The town of Montecito, California, has a chic and somewhat luxurious vibe owing to the numerous celebrity homes located here. If you’re planning to visit this area, you should enjoy it in its totality. Stay in one of the top Airbnb vacation rentals or Vrbo vacation rentals for a home-away-from-home experience. There are so many things to do as well, you’ll think your visit deserves an extension. Spend a day at Lotusland or Butterfly Beach, and head to Jeannine’s for a bite to eat. Planning your itinerary might be daunting, so to ease your worries, we’ve put together a list of the top things to do in Montecito, California. All these activities can be enjoyed by people of all ages, so head down to Montecito soon!
1. Enjoy outdoor activities at Andree Clark Bird Refuge
Those looking for a place to enjoy outdoor activities around Montecito, check out Andree Clark Bird Refuge. Besides bird watching, visitors can also enjoy hiking and biking. An 11-7 hectare (29-acre) lake is also on-site, but activities on the water aren’t allowed. If you enjoy bird watching, this is the place to be since this refuge is home to around 200 bird species.
Andree Clark Bird Refuge
Address: 34a Los Patos Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93108, United States
Website: Andree Clark Bird Refuge
2. Book a spa session at Rosewood Miramar Beach's Sense Spa
If your idea of the perfect vacation is to spend the day at the beach and enjoy a luxurious massage after, check out the treatment options available at Sense Spa. This spa is located inside Rosewood Miramar Beach hotel, and they offer various services. Pamper yourself and book a facial, a massage, a manicure, and more.
Sense Spa at Rosewood Miramar Beach
Address: 1759 S Jameson Ln, Montecito, CA 93108, United States
Website: Sense Spa at Rosewood Miramar Beach
3. Check out the exhibits at Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art
Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art is located inside Westmont College in Montecito, and their permanent collection is home to over 1,800 pieces. This place houses various works of art, including paintings, etchings, lithographs, and more. Visitors are welcome to make an appointment for a tour during regular museum hours to see the collection. If you’re planning your Montecito trip, be sure to check their website for more information on current exhibits.
Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art
Address: Westmont College, 955 La Paz Rd, Montecito, CA 93108, United States
Website: Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
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4. Visit Vedanta Temple
Enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from Vedanta Temple, a Hindu temple built back in 1965. Besides the temple itself, this property is home to a bronze temple bell from the 12th century, which is rung thrice a day. Since it’s open to the public, visitors can take in the view, enjoy the fresh air, or stop by the on-site bookstore that’s run by a convent of nuns.
Vedanta Temple
Address: 927 Ladera Ln, Montecito, CA 93108, United States
Website: Vedanta Temple
Opening hours: 6:30am - 7pm (daily)
5. Hike Tangarine Falls Trail
If you’re an avid and experienced hiker and you want to check out a local hiking spot on your trip to Montecito, plan to hike Tangerine Falls Trail. This 2.2-mile (3.5-kilometre) out and back trail sees plenty of foot traffic and is rated difficult. Along the trail, you’ll come across a 100-foot (30-meter) waterfall. Half of the hike involves climbing over boulders, so wear your most trusty hiking shoes and come prepared for a challenge.
Tangarine Falls Trail
Address: E Mountain Dr, Montecito, CA 93108, United States
6. Explore Lotusland
Lotusland is a great place to take your family to. This splendid place lets you enjoy the beautiful tropical as well as subtropical plants. This is quite an informative tour since you don’t just get information on horticulture, but there’s also a great deal of history to learn. Visits require a reservation, but you can enjoy a laidback self-guided tour when you get here.
Lotusland
Address: Cold Spring Rd, Montecito, CA 93108, USA
Website: Lotusland
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 25 - 50 USD
7. Watch the sunset at Butterfly Beach
Butterfly Beach is one of the best beaches in Montecito, and it runs outside the Four Seasons Resort. It’s really popular among the locals as it’s one of the few west-facing beaches in the city. Butterfly Beach is a dog-friendly beach and is perfect for evening walks. Visitors come here to watch the brilliant sunset every evening, and this is an experience that you don’t want to miss.
