Lay of the Land

You may hear people referring to different “village” areas of Montecito. For newcomers and tourists alike, this may cause some head-scratching and confusion. Although Montecito is only a little over nine square miles, it’s still large enough to offer multiple areas and pockets for dining, drinking, and, of course, shopping.

Upper Village

If you take San Ysidro Road toward the mountains and then turn left on East Valley Road, you will arrive at the Upper Village (also known as Montecito Village). On either side of East Valley Road, you will discover local restaurants, businesses, and shops. There are two small grassy areas to enjoy and lots of open parking. This is where you’ll find Montecito’s main post office and the charming Montecito Library. Close by, Pierre Lafond & Co. houses more shops and restaurants and a beautiful green space area.

Lower Village/Coast Village Road

If you’re looking for the main street of Montecito, look no further than Coast Village Road. You will find plenty of local clothing stores, home furnishing boutiques, jewelry stores, beauty services, and many restaurant options beginning at the intersection of Olive Mill Road and Coast Village Road. On Friday mornings, you can catch the farmers’ market too. Parking may be busy, especially during the evenings and weekends. The Montecito Inn and Coast Village Inn offer guests the ability to stay right on the main drag.

Montecito Country Mart

Located at the opposite end of Coast Village Road, where Hot Springs Road and Coast Village Road meet, you’ll spy the Montecito Country Mart. With twenty-plus shops and restaurants, the Mart is an easy one-stop shopping experience. Children’s stores, men’s and women’s clothing, restaurants, and cafés abound. Pavilions, Montecito’s main grocery store, can also be found here. There are multiple parking areas, but parking may be competitive at times.