Located a mere two hours north by car, Montecito feels a world away from L.A.’s hectic hustle. Embraced by mountains on one side and the Pacific on the other, the city’s natural surroundings are the perfect setting for a weekend getaway any time of year. In addition to these go-tos , here’s a guide to what’s new and notable on the American Riviera.
San Ysidro Ranch; Photo Courtesy of San Ysidro Ranch
Always a favorite, the storied San Ysidro Ranch was just named the World’s Most Romantic Boutique Hotel and America’s Best Honeymoon Hotel by the 2024 Boutique Hotel Club Awards. Perched on 500 acres, the ultra-private destination consists of 38 accommodations, each styled with curated antiques and original art, soaking tubs and canopy beds. Beyond that, the grounds are plush with rose gardens, lavender fields, olive groves and a hillside pool that overlooks the land out toward the ocean. The magical resort boasts a full-service salon and spa and the award-winning Stonehouse restaurant, along with the Speakeasy at Plow & Angel. The new Ty Waner Wine Collective includes personalized consultations, curated tasting classes with uber-rare bottles and guided excursions to invite-only wineries nearby. It’s no wonder the hotel has been a go-to for notables like John and Jacqueline Kennedy, who honeymooned there, and a wedding destination for celeb couples including Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger, and Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin.
Montecito is set to dazzle food lovers with an exciting lineup of culinary openings, promising a feast for every palate. Leading the charge this fall is Alma Fonda Fina , a Mexican soul food haven at Montecito Country Mart by acclaimed chef Ramón Velazquez (of Corazón Cocina fame). Expect bold flavors and heartfelt dishes that honor Mexican traditions. Right down the street, Lion’s Tale, a sophisticated bar at Montecito Inn by Good Lion Hospitality, will offer inventive cocktails paired with French-inspired bites from Sama Sama. For a brasserie vibe, Bar Lou debuts on Coast Village Road in November, delivering coastal flair from the team behind Little Dom’s Seafood. Sweets take center stage at Marley Confections, opening in the Upper Village this fall. Known for its handcrafted dark chocolate caramels infused with Golden State flavors like pistachios and amaro, it’s destined to be a go-to for chocoholics. Looking ahead, 2025 will bring more treasures. Little Mountain, a seasonal dining spot by chef Joel Viehland, joins the Upper Village in March. Meanwhile, Clark’s, a seafood concept by the team behind Clark’s Oyster Bar, promises a design destination by Santa Barbara’s Jeff Shelton. Rounding it out, RH Montecito will open a chic wine bar and restaurant in the historic Old Firehouse.
Photo Courtesy of The Post Montecito
Slated to debut in Dec. 2024, The Post Montecito is set to redefine luxury retail and hospitality on California’s Central Coast. The brainchild of visionary developers Joey Miller and David Fishbein—known for Platform in L.A.—this meticulously curated destination will blend high-end shopping, dining, and cultural experiences in the heart of Montecito. Housed within six restored historic buildings on a tucked-away lane, The Post will honor the area’s charm while introducing a modern sensibility. The lineup features 13 hand-picked merchants, including celebrated brands like Janessa Leoné, The Great, Amber Interiors, Brooklyn-based Merlette and international favorite Maygel Coronel, alongside emerging designers such as Teller. On the culinary front, the acclaimed Little King and a fresh concept from Loreto’s founders will bring L.A.’s vibrant food scene north. More than a shopping hub, The Post promises artisan marketplaces, pop-ups, and family-friendly programming, becoming a cultural touchstone for locals and visitors alike. As well, Scottsdale-based shop Wunderkind, which carries clothing and accessories from brands including Alaia, Gabriela Heart, The Row and more, recently opened on San Ysidro Road.
After a 5-year renovation, the Four Seasons Resort, The Biltmore Santa Barbara will reopen in 2025. Owned by Ty Warner Hotels & Resorts, the legendary property—initially crafted in 1927 by architect Reginald Johnson—will blend its historic Spanish Colonial Revival charm with modern refinements, including the addition of a new Nobu restaurant, elevating its already iconic status. Across Butterfly Beach, the exclusive Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club will also unveil its transformation. In an exciting first, its celebrated restaurant, Tydes, will open to non-members. In partnership with Ty Warner, renowned chef Thomas Keller will helm this reimagined dining destination set within the club’s Moderne-Art Deco-style building.
Photography by: San Ysidro Ranch