Butterfly Beach
Address: Butterfly Beach, Montecito, CA 93108, USA
8. Admire the stained glass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church
If you love visiting beautiful churches on your holidays, head to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. This church has been here since Montecito saw its first rural settlers, which makes it almost 160 years old. This is one of the most popular and recognized landmarks here, and it houses beautiful stained glass art. To see a piece of history in Montecito, you should definitely visit this church.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church
Address: 1300 E Valley Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93108, USA
9. Hike the Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead
If you are a lover of nature and would like to explore the green areas of Montecito, visit the Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead, which is managed by the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County. This lush green hiking ground has trails that make for the perfect hike. If you have a dog, bring them along since the trails here are accessible to them. Walking through the path will bring you close to nature and make you realize what a beautiful planet we are living on. Although this is privately owned land, it is open to the public.
Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead
Address: 1202-1298 E Mountain Dr, Montecito, CA 93108, USA
Website: Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead
10. Marvel at the architectural wonder of Casa del Herrero
Casa del Herrero will take you back in time. This is the place to visit if you want to witness Montecito in the 1920s and 1930s since the structure is a throwback to the Montecito of the olden days. It’s said to be one of the finest examples of architecture in the city. If you would like to visit this beauty, you need to book a tour in advance, either by calling or by means of an email. Casa del Herrero is an 11-acre (4.5-hectare) property built back in 1925. The gardens here are beautiful, and you’ll surely love the grandeur of this place.
Casa del Herrero
Address: 1387 E Valley Rd, Montecito, CA 93108, USA
Website: Casa del Herrero
Opening hours: Wed & Sat: 10am - 11:30am, 2pm - 3:30pm (closed from Mon - Tue, Thu - Fri & Sun)
11. Make beautiful sand castles at Miramar Beach
Do you love taking walks on the beach? If so, visit the lovely Miramar Beach. This is a great public beach that faces the south. It has a narrow sandy beach that is perfect for short strolls and family visits since kids will love making tiny sandcastles here. You too will love taking a peaceful and relaxing walk here while watching the activities happening all around you.
Miramar Beach
Address: Montecito, CA 93108, USA
12. Enjoy a lovely weekend brunch at Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery
Are you looking for the place to enjoy a nice weekend brunch? If yes, Jeannine’s Restaurant & Bakery is the perfect place for you. This cosy establishment has an outdoor patio where you can enjoy al fresco dining. Sit amidst the hydrangeas and take in the lovely atmosphere of the place. Salads, sandwiches, and a variety of drinks are available. If you’re planning to stop by for breakfast, be sure to order the Belgian waffle breakfast, which is topped with mixed berries and served with two eggs and your choice of protein.
Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery
Address: 1253 Coast Village Rd, Montecito, CA 93108, USA
Website: Jeannine’s Restaurant & Bakery
13. Taste delicious wine at Montecito Wine Bistro
This modern bistro is a great place to enjoy dinner and drinks with family and friends. Enjoy an amazing variety of Californian wine as well as vegetables that come fresh from the farmer’s market. There is also a patio where you can sit and enjoy your drink. The dinner menu comes with choices such as salmon piccata, wagyu burgers, pizzas, and more. A kids’ menu is also available.
Montecito Wine Bistro
Address: 516 San Ysidro Rd, Montecito, CA 93108, USA
Website: Montecito Wine Bistro
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)
14. Have fun with your family at Manning Park
Manning Park is a wonderland that is loved by all. There are so many things that you can experience here, including hiking, camping, fishing, and swimming. Enjoy the exceptional beauty and indulge in activities such as boating. Bring your dogs along, if you have them.
Manning Park
Address: 449 San Ysidro Rd, Montecito, CA 93108, USA
Take trip to Montecito
Montecito, California, is a place that has all types of activities and things to do for all age groups. Whether you are travelling with your family, friends, or your beau, there is something for everyone. Go shopping, indulge in delicious food, or simply enjoy a day at the beach. Just don’t forget to choose among the best vacation rentals for your accommodation needs.