Insider’s Guide: Montecito, California

There’s ample reason the tony enclave of Montecito is a favorite of Oprah and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. California cool is defined by abundant nature, healthy eateries, and decadent views from The Club's Rosewood Miramar suite. Here’s a local's take on top to-dos.

SAVOR

Bettina

This casual pizzeria at the Country Mart serves wood-fired pizza inspired by seasonal California produce. Opt for the Venetian Spritz and King Trumpet pie.

Lucky's Steakhouse

A perennial favorite and a throwback to the 1920s Hollywood era, expect vintage black-and-white A-lister photos, a cozy fireplace, and mouthwatering steaks, chops, and seafood.

Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch

Your go-to brunch spot, known for organic produce from the onsite garden. Dine indoors by the wood-burning fireplace or enjoy a lazy al fresco Sunday meal with ocean vistas.

Caruso’s at Rosewood Miramar

This seaside, Michelin-starred outpost is a Montecito gem, serving modern Italian, farm-to-table fare. Favorite dishes by Executive Chef Massimo Falsini include Catalina Scallops and Gnocchi e Stracciatella.

SIP

The Funk Zone

For the best progressive happy hour — aka Central Coast wine tasting rooms — the Funk Zone is an unforgettable experience. This hip arts enclave is the base camp of Santa Barbara’s urban wine trail, with dozens of tasting rooms and working wineries dotting its storied city streets.

SOUND UP!

Santa Barbara Bowl

Music lovers, rejoice. This epic music venue tops the itinerary for world-class music performances staged at an intimate amphitheater.

SOURCE-TO-FORK

Santa Barbara Farmers Market

According to locals, the Santa Barbara Farmers Market rivals the most celebrated in France. Open six days a week, you’ll find locals and visitors perusing top produce from area farmers.

NATURALLY INSPIRED

Santa Ynez Mountains

Prefer boot-to-trail exploration? Work up an appetite tackling top hiking trails of the Santa Ynez Mountains: Rattlesnake Canyon, Hot Springs, and Romero Canyon.

FOR THE LITTLES

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation

If traveling with the kiddos, explore the reimagined MOXI Museum, which features hands-on creative and scientific experiences.

WHERE YOU'LL STAY

The magic of Montecito is its exclusivity (it was recently featured as the “New American Dream” in the New York Times). As such, Rosewood Miramar Beach is situated on a remote oceanfront stretch of Montecito, known as The American Riviera. Single-story, 720-square-foot Garden Bungalow suites hug lush landscaping and feature cozy fireplaces and living rooms as well as inviting terraces for indoor-outdoor living.

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