1295 Coast Village Road Santa Barbara, California 93108
Santa Barbara California Things To Do
Santa Barbara Attractions

Things To Do in Santa Barbara, California

Nearly all of Santa Barbara's finest attractions are located within just a few minutes of the Montecito Inn. Our Concierge maintains a fully updated list of the area's best places to visit and activities to enjoy. It would be our pleasure to help plan your itinerary.

The Concierge is available everyday at 805-969-7854 Extension 0, or in person during your stay, from 7am - 11pm. The following are some of the most popular places to see and be seen.
Santa Barbara Beach Attractions

Beaches


There's nothing quite like a sea breeze, to carry you away to wherever you'd like to go…

A visit to Santa Barbara wouldn't be complete without a few steps in the sand. Located just steps away from the area's most exclusive beach and only a short drive along the coast to Santa Barbara's most popular beaches and seafood restaurants, the Montecito Inn offers a convenient and seamless transition into the area's active and sophisticated seaside culture. Year-round sandy shores provide endless enjoyment of this beautiful part of the California coast.

Butterfly Beach, one of the more elegant beaches in the area, offers the perfect atmosphere for sunbathing, relaxing and taking in the sunset with a glass of wine or champagne. Moving along from Montecito to Santa Barbara is East Beach, perfect for families and those seeking an active beach experience with its exceptional public facilities, including a changing pavilion and restaurant. Some of the world's greatest volleyball players once honed their skills at the famed East Beach volleyball nets. On the other side of the stretch is Leadbetter Beach, a popular choice for getting everyone together for a beach barbecue, or even some modest surfing. If you've caught your share of waves before, or just want to catch a view of some of the local skills, there's no better place than Rincon Point, made famous by some of the world's greatest surfing champions.

If you're in the mood for other water activities such as kayaking, jet skiing or sailing, or you simply wish to watch the sights from ashore, West Beach and the Harbor are the places to be. For a simple stroll along the beach after brunch or just before sunset, our Concierge suggests Hendry's Beach, close to the famous Hope Ranch community. Hendry's beach is a beautiful setting, pet-friendly and attracts locals and those in the know. The Boathouse offers an excellent dining experience for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We recommend making reservations, as this is one of the more popular restaurants in Santa Barbara. Close to some of the area's most popular attractions and restaurants featuring casual and upscale cuisine with great local seafood, a day at the beach in Santa Barbara can be just about anything you want it to be. To view an interactive map of beaches in Santa Barbara, California, visit www.santabarbaraca.gov/parks/index.html.

Butterfly Beach


Butterfly Beach reflects the community of Montecito quite well in that it is elegant, intimate, understated and relaxing. This pet-friendly beach is where Montecito locals sink their feet in the sand for a day of sunbathing or a morning or afternoon walk. At the street level, a stone-hewn wall is a common perch for romantics taking in one of Santa Barbara's beautiful sunsets with a glass of wine. Though well known, the elegant surroundings of this beach make for an intimate ambience…enough so, that it's a favorite among some of Santa Barbara's celebrity residents and visitors. Just steps away from the Montecito Inn and Coast Village Road, this is undoubtedly the best way to immerse yourself in the local culture upon your arrival. Butterfly Beach is open from sunrise - 10pm. For more information about Butterfly Beach, please visit www.santabarbara.com/activities/beaches/butterfly/.

East Beach


East Beach offers the ultimate beachside location with wonderful amenities, including more than ten beach volleyball courts made famous by some of the greatest to have every played the game, picnic tables, changing rooms and a full-service restaurant, the East Beach Grill, that all combine to make it very well suited for families and those looking for a more active beach experience. East Beach is also just steps away from the Santa Barbara Zoo. Located at 1400 Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, California, East Beach is open from sunrise - 10 pm. For more information about East Beach and to make picnic reservations, please visit www.santabarbaraca.gov/parks/parks_beach_main.html.

