The Local Life
From oceanfront dining and luxury resorts to private clubs, golf, beaches, hiking trails, wineries, shopping, arts, and family-friendly activities, Santa Barbara and Montecito offer one of California’s most desirable coastal lifestyles. Explore some of our local recommendations below.
Restaurants
StonehouseA romantic San Ysidro Ranch dining classic. Lucky’sA Montecito institution for steaks and cocktails. Sushi by Scratch OmakaseAn intimate omakase dining experience. BouchonFarm-to-table California cuisine and local wines. The LarkA stylish Funk Zone favorite. Rare SocietyAn upscale modern steakhouse. The Honor BarA polished Coast Village Road favorite. BettinaWood-fired pizza at Montecito Country Mart. OspiA stylish Montecito favorite serving handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and modern Italian cuisine in a lively atmosphere. LoquitaSpanish-inspired dining in the Funk Zone. Secret BaoA creative, casual favorite for bao, noodles, and shareable plates. Little MountainA relaxed Montecito favorite with coastal California cuisine. Flor de MaízContemporary Oaxacan-inspired cuisine with handcrafted cocktails and oceanfront views. PalomaA stylish neighborhood favorite serving modern Mexican cuisine, craft cocktails, and a lively Montecito atmosphere. Boathouse at Hendry’s BeachA casual beachfront favorite for brunch, seafood, and sunset dining.
Hotels & Resorts
Rosewood Miramar BeachPremier oceanfront luxury in Montecito. San Ysidro RanchA legendary private cottage retreat. The Ritz-Carlton BacaraCoastal resort on oceanfront bluffs. Four Seasons Resort The BiltmoreAn iconic beachside resort. El Encanto A historic hillside luxury retreat offering panoramic ocean views, elegant accommodations, fine dining, and one of Santa Barbara's most iconic settings. Simpson House InnAn elegant boutique inn. Hotel CalifornianLuxury near the waterfront and Funk Zone. Harbor View InnA comfortable waterfront hotel near Stearns Wharf. The Eagle InnA charming boutique inn near the beach and harbor. Brisas Del Mar Inn at the BeachA relaxed coastal inn near the harbor. Palihouse Santa BarbaraA stylish boutique stay near downtown Santa Barbara. Riviera Beach HouseA casual boutique hotel near the Funk Zone and waterfront.
Private Clubs
La Cumbre Country ClubGolf, tennis, fitness, dining, and social amenities. Montecito ClubPrivate club life with ocean views. Birnam Wood Golf ClubAn exclusive Montecito private club. Valley Club of MontecitoGolf, tennis, swimming, and community. Santa Barbara Tennis ClubA historic tennis and social club in Santa Barbara. Coral Casino Beach & Cabana ClubAn iconic private beach club overlooking Butterfly Beach.
Golf
Glen Annie Golf ClubChampionship golf with ocean and mountain views. Sandpiper Golf ClubA scenic public course along the Pacific. Santa Barbara Golf ClubAlso known as the municipal course, this convenient public course sits close to town with a relaxed local feel. Rancho San Marcos Golf CourseA scenic course in the Santa Ynez foothills. Alisal Ranch Golf CourseA beautiful Solvang golf destination with a classic ranch setting. La Purisima Golf CourseA highly regarded Central Coast course known for its championship layout.
Beaches
Butterfly BeachA beloved Montecito beach for sunsets and walks. Miramar BeachA peaceful stretch of Montecito coastline near Rosewood Miramar Beach. East BeachPopular for volleyball, biking, and waterfront fun. Leadbetter BeachA local favorite near the harbor. Arroyo Burro BeachAlso known as Hendry’s Beach, this local favorite is loved for ocean walks, surf, picnics, and dog-friendly areas. Carpinteria State BeachA relaxed, family-friendly coastal destination.
Hiking Trails
Inspiration PointSweeping city, coastline, and island views. Rattlesnake CanyonA scenic canyon trail with shade and creek crossings. Cold Spring TrailA Montecito favorite with creeks and views. Romero CanyonA scenic foothill trail above Montecito. Seven FallsA popular hike with seasonal waterfalls. Tangerine FallsA beautiful Montecito waterfall hike.
Wineries & Tasting Rooms
MargerumElegant Santa Barbara County wines in the heart of downtown. Au Bon ClimatCelebrated Central Coast Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Grassini Family VineyardsEstate-grown Happy Canyon wines with a refined downtown Santa Barbara tasting room. Pali Wine Co.A casual Funk Zone tasting room with coastal charm. Frequency WinesA boutique Santa Barbara tasting room focused on small-production wines. Folded HillsA polished wine experience with a beautiful Santa Barbara tasting room. Municipal WinemakersA creative local tasting room with an approachable neighborhood feel. Santa Barbara Winery The oldest commercial winery in Santa Barbara County, located in the Funk Zone and known for its local wines and historic roots. RiverbenchA downtown tasting room known for sparkling wine, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.
Shopping
Shopping Districts & Centers
Coast Village RoadMontecito’s signature shopping and dining corridor. Montecito Country MartCurated shops, restaurants, and everyday luxuries. The Post MontecitoA stylish Montecito retail and dining destination near the Bird Refuge.Paseo NuevoOpen-air shopping in downtown Santa Barbara. La Cumbre PlazaAn open-air shopping center with national retailers and local favorites. The Funk ZoneA walkable arts, wine, dining, and boutique district near the waterfront.State StreetDowntown Santa Barbara’s main shopping, dining, and entertainment corridor.La Arcada PlazaA charming State Street courtyard with boutiques, galleries, dining, and historic Santa Barbara character. State Street PromenadeA pedestrian-friendly downtown stretch for strolling, dining, shopping, and local events.
Boutiques & Local Stores
Wendy FosterLuxury fashion and accessories. Jake & JonesFashion, gifts, beauty, and lifestyle finds. Diani BoutiqueA Santa Barbara favorite for elevated clothing, accessories, and home style. RH Montecito A luxury design destination at the historic Old Firehouse featuring RH Interiors, outdoor living collections, interior design services, and the RH Firehouse Grill. Rooms & GardensA refined destination for home furnishings and interior inspiration. Whiskey & Leather A Montecito boutique blending California style with elevated fashion, accessories, and lifestyle goods.
Arts & Culture
Santa Barbara Museum of ArtA downtown cultural anchor with exhibitions and collections. The Granada TheatreConcerts, ballet, opera, and major performances. Lobero TheatreA historic Santa Barbara cultural landmark. Santa Barbara BowlAn iconic outdoor concert venue. LotuslandA world-renowned Montecito garden. Santa Barbara Botanic GardenA beautiful cultural and natural landmark showcasing California native plants.
Family Activities
Santa Barbara ZooA beautiful family-friendly zoo with ocean views. MOXI MuseumHands-on fun for children and families. Stearns WharfA classic waterfront destination with dining, views, and local attractions. Santa Barbara Sailing CenterSailing, kayaking, cruises, and ocean adventures. Whale WatchingExperience the Santa Barbara Channel and seasonal marine life. Chase Palm ParkA family-friendly waterfront park with play areas and open space.