Curator’s statement
Montecito is a picture perfect little town situated just outside of downtown Santa Barbara, home to some of the most beautiful stretches of shoreline in California. It is a hub for high-end hotels, luxury shopping and the best eats. In the foothills of the Saint Ynez Mountains, you'll find the place where a lot of celebrities call home to get away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. You can spend your days shopping, enjoying the beach, riding a bike or taking a drive into Santa Barbara wine country to visit the vineyards in this diverse paradise.
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Where to stay
Rosewood Miramar Beach
A Santa Barbara icon turned foodie heaven on one of the dreamiest stretches of the American Riviera.
Fora Perks
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$100 food / beverage credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
San Ysidro Ranch
Tucked in the foothills of Santa Barbara, this dreamy ranch hideaway features a spacious garden, farm-to-table dining, 38 vine-covered cottages and a legendary guest list. The Kennedys honeymooned here.
Fora Perks
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$100 food / beverage credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
Located in the hills of Santa Barbara, this iconic resort dates back to 1918.
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$100 hotel / resort credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Montecito Inn
Hacienda-style hotel sith classic interiors and lush accommodations.
Mar Monte Hotel
Where coastal charm meets luxury in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt.
Fora Perks
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Welcome amenity.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out, whenever possible.
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Day 1: Arrival
Checking In
Head from the airport straight into downtown Montecito for late lunch on Honor Bar’s patio (order the Macho Salad or Ding’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich). After lunch, head to check in your hotel, Rosewood Miramar and do some shopping in their boutiques on property. Take some time to settle in and enjoy time by the pool.
Dinner
After a little pool and bocce ball, head to your room to freshen up for dinner. Start your night watching the sunset with cocktails at Miramar Beach Bar, then head downstairs to Michelin one star Caruso’s for dinner. After dinner, have a post dinner cocktail on the back lawn of Rosewood and enjoy the night breeze.
Day 2: Brunch and beach
Brunch & Shopping
Head to Lucky’s for brunch, tip: split the French toast as an appetizer for the table. After brunch, head into some of the boutiques in town (Allora by Laura, Angel and Johnny Was are a few of my favorites) and to the Montecito County Mart to catch a few more boutiques (Chic and James Press) and some ice cream from Rori’s.
Beach Time
Head down to Butterfly Beach for an afternoon on the water or take a bike ride along the shore.
Dinner
For dinner, you’ll go back into downtown Montecito for a meal at Tre Lune, or Oliver’s.
Day 3: Arts & crafts
Arts and crafts Show
After breakfast at Rosewood, head to downtown Santa Barbara for the outdoor market at the Arts & Crafts sohow. Take a walk along the pier and grab some fresh Uni at Santa Barbara Shellfish Company.
Afternoon Delights
You’ll jump on a sailboat for an afternoon cruise along the Santa Barbara coastline or head up to El Encanto, a Belmond property for drinks on their outdoor patio. Dinner Follow this day up with dinner at Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch to top off the trip!
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Travel Advisor
Madison Sullivan
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This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Montecito. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my itinerary, A Summer in Jackson Hole.