No other town does luxury or exudes an effortlessly chic vibe like Montecito. It’s no wonder that Travel + Leisure named Montecito one of “The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2019.” Walk among the stars, live a life of leisure, and learn a few things about what makes Santa Barbara so special with a getaway (or two) in this tucked-away seaside haven.
Starting in the 1880s, movers and shakers from around the world vacationed in Santa Barbara. The fantastic climate hooked more than a few, and they decided to plant some roots. Today, Montecito harbors many a celeb, from Oprah Winfrey and Julia Louis-Dreyfus to Prince Harry and Megan Markle. However, celebrity isn’t celebrated as much as it’s merely sensed, and famous residents and regular townsfolk shop, dine, and hobnob together on Coast Village Road and the Upper Village. When cruising Montecito’s social and retail districts or tree-shaded lanes, do what the locals do: hang out on a sunny restaurant patio, read the paper, and don’t make a fuss if you see a famous face.
