Coast Village, Montecito

Note: This area sustained damage during the 2018 mudslides.

Montecito is where the rich and famous from LA come to find some sanity. Homes here cost many millions of dollars. The main strip, Coast Village Road, is lined with eucalyptus trees and overpriced boutiques and restaurants. Here's the Scoop is a little ice cream shop with yummy gelato in a fresh-baked warm waffle cone. It can be found in the same shopping plaza as Giovanni's Pizza, tucked away in a cute downstairs area.
Another nice spot is Jeannine's Bakery, where you can sit outside on their patio.
There is a Farmers Market at the 1100 and 1200 block of Coast Village Rd at 8-11:15am on Fridays.
For more shops and restaurants in Montecito, in a prettier setting, check out Upper Montecito Village. There is a sweet church there called Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. You can also visit a house built by George Washington Smith, Casa del Herrero, though the docent-led tour is too long.
Nearby, check out Miramar Beach, a lovely curved beach that's great for a summer swim! Or the walk to Hammonds Beach under a canopy of tropical flowers. A beautiful park with pines and lawns is Manning Park.

Directions

Exit Highway 101 southbound on a left-side exit (yes, it feels really weird to exit on the left) at Coast Village Rd. Turn left at the exit and then head straight. You will be on Coast Village Rd and there will be several shopping areas on the left and right.
From Highway 101 northbound, take the Olive Mill Rd exit and continue straight to Coast Village Rd.
Here's the Scoop Icecream, 1187 Coast Village Rd, call (805) 969-7020.
Jeannine's Bakery, 1253 Coast Village Rd, Montecito, CA 93108.

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