Leadbetter Beach


Leadbetter Beach offers a prime waterfront spot adjacent to Shoreline Park and the Santa Barbara Harbor. Known for its being a great place to swim and surf, you can refuel throughout the day at the popular Shoreline Beach Café. You can also be in charge of the grill, yourself, at any one of the nearby barbecue and picnic areas. Leadbetter Beach is located directly across from Santa Barbara City College at the intersection of Loma Alta and Shoreline Drive and is open from sunrise - 10 pm. To learn more about visiting Leadbetter Beach, please visit www.santabarbaraca.gov/parks/parks_beach_main.html/.

Rincon Point and Beach


Rincon Point offers some of Santa Barbara's - in fact, some of California's - best surfing. Known well in the surfing community, Rincon Point has seen the likes of some of the greatest surfers of all time. A bit off the beaten path, Rincon Point is located 10 miles south of Montecito at the Santa Barbara / Ventura border. There are two sides to the point: surfing to the south and beach to the north. At the bluffs above the beach is a picnic area with views that stretch from Santa Barbara towards Ventura. The beach is open from sunrise - 10pm. To learn more about Rincon Point & Beach, please visit www.santabarbara.com/activities/surfing/.

West Beach and Harbor


West Beach offers 11 acres of sandy shores, west of Stearns Wharf,
for swimming and sunbathing and water sports such as kayaking, jet skiing, wind surfing, and sailing. West Beach is also where you can board the Condor Express for a day of whale watching. The local Channel Islands National Park offers some of the best whale watching in the world, as one third of the cetacean species on Earth make their way through the Channel at various times of the year. Staying onshore, beach volleyball nets are open to the public, and the adjacent bike path provides a direct route to Stearns Wharf on one side and the Harbor on the other. Both offer restaurants with great seafood and a welcoming casual atmosphere. West Beach is open from sunrise - 10pm. To learn more about West Beach, please visit www.santabarbaraca.gov/parks/parks_beach_main.html/.

Hendry's Beach


Hendry's Beach boasts large cliffs that come down to sandy shores, which stretch far enough for a long walk. If there's one place to see pods of dolphins or even a breaching whale while, all while keeping your feet in the sand, this is it. A pet-friendly beach, and a natural setting that's seemingly untouched, Hendry's Beach is a local favorite. The sophisticated yet comfortable Boathouse restaurant is right on the beach, offering an unparalleled view and atmosphere. A popular place for weekend brunch and sunset cocktails and dinner, reservations are highly recommended. Hendry's Beach is open from sunrise - 10pm. To learn more about Hendry's Beach, please visit www.santabarbara.com/activities/beaches/arroyoburro/.

Lotusland Gardens


Lotusland is a singularly unique experience that combines a luxury estate surrounded by landmark gardens that stretch for 37 acres. Located in the foothills of Montecito, the historic Lotusland, which was the life's work of owner Madame Ganna Walska, offers a year-round tour schedule due to the area's accommodating climate. To learn more about visiting Lotusland and touring the unforgettable grounds, please visit www.lotusland.org.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden


The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden was founded in 1926 by famed landscape architect Beatrix Farrand. This California State Historic Landmark is located in Mission Canyon and covers 65 glorious acres on which visitors can view more than 1,000 species of native California plant life. For the adventurous at heart, the garden is surrounded by 5.5 miles of beautiful hiking trails. To learn more about the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, please visit www.sbbg.org.

Santa Barbara Zoo


The Santa Barbara Zoo stretches for 30 acres along the Pacific Ocean and has been rated one of the best small zoos in America. See more than 600 animals from nearly 200 species in a variety of natural habitats set against the beauty of the Santa Barbara coastline. For more information about visiting the Zoo and the many fascinating creatures who call it home, please visit www.santabarbarazoo.org.

Santa Barbara Mission


"To respect our history is the surest way to forge a respectable future…"

Located just 5 miles from the Old Mission Santa Barbara, the Montecito Inn provides modern luxuries just a short drive from this historic landmark. Our Concierge will be happy to provide driving directions, hours of mass, hours for the museum, as well as assist you with visiting any of the other local historic buildings. Bridging the past with the present in its own right, the Montecito Inn is eager to do the same for our Guests and the rich culture and history of our city.

