Montecito

Montecito is an unincorporated town and census-designated place in Santa Barbara County, California, United States. It sits along the Pacific coast, roughly five to seven miles southeast of downtown Santa Barbara, with the Santa Ynez Mountains to the north and the ocean to the south. The community is known for its affluent residential character, low population density, and a small commercial area along Coast Village Road.

Development began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a resort and residential retreat. Notable sites include the San Ysidro Ranch, the Lotusland botanical garden, and the private estates that line the coastline, including Butterfly Beach.

Montecito experiences a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The area is susceptible to wildfires and, in 2018, heavy rainfall caused catastrophic mudslides that killed 23 people and caused extensive damage.

As an unincorporated area, Montecito is governed by Santa Barbara County. It is accessible via U.S. Route 101, with Santa Barbara Municipal Airport the nearest major air gateway.

Residential real estate remains the defining feature of Montecito’s economy and identity, attracting a mix of longtime residents and newcomers. The community emphasizes privacy and scenic landscape, contributing to its status as a high-value enclave in the region.