A Perfect 24 Hours in Montecito, California
An Insider’s Guide to the Pacific Coast Town’s Hidden Gems
Whether you’re a California native, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, Montecito, a chic little beach town tucked away between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, is filled with the best beaches, fresh food, and quaint boutiques. From Los Angeles, it’s just a quick one hour drive north. So rent the convertible, enjoy Pacific Coast’s Highway breathtaking ocean views, and make your way there. Here’s how to spend a perfect 24 hours in Montecito.
8:00 am: Wake up at a Cozy, Coastal Cottage
Montecito is a small, charming town so opt for an Airbnb to experience the area like a local. If you’re going with a big group, there are some amazing houses up in the hills too that tout stunning ocean views. A few of my favorites that give coastal-cozy spots are this beachfront retreat, the Coconut Guesthouse, and the Orchard Cottage that also has a hot tub.
9:00 am: Grab a Coffee at Bree’osh Bakery
Start your day with a morning walk down Coast Village Road to Bree’osh Bakery. Grab a cappuccino or chai latte, and a Bree’osh breakfast sandwich or a seasonal pain perdu (or both if you’re like me), and then window shop.
10:00 am: Hit the Trails
Montecito is home to some of the most beautiful hikes with scenic views of the California Coast. One of my favorites—and closest to town—is Hot Springs Canyon. You can either do a quick walk to the hot springs, or opt for a slightly longer hike along San Ysidro Trail. If you want to hit the hot springs, just follow the creek and listen for the sound of the water. The hot springs themselves are incredible, relaxing, and surrounded by nature. And don’t forget a bathing suit!
12:30 pm: Grab a bite at The Honor Bar
The Honor Bar is a Montecito must for lunch. Owned by the Hillstone group (which if you know, you know), the restaurant has my favorites like Ding’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich, the French Dip, the Dip Duo (featuring the best guacamole ever), and the Pine Room Salad. Get The Crush, a vodka, fresh grapes, and mint cocktail, to wash it all down.
2:00 pm: Shop it Off
Along the same road that The Honor Bar is on, you will find cute, local boutiques and homeware stores that feature coastal attire and tchotchkes. Walk and shop off lunch by popping into Montecito Collective, True Love Always, and Whiskey Leather. You can also head to tried and true favorites like James Perse and Veronica Beard for a his-and-hers shopping date.
4: 00pm: Go for a Beach Stroll
Close out your afternoon with a walk on Hammonds Beach. Start at Hammond’s Meadow Trail (at the roundabout near the beach) and cross the bridge over Montecito Creek. There you’ll come across two coastal access paths on either side of the creek that lead you onto the beach. Take a walk up the beach, collect shells and enjoy the tide rolling out. Pro tip: Wear sneakers for the walk and take them off to put your toes in the water!
5:30 pm: Pack a Sunset Picnic
My favorite way to spend the evening in Montecito is with an al fresco dinner, and no, I don’t mean at a restaurant. Pack a picnic blanket, sweatshirts, and whatever else you need to feel cozy. Grab a bottle of wine of your choice from Honor Market (right next door to where you had lunch), and head up Coast Village Road to the Montecito Country Mart for takeout pizza and salads from Bettina. Head down to locals’ beach—Butterfly Beach—and snag a spot for sunset. It gets packed with all the locals taking in the most breathtaking sunset you will ever see, so make sure to buffer in time before sunset to get a good spot.
8:00 pm: Get a Nightcap at The Manor Bar
Head over to the Rosewood Miramar Beach for a nightcap in The Manor Bar. If you’re lucky, you’ll get there before the live jazz winds down for the night. Pair the jazz with one of their highballs, and you’ll have the perfect end to a day in Montecito. And, if you’re not completely full from your beach picnic, their caviar with crisps makes for a great snack.
How to Ride in Montecito
📍Rent a PWC from Santa Barbara Landing
If you’re bringing your own PWC: If you’re towing your own WaveRunner or other PWC, the normal play is to use the public launch ramps at Ventura Harbor, Channel Islands Harbor, or Castaic/Lake Casitas if you’d rather ride freshwater instead of the ocean. Ventura Harbor Launch Ramp and Channel Islands Harbor Boat Launch Facility both offer 24‑hour or extended‑hour access, parking, and direct harbor channels that lead to more sheltered water for warm‑up and family runs. For lake riding, Castaic Lake and Lake Casitas have ramp access and are within a few hours’ drive, but each has its own rules on PWC types, noise, and quagga inspections, so you’ll want to confirm details on their official sites ahead of time
