Beach walks, coffee shops, farmers markets and more! Here are some of our favorite spots to eat, drink, and explore.
FavoriteThings
Coffee + Breakfast + Second Breakfast
Jeanines — Cutest little pink umbrella cafe with two locations, one in Montecito and one along the Santa Barbara waterfront. Great for a lingering breakfast or a quick coffee and pastry, within walking distance. Also has lunch!
Merci - Ryan’s favorite breakfast burrito (ever!) This local french café is located in the lower village Country Mart, which is either a long stroll or a very quick bikeride or drive from the Montecito Inn. Great coffee, matcha, bialy’s and cinnamon rolls.
Bree’osh - Lovely little bakery with delicious avocado toast, sourdough breads and croissants right in downtown Montecito.
Dart Coffee + Dune Coffee - Both located around Santa Barbara proper, known for their coffee!
Little King - Located in the Post (a collection of boutique shops and restaurants) close to the walking path and down the hill from the Montecito country mart. A great stop if you’re taking a stroll, bikeride or run from Montecito to downtown Santa Barbara.
Lunch + Dinner
Pierre LaFond - Located in the upper village, this is a lovely market for sandwiches, salads, wraps and grab and go items. A little drive from the lower village but great if you’re going for a hike.
Honor Bar - A Hillstone restaurant, steps away from the Montecito Inn and a great place for a casual lunch or dinner.
Little Mountain - Also located in the upper village, this is one of our favorite dinner restaurants. Absolutely fabulous for vegetarians — a California gem! Get the cabbage!
Bettina - Known for their amaaazing sourdough pizzas and salads — great for a lunch or dinner with friends!
Flor de Maiz - Our favorite Mexican restaurant on the Santa Barbara waterfront. Good for lunch or dinner. The blackberry margarita is 10/10!
Lucky’s Steakhouse - A Montecito institution, very fancy, great martinis, reservations required!
Activities
Santa Barbara Farmer’s Market + State Street - The Santa Barbara Farmer’s Market is year round on Saturday mornings on State Street in downtown Santa Barbara. It’s one of our favorite things to do and is definitely worth a quick drive or uber!
Hot Springs Hike - There are a lot of beautiful hikes in the Santa Barbara mountains, but this is one of the most popular. Wear your bathing suit, hike up to the hot springs and either take a dip in the pools or enjoy the view.
Butterfly Beach Walk, Santa Barbara Beach Walk - A walk along Butterfly Beach is always part of our daily ritual whenever we visit this part of the world. The Santa Barbara beach is also beautiful — the two connect if you’re looking to do a longer run, walk or beach bikeride.
Ojai Adventure - If you’re staying for an extra day with the long weekend or are feeling particularly adventurous, Ojai is just a 45 minute drive from Montecito. It’s great for a day trip — go for a hike, get the best pastries in the world at the Dutchess, visit the quaint Bart’s Books, get dinner at Rory’s Place and shop around for local delights like Ojai Olive oil.
Santa Barbara Zoo - a local favorite!