A Hit List for Montecito, Hollywood's Favorite Coastal Town
Photo: Nicholas Burlett / Flickr
MONTECITO, California – Stories of Spanish soliders and Hollywood legends pack a whole lot of lore into a long weekend in the fabled costal town just south of Santa Barbara.
WHERE TO STAY
Montecito Inn
1295 Coast Village Rd.; +1-805-969-7854
Built in 1928 by Charlie Chaplin as a refuge for Hollywood types, the mid-size hotel is cozy and convinient.
San Ysidro Ranch
900 San Ysidro Ln.; +1-805-565-1700
An idyllic destination for lovebirds through the ages (Vivien Leigh and Sir Laurence Olivier, JFK and Jackie O, Lily Aldridge and Caleb Followill...the list goes on). It doesn't get more plush than this.
Read More on Fathom: Love Letter to San Ysidro Ranch
WHERE TO EAT
Brophy Bros.
119 Harbor Way; +1-805-966-4418
A great staple right on the pier for clam chowder and a pint. Who wouldn't love that combo right in the heart of Santa Barbara?
D'Angelo Bread
25 W. Gutierrez St.; +1-805-962-5466
A fantastic brunch place. The order: poached eggs with olive spread and arugula.
Lilly's Taqueria
310 Chapala St.; +1-805-966-9180
Truly authentic, hardcore tacos. No frills, just a good stop for something delicious and down-home.
Lucky's
1270 Coast Village Rd.; +1-805-565-7540
A classic steak joint with well-crafted sides and a clean, beautiful vibe. They're known (for good reason) for their extensive wine list.
Paradise Café
702 Anacapa St.; +1-805-962-4416
A glass of white wine and a bowl of Cioppino at a cool, Deco, outdoor café where you can soak up the beautiful day.
Pierre Lafond
516 San Ysidro.; +1-805-969-7520
An easy stop for a quick sandwich and fresh-squeezed juice.
Tre Lune
1151 Coast Village Rd.; +1-805-969-2646
Owned by Lucky's, this restaurant has an old Italian cinema décor with really good, cozy Italian food.
WHERE TO DRINK
There's a row of local wine bars where there's always a crowd of people spilling out onto the decks and the street, drinking fantastic local wine.
Wine Cask
819 Ancapa St.; +1-805-966-9463
Specializing in small plates and a big local wines.
Corks n' Crowns
32 Anacapa St.; +1-805-845-8600
New wine and beer flights to try each month.
Santa Barbara Winery
202 Anacapa St.; +1-805-963-3633
An institution. Pierre Lafond opened the first winery in the area in 1962 and now has a bustling family of local businesses.
Oreana Winery
205 Anacapa St.; +1-805-962-5857
Lovely and mellow.
WHAT TO DO
Easy: Flip-flop between antiquing and the great outdoors.
Antique Alley
706 State St.; +1-805-962-3944
Treasure hunt through the 20th century.
Cold Springs Trail
E. Mountain Dr.
Beautiful winding hike with views for the athletic crowd.
Lotusland
695 Ashley Rd.; +1-805-969-9990
A unique horticultural experience steeped in local history.
Lewis & Clark
1116 State St.; +1-805-962-6034
A little bit of charming everything: antiques, books, gifts, toys, jewelry, home decor.
Wheel Fun Rentals
23 E. Cabrillo St.; +1-805-966-2282
Explore town on two wheels.
The Beaches
This is Southern California, after all. Elegant Butterfly Beach faces west, which makes it a rare place to see the sunset over the ocean. East Beach near the Santa Barbara Zoo has lots of amenities and sports facilities; it's great for families. Hendry's Beach is a local favorite. Rincon Point is famous for the surfing. Hendry's Beach (aka Arroyo Burro Beach) has fantastic cliffs.
WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Cruise up the coast to Big Sur.
Head east to shack up at Alisal Ranch.
Early birds can be in Venice by brunch.
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE
Inset photos, from top: courtesy of Lucky's; courtesy of Wine Cask; Lotusland by brewbooks / Flickr.