Best of Montecito, CA
The Beverly Hills of the West Coast
About Montecito
Montecito is an unincorporated town in Santa Barbara County, California, situated between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The area is defined by its concentration of prominent and wealthy residents, with a median home price reaching $7.5 million in 2024.
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Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens
Located on the East Side, Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens houses more than 500 animals across numerous exhibits. Highlights include capybara and California condors, alongside non-animal attractions like the 2 ft narrow gauge Zoo Train.
The zoo was built on the site of what was known as the Child Estate and first opened in August 1963.
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Best Hotels in Montecito
15 places · Where to stay, from budget-friendly to boutique.
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Harbor View Inn
Harbor View Inn is a hotel located in the Waterfront neighborhood.
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Harbor View Inn
Harbor View Inn offers comfortable lodging in the Waterfront neighborhood.
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Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
The Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort offers comfortable rooms with ocean views and easy access to the waterfront. Guests can enjoy on‑site dining, a pool, and fitness facilities during their stay.
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Montecito Inn
Montecito Inn is a boutique hotel on Coast Village Road, adjacent to U.S. Route 101 in East Side.
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The Inn at East Beach Hotel
The Inn at East Beach Hotel is located in the East Side.
Best Restaurants in Montecito
66 places · Where to eat, from neighborhood staples to standout kitchens.
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Alma Fonda Fina
Alma Fonda Fina is a Mexican restaurant located in the East Side.
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Bluewater Grill
Bluewater Grill serves fresh seafood in the Waterfront neighborhood.
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Bossie's Kitchen
Bossie's Kitchen is a sandwich restaurant situated in the East Side.
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Buena Onda Empanadas
Buena Onda Empanadas is an Argentine restaurant located on the East Side that specializes in traditional empanadas.
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Ca'Dario Ristorante
Ca'Dario Ristorante serves Italian cuisine on the East Side.
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Char West Fish & Chips
Char West Fish & Chips offers classic fish and chips in the waterfront neighborhood.
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Clark's Oyster Bar
Clark's Oyster Bar is a seafood restaurant located in the East Side.
Best Cafés & Coffee in Montecito
13 places · Coffee shops, roasters and casual spots to linger.
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Ah Juice Organics
Ah Juice Organics is a café in the Funk Zone that serves juice, breakfast and brunch.
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Caffe Luxxe
Caffe Luxxe is a café located in the East Side, serving coffee drinks.
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Dart Coffee Co.
Dart Coffee Co. serves a variety of coffee drinks in the Funk Zone, offering a casual spot for locals and visitors alike.
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Little King Coffee
Little King Coffee is a coffee shop located on the East Side.
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Los Tarascos Bakery and Deli
Los Tarascos Bakery and Deli offers Mexican pastries in the Funk Zone.
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Montecio Coffee Shop
Montecio Coffee Shop is a café located in the East Side neighborhood, offering a relaxed setting for coffee and light fare.
Best Bars & Nightlife in Montecito
10 places · Cocktail bars, pubs and where the night goes.
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Brass Bear Brewing
Brass Bear Brewing is a bar located in the Waterfront neighborhood.
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Deep Sea Tasting Room
Deep Sea Tasting Room is a bar located in the Waterfront neighborhood.
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Pearl Social Cocktail Club
Pearl Social Cocktail Club is a bar located in the Funk Zone.
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The Society: State & Mason
The Society: State & Mason is a bar located in the Waterfront neighborhood.
Best Things to Do in Montecito
16 places · Museums, landmarks and the experiences worth your time.
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Casa del Herrero
Casa del Herrero is a historic house museum and botanical garden located in Montecito near Santa Barbara. The site covers 11 acres and showcases Spanish Colonial Revival architecture designed by George Washington Smith.
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Santa Barbara Surfing Museum
The Santa Barbara Surfing Museum is located in the Waterfront neighborhood, offering visitors a glimpse into the history of surfing.
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Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens
Located on the East Side, Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens houses more than 500 animals across numerous exhibits. Highlights include capybara and California condors, alongside non-animal attractions like the 2 ft narrow gauge Zoo Train.
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Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center is located in the Waterfront neighborhood, offering visitors a chance to explore marine life and natural history exhibits.
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Cold Spring Water Tower
The Cold Spring Water Tower is a notable landmark in the Riviera neighborhood.
Best Shops in Montecito
23 places · Independent boutiques, bookstores and places to browse.
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Montecito Collective
Montecito Collective is a shop located at 1250 Coast Village Road.
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Nurture Cottage
Visit Nurture Cottage at 1213 Coast Village Road to explore local offerings.
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Old Wharf Trading Company
Old Wharf Trading Company is located at 217 Stearns Wharf.
Best Parks & Outdoors in Montecito
33 places · Green space, gardens and room to breathe.
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Sylvan Park
Sylvan Park is a public green space located in the Riviera neighborhood.
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Chase Palm Park
Chase Palm Park offers a spacious green area for relaxation and recreation in the Funk Zone.
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Sheffield Open Space
Sheffield Open Space offers a quiet retreat in the Riviera neighborhood.
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Andrée Clark Bird Refuge
Andrée Clark Bird Refuge is a large park located in the East Side, featuring a 42‑acre saltwater marsh and a 29‑acre freshwater/brackish lake.
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Chase Palm Park
Chase Palm Park offers a relaxed waterfront setting for visitors to stroll or enjoy outdoor activities.
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Dart Coffee Co. Garden
Dart Coffee Co. Garden is a park located in the Funk Zone. It offers green space and seating for visitors to relax near the neighborhood’s coffee shops.
Nearby cities to explore
More guides within driving distance of Montecito.
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