Old Mission Santa Barbara


The Santa Barbara Mission, or Old Mission Santa Barbara as it is known, was established December 4th, 1786. An iconic California landmark that identifies Santa Barbara, the Mission is located between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Today, Old Mission Santa Barbara is the only mission in California which has been continuously under the leadership of the Franciscan Friars since 1786. To learn more about visiting Old Mission Santa Barbara, please visit www.santabarbaramission.org.

Old Mission Santa Barbara History


Old Mission Santa Barbara enjoys a rich history closely associated with the city of its founding. The name of the Santa Barbara Mission comes from Saint Barbara, an early Christian martyr. Damaged in the great Santa Barbara earthquakes of 1812, the current Santa Barbara Mission building was largely constructed in the years following that earthquake and completed in 1820. More devastation would follow with an earthquake in 1925, yet the appearance of the interior of the church has not been changed largely since 1820. To learn more about the rich and fascinating history of Old Mission Santa Barbara, please visit www.santabarbaramission.org/page/history.

Old Mission Santa Barbara Facts & Timeline
  • Current Mission building completed in 1820
  • The Architect was Father Antonio Ripoll
  • From 1854 to 1885 the Santa Barbara Mission was as an apostolic college, making it the first college in Santa Barbara
  • Santa Barbara Mission was returned to the Catholic Church by Abraham Lincoln in 1865
  • Listed on U.S. National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966
  • Designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark on October 9, 1960

Old Mission Santa Barbara Today


Today, Old Mission Santa Barbara continues to serve as a place of worship and houses an historic museum, a gift shop, and a retreat house. To take a virtual tour of the Santa Barbara Mission, please visit www.santabarbara.com/virtual_tour/mission/.

Santa Barbara Museum of Art


The Santa Barbara Museum of Art in downtown Santa Barbara takes top rankings among America's best regional art museums. Featuring a collection of ancient art, 19th and early 20th century art and modern art hailing from Europe, Asia and the Americas, its permanent collection is noted for French Impressionists paintings, sculptures and landscape paintings from the likes of Claude Monet, Georgia O'Keeffe, Thomas Eakins, Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall. To learn more about the permanent collection and upcoming special exhibits at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, please visit www.sbmuseart.org/.

Santa Barbara Bowl - Concerts


The Santa Barbara Bowl is without doubt one of the most beautiful outdoor amphitheaters in the nation, attracting some of the world's most popular musical artists, year after year. Nestled into the hills of the Santa Barbara Riviera, the Santa Barbara Bowl provides an unparalleled intimate music experience. To learn more about the Santa Barbara Bowl, and to see artist schedules and to purchase tickets, please visit www.sbbowl.com/.

Santa Barbara International Film Festival


The Santa Barbara International Film Festival has been a destination for film lovers since 1985. Dedicated to celebrating independent film, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival premieres movies from around the world, while honoring directors and some of the most recognizable actors in the world. The Santa Barbara International Film Festival takes place from January to February. To learn more about attending the festival, and to purchase tickets, please visit www.sbiff.org.

Theaters


The Arlington Theater


Hosting everything from the latest Hollywood film releases and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival to some of the world's most recognizable musical and comedy artists, The Arlington Theater is truly Santa Barbara's center for entertainment. Featuring a beautiful indoor adobe townscape with a ceiling representing the night sky, The Arlington Theater is unique among entertainment venues. To learn more about upcoming events and performances at The Arlington Theater, and to purchase tickets, please visit www.thearlingtontheatre.com/.

The Granada Theater


The Granada Theater is an historic theater that has been newly restored as of 2008 with the support of the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts. A local landmark, this splendid venue seats more than 1,500 and offers one of the most elegant stage settings in America. To learn more about upcoming performances at The Granada Theater, and to purchase tickets, please visit www.granadasb.org/.

