Montecito travel guide

Montecito Tourism | Montecito Guide

You're Going to Love Montecito

With a population of 8,965, Montecito is a must-see destination in California, United States. Montecito deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in Montecito

If you’re looking for affordable options, Caruso's - Rosewood Miramar Beach (1773 South Jameson Lane) and Rosewood Miramar Beach - Malibu Farm (1759 S Jameson Ln) are great picks.

When to visit Montecito

Montecito in January
Estimated hotel price
$233
1 night at 3-star hotel
Montecito in January
Estimated hotel price
$233
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Montecito

Plane

When flying to Montecito, you’ll arrive at Santa Barbara (SBA), which is located 12 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Montecito include Air Canada, Copa Airlines and Emirates. The shortest domestic flight to Montecito departs from Salt Lake City and takes around 1h 53m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Montecito. The train journey from Montecito to Burbank takes 0h 27m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fullerton, expect to pay about $14 for a 0h 39m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Montecito is to pick up a car rental from Los Angeles, which is about 80 miles from Montecito. You’ll find branches of Ace and Kyte, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Montecito, including Bus, FlixBus and Busbud. From Santa Barbara, the bus ride to Montecito takes 120 miles and will cost you around $64. From Bakersfield, the ticket costs about $32 for a journey of 125 miles.

Plane

When flying to Montecito, you’ll arrive at Santa Barbara (SBA), which is located 12 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Montecito include Air Canada, Copa Airlines and Emirates. The shortest domestic flight to Montecito departs from Salt Lake City and takes around 1h 53m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Montecito. The train journey from Montecito to Burbank takes 0h 27m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fullerton, expect to pay about $14 for a 0h 39m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Montecito is to pick up a car rental from Los Angeles, which is about 80 miles from Montecito. You’ll find branches of Ace and Kyte, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Montecito, including Bus, FlixBus and Busbud. From Santa Barbara, the bus ride to Montecito takes 120 miles and will cost you around $64. From Bakersfield, the ticket costs about $32 for a journey of 125 miles.

Airports near Montecito

Airlines serving Montecito

Lufthansa
Good (4,640 reviews)
KLM
Good (849 reviews)
SWISS
Good (926 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,467 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,604 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,296 reviews)
Air France
Good (982 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,555 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (476 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,934 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,125 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,481 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,758 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (229 reviews)
Finnair
Good (876 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (832 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,166 reviews)
LOT
Good (682 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (913 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Montecito

Average rates range from around $393 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $115 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Montecito

Most booked hotels in Montecito

Harbor View Inn
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 1583 reviews)
$314+
Best Western Plus Santa Barbara
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 1787 reviews)
$193+
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 819 reviews)
$161+
Best Western Plus South Coast Inn
3 stars
Good (7.9, 769 reviews)
$186+
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
5 stars
Good (7.9, 193 reviews)
$767+
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
4 stars
Good (7.4, 702 reviews)
$364+

Renting a car in Montecito

Expect to pay $3.94 per gallon in Montecito (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $47.24 and $62.99. The most frequently booked car type in Montecito is Compact (Nissan Rogue or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Supplier choice rental cars (Class Special Car or similar) are, on average, 46% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Expect to pay $3.94 per gallon in Montecito (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $47.24 and $62.99. The most frequently booked car type in Montecito is Compact (Nissan Rogue or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Supplier choice rental cars (Class Special Car or similar) are, on average, 46% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.