Montecito Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A hilly landscape with a fenced path, a person walking, and a distant view of a body of water and hills.
A coastal beach with palm trees, a sandy shore, and a clear blue sky.
A beach with a pier, buildings, and mountains in the background.
A sunset over a beach with waves and a distant shoreline.
A beach at sunset with waves, a clear sky, and distant ships.

Stay near popular Montecito attractions

A coastal beach with palm trees, a sandy shore, and a clear blue sky.

Butterfly Beach

9.2/10 (486 reviews)
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Butterfly Beach during your travels in Santa Barbara? Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
See properties

Activities

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

NZ$65
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Helicopter Beach Tour

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

NZ$122
per adult
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

NZ$67
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Visit the Rescued Cats of Cat Therapy

Visit the Rescued Cats of Cat Therapy

NZ$44
per adult
Visit the Rescued Cats of Cat Therapy
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor

Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

NZ$104
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

NZ$62
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
See all activities in Santa Barbara

Our pick of the best Montecito Hotel Deals

Rosewood Miramar Beach

Rosewood Miramar Beach

5 out of 5
1759 South Jameson Lane, Montecito Santa Barbara CA
The price is NZ$3,953 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$3,953
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Butterfly Beach and Santa Barbara Zoo ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (328 reviews)
"It was wonderful allaround"

Reviewed on 4 July 2026

Rosewood Miramar Beach
Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge

2 out of 5
3525 State St Santa Barbara CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$253 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$253
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,550 reviews)
"Excelente"

Reviewed on 11 July 2026

Sandpiper Lodge
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria South

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria South

2 out of 5
5550 Carpinteria Ave Carpinteria CA
The price is NZ$167 per night from 26 July to 27 July
NZ$167
26 July - 27 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Carpinteria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.2/10 Very good! (1,412 reviews)
"Very kind, helpful staff. Could have used an extra clean before we arrived."

Reviewed on 11 July 2026

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria South
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

3 out of 5
4770 Calle Real Santa Barbara CA
The price is NZ$445 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
NZ$445
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,257 reviews)
"Our recent stay was exceptional, characterized by outstanding customer service from the staff and impeccable hotel cleanliness."

Reviewed on 11 July 2026

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

3 out of 5
533 State St Santa Barbara CA
The price is NZ$552 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
NZ$552
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,434 reviews)
"It was amazing also I wish it had continental breakfast ! Wish the parking was free when you stay there! But everyone was so awesome!"

Reviewed on 11 July 2026

Hotel Santa Barbara
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

2.5 out of 5
128 Castillo St Santa Barbara CA
The price is NZ$376 per night from 14 July to 15 July
NZ$376
14 July - 15 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and premium TV channels. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,309 reviews)
"Cute little spot. Quick walk to the beach and wharf"

Reviewed on 11 July 2026

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
See all 1,596 properties in Montecito
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Our guide on where to stay in Montecito

Find the best Montecito areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Montecito
Learn more about Montecito
A coastal town with a pier extending into the ocean, a beach, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings.

Santa Barbara Beach

Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and East Beach.

A coastal town with a prominent white building with a red roof, palm trees, and mountains in the background.

Downtown Santa Barbara

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Lobero Theater or Presidio Santa Barbara might round out your trip.

A marina with multiple boats docked, calm water, and a clear sky.
Photo by Adam Hoggatt
Open Photo by Adam Hoggatt

West Beach

If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and West Beach are top sights worth seeing.

A beach with palm trees, a pier, and the ocean at sunset.

East Beach

East Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like East Beach and Santa Barbara Zoo.

A large tree with dense foliage in a park.

Lower State

While visiting Lower State, you might make a stop by sights like Reagan Ranch Center and Moreton Bay Fig Tree.

Montecito Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip:

Explore a world of travel with Expedia