Butterfly Beach

Across from the Four Seasons Biltmore, this beach is deceptive in its simplicity. Since it is a Montecito Beach, and Montecito and the Biltmore have more than their share of celebrities, you have a good chance of seeing somebody famous here.

Of course, if you do see somebody famous, you'll want to act cool, like it happens everyday because - well - here it does.

This is also one of the few west-facing beaches in Santa Barbara so you can see a sunset over the water!

Cons: Bring your lunch and water and sunscreen because there are no public facilities at this beach. It's a real locals kind of place.

BEACH HIGHLIGHTS:

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DIRECTIONS:

Take the 101 to Olive Mill Road in Montecito (a few minutes south of Santa Barbara). At the stop sign, turn towards the ocean (away from the mountains) and follow it a quarter of a mile along the coast. Butterfly Beach is on your left. Parking is limited and will be packed with cars on most weekends. Park on either side of the street along the beach or drive up Butterfly Rd and park in the nearby neighborhoods.