Montecito

Montecito means “little mountains, little forest” — an apt name for this area of winding, tree-shaded lanes reminiscent of the English countryside. The area has long been known for the style and elegance of its residences, both historic and contemporary. Many of Montecito’s most impressive estates, built at the turn of the century, were modeled after the sumptuous homes of England, France, Spain and Italy. Landmark hotels in this area include the Montecito Inn, built in 1927 by Charlie Chaplin and Fatty Arbuckle; the San Ysidro Ranch, where the guest register lists such names as Jean Harlow, Laurence Olivier and Vivian Leigh, Winston Churchill and Mr. & Mrs. John F. Kennedy; and the Santa Barbara Biltmore, with its spectacular ocean vistas, located right at the beach, just a short walk from the shopping opportunities of the “Lower Village” on Coast Village Road. Along Coast Village Road you’ll find fine dining, elegant shops and a superb nursery, and a weekly Farmer’s Market, all of which attracts both locals and tourists to this area. The electric shuttle runs between the Biltmore Hotel at the beach and this shopping street. The “Upper Village” is located at the intersection of East Valley Road and San Ysidro Road, offering more shops. This is a great place to celebrity watch!