birnam Wood attracts those seeking a blend of exclusivity, community, and ease.
Butterfly Beach & Channel Drive
Tucked amongst the Four Seasons Biltmore and Coral Casino, this area is defined by oceanfront elegance and iconic views. Palm-lined streets and historic estates overlook one of California’s most photographed beaches. It’s where Montecito’s glamour meets the rhythm of the sea, offering privacy within reach of the Lower Village.
Ennisbrook
A gated community nestled in Montecito’s foothills, Ennisbrook combines luxury with a sense of natural calm. Properties are set on generous parcels surrounded by oaks and sycamores, many with sweeping ocean or mountain views. Residents enjoy private amenities including tennis courts, clubhouses, and tranquil walking trails.
Golden Quadrangle
The heart of Montecito’s grand estate history, the Golden Quadrangle encompasses some of California’s most significant properties. Expansive grounds, mature landscapes, and architectural pedigree define this sought-after enclave. Quietly elegant, it offers proximity to the Upper Village and views that capture both the mountains and the sea.
Hedgerow
Perhaps Montecito’s most storybook setting, the Hedgerow neighborhood features winding lanes shaded by mature trees and bordered by lush privacy hedges. Known for its architectural charm—English Tudors, Spanish Colonials, Monterrey Colonials, and Storybook cottages—it sits between the beach and Upper Village, exuding warmth, walkability, and enduring appeal.
Miramar Beach
Laid-back and picturesque, Miramar Beach is a rare stretch of sand where homes sit directly on the shore. Steps from the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort and a short bike ride to Coast Village Road, it offers the quintessential coastal California experience—morning walks at low tide, sea air, and sunset views that define the good life.
Oak Creek Canyon
Tucked into the foothills, Oak Creek Canyon offers seclusion amid natural beauty. Estate homes here blend into a landscape of ancient oaks and seasonal creeks and enjoy expansive ocean views. It’s a haven for those seeking privacy and connection to nature while remaining minutes from Montecito’s core.
Riven Rock
Steeped in history, Riven Rock was once the estate of philanthropist Stanley McCormick and remains one of Montecito’s most distinguished addresses. Its gently rolling terrain, winding drives, and old stone walls evoke a timeless grandeur. Homes here embody craftsmanship, heritage, and quiet sophistication.
Toro Canyon
Located on the eastern edge of Montecito’s foothills, Toro Canyon blends rustic charm with panoramic coastal views. Winding roads lead to private estates and modern retreats that embrace the rugged beauty of the landscape. It’s ideal for those drawn to privacy, design, and a sense of California’s wilder side.
The Insider’s Guide to Montecito
Montecito is more than its postcard-perfect setting; it’s a community defined by timeless architecture, gorgeous topography, and good taste. Here’s our guide to the restaurants, trails, shops, and landmarks that make it truly special.
Food
Dinner/Lunch
Set inside a 19th-century stone, lemon packing house on the grounds of the San Ysidro Ranch.
Classic American steakhouse with Old Hollywood touches and an incredible wine list.
Located in the Montecito Country Mart. Best pizza in town.
Great food and cocktails. The local spot for oysters and Negronis during summer.
Seasonal, vegetable-forward cooking by Chef Diego Moya. Best new spot in town.
You May Also Like: Bar Lou, Pane e Vino, Tre Lune, Caruso’s, Honor Bar, Ospi, Alma Fonda Fina, Sushi by Scratch, RH Firehouse Grill, Honor Bar Market, Panino
Breakfast
Come for the French/American breakfast options, stay for the mimosas. Delicious baked goods and pastries, too.
Delicious food. Grab-and-go or dine in—and the best cappuccino in town. The baked goods are exceptional.
Fantastic breakfast burritos and fresh green juice.
Delicious smoothies, green juices, and immunity shots.
Fantastic Parisian pâtisseries by renowned pastry chef, Renaud Gonthier.
Delicious sourdough bread and sweet-and-savory baked goods.
Drinks
Cocktails
A cocktail jazz lounge located in the Montecito Inn.
Cocktail lounge in the Rosewood Miramar Hotel.
A cocktail bar below The Stonehouse Restaurant at the San Ysidro Ranch. Pro tip: visit during the holidays.
A fun, casual beach bar at the Rosewood Miramar Hotel — just past the train tracks.