The Lobero Theater


Founded in 1873, The Lobero Theater is California's oldest, continuously operating theater. Offering an intimate setting while welcoming some of the world's greatest performers, the Lobero Theater remains one of the finest venues for entertainment in the state. To learn more about upcoming performances at The Lobero Theater, and to purchase tickets, please visit http://www.lobero.com/.

Whale Watching


The Santa Barbara Channel is perhaps the best place on Earth to witness the wonders of many of the world's species of whales and other sea mammals. More species of whales, dolphins and porpoises migrate through this channel than anywhere else in the world. Orcas, Gray Whales, and Humpback Whales can be seen at select times throughout the year. Even the mighty Blue Whale, the largest creature to ever live on Earth, makes its way through these waters. To learn more about whale watching in Santa Barbara, please visit http://www.santabarbara.com/activities/whalewatching/.

Wine Tasting


Though known for its remarkable Pinot Noirs, wine connoisseurs know that this is one of the best regions in the world for varieties of all kinds. With breathtaking scenery of rolling golden hills spotted with the great California oak trees, the Santa Barbara County wine country certainly has a way of satisfying all of the senses. And, if it looks as though it's something out of a movie, that's because it is…follow the wine tasting path made famous by the Hollywood film, Sideways, to enjoy some of the area's finest vineyards. To learn more about the Santa Barbara Wine Country, please visit http://www.sbcountywines.com/.

Universities and Colleges


Located only a short drive from the University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara City College and Westmont College, the Montecito Inn provides luxury boutique accommodations in the nicest part of the Santa Barbara area, while retaining a conveniently close proximity to these world-renowned centers for education. Simple directions to and from these institutions are provided by our Concierge.

University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)


The University of California, Santa Barbara was founded in 1909, joining the University of California school system in 1944 to become one of its 10 general campuses. What began as a small teachers college is today a well-respected public research university, which enjoys a main campus of 1,055 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Home to luminaries from all disciplines, its past and present faculty and alumni include Carol Greider, 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, Finn Kydland, 2004 Nobel Prize in Economics, and Academy Award-winning actor Michael Douglas.

UCSB Campus and Location


The University of California, Santa Barbara enjoys a splendid perch on the cliffs high atop the Pacific Ocean but is not technically part of Santa Barbara, despite the name and its Santa Barbara mailing address. Because the UCSB Santa Barbara campus was never officially annexed by Santa Barbara, it actually remains a separate, unincorporated area between Goleta and Santa Barbara. The UCSB campus is divided into four parts: Storke Campus, North Campus, West Campus and the 708-acre Main Campus, which is the location of most undergrad housing and academic buildings. To learn more about the location and campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara, please visit www.ucsb.edu/campus/.

Academics and Research - UCSB


The University of California, Santa Barbara is the UC system's fifth-largest university in terms of number of students and grants more than 50 graduate degrees and 80 undergraduate degrees. Twice named one of the "hottest colleges" in the United States, UCSB is organized into five colleges and has been ranked among the top universities in the world as well as #39 in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report. Designated a "very high activity" research university, the budget for research at UC Santa Barbara is among the highest in the United States and includes national research centers like the Southern California Earthquake Center and the Materials Research Laboratory. To learn more about the University of California, Santa Barbara's many academic distinctions, please visit www.ucsb.edu/academics/index.shtml.

Santa Barbara City College (SBCC)


Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is one of the nation's highest-rated public community colleges, offering associate degrees in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Social Sciences and English. With a campus that stretches for more than 74 acres, more than 20,000 students attend this beautiful beachside school. To learn more about academics and athletics at Santa Barbara City College, please visit www.sbcc.edu/.

Westmont College


Westmont College is located in the scenic foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains right here in Montecito. A renowned Christian liberal arts college, founded in 1937, Westmont College was ranked by News & World Report as the #99 liberal arts college in the United States, as part of its "America's Best Colleges 2010" report. To learn more about the beautiful Westmont College and campus, please visit www.westmont.edu/.