Welcome to Montecito
An upscale community surrounded by natural beauty.
Fresh air, sun-kissed beaches, and breathtaking ocean and mountain views make Montecito one of the most sought-after communities in the Santa Barbara area. The town offers privacy and an upscale lifestyle with all the amenities of a larger city. Many big-name celebrities live in this area, including Oprah, Ellen Degeneres, Harry and Megan, Ariana Grande, and more. Montecito's Mediterranean climate encourages a healthy and active lifestyle, from hiking to playing golf at one of the local clubs.
What to Love
- Natural beauty to explore and enjoy on beaches and hiking trails
- Private community where homeowners can unwind
- Posh, upscale vibe
- Beautiful, serene coastline
- Vibrant options for shopping and dining in the Upper and Lower Villages
Local Lifestyle
The locals in Montecito enjoy an active lifestyle, whether it's spending the day at one of the local beaches or playing a round of tennis at one of the local country clubs. Shopping ranges from world-class names to exclusive boutiques, and the chefs always have something new on the menu.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Montecito offers a wealth of upscale dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities. The Upper and Lower Villages are hotspots for shopping and dining with many locally-owned businesses.
The San Ysidro Ranch has three separate dining venues with locally-sourced menus along with a spa for an afternoon of decadence. Rosewood Miramar Beach is a high-end, sprawling hotel with a spa and six dining venues to satisfy any taste or special occasion.
Nestled along the shoreline, the Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club attracts many visitors looking to relax. Guests can enjoy poolside snacks or opt for a luxurious meal at the Tydes Restaurant & Bar. (Re-opening after a renovation in Spring 2023!)
Things to Do
With its idyllic location between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Montecito offers a kaleidoscope of outdoor activities to enjoy the moderate temperatures. The area is known for its gorgeous beaches.
When the weather is nice, Butterfly Beach is the place to soak up the sun and splash in the surf. For those looking for a little more activity, the San Ysidro Falls Hiking Trail leads to a great day of exploration. Lotusland is a local botanical garden where there's almost always something blooming. Some of the plants found here exist nowhere else in the world!
Schools
In Montecito, the local public schools are primarily overseen by the Montecito Union School District and Cold Spring School District, which rank high nationally for their elementary schools, including:
- Montecito Elementary School, Grades K-6, much-sought-after local school
- Cold Spring Elementary School, Grades K-6, a well-regarded local school
- Crane Country Day School, Grades K-8, popular private school
- Laguna Blanca School, Grades K-12, a well-regarded private school on two campuses divided by grade levels