Coffee
An LA chain, but don’t let that fool you — the coffee’s fantastic.
The newest addition to town. Excellent pastries and coffee.
Food and Drink Options
in Nearby Neighborhoods
Santa Barbara Hope Ranch Summerland Carpinteria
Shop
Elevated new boutique shopping center in Montecito — The Great, Shoppe Amber Interiors, Optimist, and more.
Timeless and understated — Tecolote Book Shop, Jenni Kayne, and Upstairs at Pierre LaFond are some of our favorites.
The main shopping strip — Whistle Club, Whiskey & Leather, K Frank, Homer Maker, and Occhiali Fine Eyewear.
Luxury shopping — Bottega Veneta, Brunello Cucinelli, Goop, Loro Piana, Zegna, and The Webster.
The unofficial town square of Montecito — Hudson Grace, Dôen, Mate Gallery, Emily Joubert, and Sunspel.
Stay
A Montecito icon of historical legacy and quiet luxury. Considered one of the top resorts in the United States.
An idyllic coastal resort. Beautiful campus, excellent dining, and great seasonal events for locals.
While it’s been closed since 2020, it is now under construction and aiming to reopen in Summer 2026.
Developed by Charlie Chaplin with a small group of investors, The Montecito Inn drips with history in the heart of town.
Shop and Stay Options
in Nearby Neighborhoods
Santa Barbara Hope Ranch Summerland Carpinteria
Outdoors
Beaches
Great for an evening walk or fireworks on the Fourth of July, and the host of the best sunsets in Montecito.
Great beach for long walks. Occasional surf at the point and the access to the Miramar Beach Bar is a plus.
The best beach for posting up all day and spending time with friends.
Fun family beach by the Montecito Creek rivermouth.
Hiking
Fun, moderate ~3-mile hike along the river that takes about 1.5-2 hrs to complete. Beautiful ocean views.
A moderate scenic hike to natural-fed hot springs. The hike is lovely, but the hot springs can get overcrowded.
Considered a strenuous, 8.5-mile hike, though it can be as hard or relaxing as you’d like. Stunning ocean views.
Wellness
Chic, reformer pilates at The Montecito Post.
An exclusive, private training facility on Coast Village Road.
Family fitness center with training equipment, group fitness classes, and an aquatics center.
Outdoor and Wellness Options
in Nearby Neighborhoods
Santa Barbara Hope Ranch Summerland Carpinteria
Culture
One of the top music schools in the world for classically trained musicians. Spectacular annual summer music series.
Cute Public Library in the heart of the Upper Village.
Landmarks
The historic estate of Madame Ganna Walska. The estate is home to 3,500 different plants. A must visit.
Designed by George Washington Smith. One of the finest examples of Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture in America.
Culture and Landmark Options
in Nearby Neighborhoods
Santa Barbara Hope Ranch Summerland Carpinteria
Community
Community Events
Fresh flowers and produce from local farmers. Every Friday from 8am-11:15am on Coast Village Rd.
Every 4th of July, the Monecito Fire Department hosts a pancake breakfast. It’s an adorable must for families.
Trick or treating along Coast Village Road. Lovely community event for everyone.
Neighbors gather once a year to lend a hand in cleaning up our beautiful community.
Faith Centers
An Episcopal Church designed by Arthur Burnett Benton, blocks from Miramar Beach, that dates back to 1900.
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Designed by Lutah Maria Riggs in 1955. A 45-acre property maintained by nuns.
Other Noted Centers of Faith: El Montecito Presbyterian, Montecito Covenant, Chabad of Montecito
Clubs
The most exclusive club in Montecito. Golf, tennis, bowling, fitness center, dining, movie theater, and more.
Chic, family-friendly social club on the water. Olympic-sized pool (+ 1’), kids pool, fitness center, dining, and more.
Rosewood Miramar’s exclusive private club. Private restaurant and bar, beach butler service, pool access, and more.
Founded in 1928 and designed by Alister MacKenzie. Considered one of the best courses in the country by Golf Digest.
A private, full-service golf club with premier dining, golf, tennis, fitness, and social programs.
A family-oriented tennis club with adult and junior tennis programs. 8 hard courts, 2 clay courts, and a family pool.
Community and Club Options
in Nearby Neighborhoods
Santa Barbara Hope Ranch Summerland Carpinteria