Montecito

Welcome to Montecito

An exclusive, luxurious enclave nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the striking Channel Islands coastline

The pinnacle of upscale but laid-back luxury living, Montecito is one of the most sought-after places to live in Santa Barbara. Nestled between the coast and mountains, filled with tree-lined streets, celebrating beach cottages and secluded estates, life in Montecito offers a peaceful retreat from the noise of life outside. Homes and neighbors alike appreciate and enjoy the privacy and seclusion that come with living here. This naturally bordered by mountain and sea enclave offers residents the chance to slow down and experience a sense of calm.

Montecito has been a place of Presidents and home to celebrities and industry leaders for more than a hundred years . Renowned for its endlessly sunny weather and seaside views, there is a seemingly endless well of outdoor recreational activities in the area, including an extensive mountain trail system, stand-up paddling, golf, cycling, surfing, and more.

What to Love 

• Weather
• Privacy
• Gated communities 
• Seaside and mountain views 
• Great restaurants and shopping
• Numerous hiking trails
  
  

People & Lifestyle

Heralded as one of California's best small communities, life in Montecito is one of casual elegance. People are relaxed and glad to be here. From beachside condos to ivy-covered manors, housing options vary from grand estates to more subdued, yet still sophisticated, options. Montecito is called home for many because of its natural splendor, spectacular views, gated communities, and easygoing way of life.

Hollywood stars, CEOs, and high-powered professionals drawn to the quiet and exclusivity compose much of Montecito’s population. Here, celebrities and the highly successful are allowed to blend in and live quietly alongside their neighbors. Living in the lap of luxury, there is an unspoken agreement among the locals to maintain and protect privacy and the ever-alluring peace and quiet.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping 

Dining:

• Immersed in old school Hollywood glamor, Lucky's Steakhouse specializes in steak, seafood, and martinis.
• At Tre-Lune Ristorante, enjoy pasta, pizza, antipasti, and other traditional Italian dishes inside of their lively dining hall. 
  
  

Shopping:

• A classic example of the Santa Barbara lifestyle, the Montecito Country Mart combines services like a post office, a pet shop, a toy store, cleaners, and more within a marketplace with its fair share of organic fresh food, boutique shops, and a courtyard characterized by immaculate landscaping. 
• Dynamic duo Wendy Foster and Pierre LaFond are Santa Barbara creatives with a reputation for excellence and design. Foster has set the standard for style in Santa Barbara for years, and you can shop her fine assortment of women's clothing at Wendy Foster.
• Upstairs at Pierre LaFond is a boutique with home trimmings, self-care products, homemade houseware, unique gifts, and more.
  
  

Entertainment:

• Access to a resort-quality oceanfront spa, Butterfly Beach, a private cabana, an Olympic-sized swimming pool with poolside dining, and a luxurious sundeck are just a few of the amenities you'll discover at the enchanting Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club.
  
  
• Experience the late Madame Ganna Walska's beautiful creative vision at the 37-acre botanic garden Lotusland, which boasts 25 distinct gardens.
  
  
• If you like architectural history, check out Casa del Herrero - tour a George Washington Smith designed home much like it was in 1925.

Things to Do

Manning Park is a diverse, manicured park in Montecito with a range of amenities, picnic areas, and a renovated, historic carriage house. Once a private estate, Manning Park has retained its sophistication and impressive landscaping. Along with being a great place for bird watchers, you’ll also find ball fields, bike trails, hiking trails, horseshoes, playgrounds, and BBQ grills.

The third oldest polo club in the country, the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club is an esteemed community renowned for its extensive swimming, tennis, and fitness, polo, and social memberships. Situated in the picturesque Santa Ynez Mountain foothills, the club is conveniently located close to Montecito, Summerland, and Carpinteria.

Schools 

School-aged children in Montecito attend Montecito Union Elementary and Cold Spring Elementary, both of which are K-6. Students who attend public school for grades 7-12 enroll in the Santa Barbara Unified School District, or they may attend the private K-8 Crane Country Day School. The four-year Westmont College is also located in Montecito.