SUMMER, THE MONTECITO WAY
There’s something about summer in Montecito. Maybe it’s the scent of salt air lingering in the breeze or the way the golden hour light lingers just a little longer over the hillside. Perhaps it’s the quiet rhythm of village life—morning walks down Coast Village Road, midday swims, evenings under the stars. Whatever it is, there’s simply nowhere like it.
This summer, Montecito is brimming with the kind of refined experiences that make the season unforgettable. From rooftop music sessions to vineyard nights, the calendar is filled with moments that speak to the elegance, warmth, and magic of this coastal enclave. Below, we’ve curated some of the most notable happenings—a glimpse into a season of beauty, culture, and connection.
Montecito’s Fourth of July Parade
July 4, Parade at 11:30 a.m. at the Upper Manning Park
There’s nothing quite like the charm of Montecito’s hometown celebration. The day begins with a beloved pancake breakfast at the Montecito Fire Department (7–11 a.m.), followed by the classic “Biggest Little Parade” down San Ysidro Road. Decorated bikes, dogs, vintage cars, and smiling neighbors roll from Upper Manning Park to Lower Manning Park, where a festive picnic awaits with live music, food, games, and a pie-eating contest. Wholesome, heartwarming, and uniquely Montecito.
Sunset Sessions at Rosewood Miramar Beach
Select Sundays in July
As the sun sinks over the Pacific, the rooftop at Miramar becomes one of the dreamiest destinations on the coast. The Sunset Sessions series transforms the Mirador rooftop into a live music lounge with signature cocktails, soft lighting, and ocean views that feel like a painting. Romantic, relaxed, and effortlessly chic—this is summer in Montecito at its most iconic.
Vinyl Nights at Folded Hills Montecito Tasting Room
Fridays: July 4, July 11
Just off Coast Village Road, Folded Hills invites you in for Vinyl Nights—a Friday evening ritual of great wine and nostalgic sound. Sip estate-grown Rhône varietals as DJs spin vintage records on the terrace. It’s the kind of gathering where neighbors reconnect, visitors linger, and the details (like antique glassware and perfect playlists) make all the difference.
Elings Park Garden Walks
July 12 & August 9
For those who crave beauty in stillness, Elings Park offers guided morning garden walks led by local naturalists. With themes like Flower Visitors and Fantastic Flies, it’s a peaceful way to reconnect with nature and soak in the serenity of the season. Perfectly paired with a morning latte and a slow drive home along the coast.
Concerts in the Park, Chase Palm Park
Thursdays in July, 6–7:30 p.m.
A beloved Santa Barbara tradition returns. Settle in with a picnic and blanket on the Great Meadow and enjoy free live music under the open sky. Family-friendly and ocean-adjacent, it's the perfect way to ease into those long summer nights.
Fourth of July Celebration at the Waterfront
July 4, West Beach & Cabrillo Boulevard
Santa Barbara’s waterfront comes alive with a full day of celebration—live music, food vendors, beachside performances, and a spectacular fireworks display at 9:00 p.m. Whether you're dancing on the sand or taking in the show from a boat or bluff, it's a holiday highlight.
Children’s Fiesta Parade
Saturday, August 2 at 10:00 a.m.
A cherished part of Old Spanish Days Fiesta, the Children’s Fiesta Parade brings generations of families together in a colorful celebration of tradition. Expect hand-decorated floats, lively music, and vibrant costumes as the parade makes its joyful way down Cabrillo Boulevard.
Where Summer Meets Home
What makes summer in Montecito so extraordinary isn’t just the events—it’s the atmosphere. The effortless luxury. The soft sound of ocean waves just beyond the hedges. The sense that here, time stretches and softens.
This is the setting for some of the most spectacular homes on the California coast. Whether you’re hosting sunset gatherings, spending afternoons by the pool, or stepping out for an evening at Miramar, Montecito offers a lifestyle that blends sophistication with soul.
Looking to make this summer the one where it all begins? Let us arrange a private tour of Montecito’s finest offerings.
