MONTECITO IN BLOOM
Montecito is a beautiful place to be during the springtime, with its mild climate and scenic surroundings.
Here are some springtime activities you might consider:
VISIT THE LOTUSLAND GARDENS
This botanical garden features a diverse collection of plants and flowers, including exotic species from around the world. Spring is a great time to visit as many of the plants and flowers are in bloom.
Lotusland is a unique and beautiful 37-acre botanical garden, created by Madame Ganna Walska, a Polish opera singer and socialite, who purchased the property in 1941 and spent the next 43 years transforming it into a magnificent landscape filled with rare and exotic plants.
Today, Lotusland features more than 3,000 different plant species from around the world, including cacti, succulents, bromeliads, ferns, and palms, among others. Visitors can explore the garden's many themed areas, such as the Japanese Garden, the Blue Garden, and the Topiary Garden, each with its unique plants and design elements.
One of the most popular features of Lotusland is the Water Garden, which features a stunning collection of lotus flowers, water lilies, and other aquatic plants. The garden also has several sculptures and architectural elements, including a stunning topiary dragon, a hedge maze, and a classical pavilion.
2. TAKE A HIKE
Montecito has many beautiful hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding hills. Spring is an ideal time to hike as the weather is mild and the hills are covered in lush greenery.
Cold Spring Trail - This popular trail features a 2.5-mile ascent up a shaded canyon to a beautiful waterfall. The trailhead is located at the end of Cold Spring Road, and the hike takes approximately 3-4 hours round trip.
San Ysidro Trail - This 3.5-mile trail is known for its scenic views of the Santa Barbara coastline and the Channel Islands. The trailhead is located at the end of San Ysidro Road, and the hike takes approximately 2-3 hours round trip.
Romero Canyon Trail - This 7.6-mile trail is known for its stunning views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Santa Barbara coastline. The trailhead is located at the end of Romero Canyon Road, and the hike takes approximately 5-6 hours round trip.
3. GO TO THE BEACH
Montecito has some of the most beautiful beaches, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. They are less crowded during the spring compared to the summer months.
Butterfly Beach - This beautiful beach is a local favorite and features a wide stretch of sand, calm waters, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It's a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking, and there are plenty of amenities nearby, including restrooms and showers.
Miramar Beach - This secluded beach is located below the Miramar Beach Resort and offers a more private and exclusive experience. The beach is known for its beautiful sunsets and is a great spot for romantic walks or picnics.
4. VISIT THE FARMER’S MARKET
The Montecito Farmers Market takes place every Friday and offers a wide variety of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and crafts. Spring is a great time to visit as many new crops start to become available.
The Montecito Farmer's Market is every Friday from 8:00 am to 11:15 am. The market is located in the lower village of Montecito, on Coast Village Road.
Visitors can find a variety of fresh, locally-grown produce, including seasonal fruits and vegetables, herbs, and flowers. In addition, the market features artisanal goods such as bread, cheese, honey, and jams, as well as handmade crafts.
One of the unique aspects of the Montecito Farmer's Market is its focus on organic and sustainable farming practices. All vendors are certified by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) or are in the process of obtaining certification.
5. DINE AL FRESCO
Montecito has many restaurants with outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy the mild spring weather while dining. Some popular options include Lucky's, The Honor Bar, and Jeannine's Bakery.
Lucky's - This classic steakhouse offers a charming outdoor patio area where diners can enjoy their meals under a canopy of trees.
The Honor Bar - This casual American eatery offers a charming outdoor dining area with comfortable seating and a relaxed atmosphere.
Tre Lune - This Italian restaurant offers a beautiful outdoor patio area with lush landscaping and a charming fountain.
Jeannine's - This popular breakfast and brunch spot offers a lovely outdoor dining area with ample seating and a bright and airy atmosphere.
6. VISIT SANTA YNEZ
Santa Ynez Valley is a picturesque region and is renowned for its scenic vineyards and wineries. Wine tasting is a popular activity in Santa Ynez, with numerous wineries offering visitors a chance to sample a variety of wines.
Some of the popular wineries in Santa Ynez Valley include:
Fess Parker Winery - This winery is located on a 700-acre ranch and offers visitors a chance to sample its award-winning wines while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Sanford Winery - This winery is known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines and offers guided tours of its vineyards and wine-making facilities.
Bridlewood Estate Winery - This winery features a picturesque estate with a tasting room, a bistro, and a horse stable. Visitors can sample a variety of wines and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Sunstone Winery - This winery features a French-inspired chateau and offers visitors a chance to taste its organic wines and explore its vineyards and gardens.
Zaca Mesa Winery - This winery is known for its Rhone-style wines and offers visitors a chance to taste its wines and take a guided tour of its vineyards and wine-making facilities.
Overall, Montecito offers many springtime activities, whether you prefer outdoor adventures or something more relaxing.
