Montecito may be the most intriguing of Santa Barbara’s suburbs, home to many of the entertainment industry’s most powerful players and some of the world’s richest people. (Many locals refer to the town as Moneycito.) We took our Rondo on leisurely drive along its tree-shaded streets, peeking through gates at the most elaborate estates architects could dream up. A local woman walking her dog kindly suggested we check out Hammond Point, located between the Four Seasons and the formerly Ian Schrager-owned Miramar Hotel, While you’re in the area, stopping by the Four Seasons for high tea is a great way to get a taste of the royal treatment, and the pastries seem a little sweeter when you‘re still sifting sand between your toes. Hammond Point, however, is a ‘locals only’ surf spot. We might have given the waves a go, but we’ve all seen Point Break and, well, we didn’t want to be confronted by territorial local dudes like Patrick Swayze.
On the subject of surfing, Santa Barbara’s spots are some of the most renowned in the world. The most famous of them is Rincon Point, which is easily visible from the 101 just south of Montecito. But if you like the look of surfing a little more than the act, head downtown to Beach House Surf Shop on the town’s main drag, State Street. While we were downtown, we had to check out La Super Rica Taqueria on Milpas Street. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the constant line on the sidewalk is a sure sign you’re in the presence of greatness. Chef Julia Child even anointed this hole-in-the-wall her favorite taco shop—no, seriously. David Crosby is also said to be a regular, and by all appearances he’s something of a foodie. Do your taste buds a favor and order a carnitas taco or four.
No need to guess how my girlfriend chose to work off a great Mexican meal: shopping. If you’re looking to spend money, look no further than Blue Bee, Santa Barbara’s answer to L.A.’s Fred Segal. This local boutique carries everything from high-priced jeans to account-draining designer handbags. Blue Bee now has four locations to make husbands cringe, but offers an olive branch with a single men’s store, Blue Beetle. If you’re looking for less sticker shock, head over to Paseo Nuevo Mall. Part indoor, part outdoor, your options here are far from limited. State Street itself also offers a cornucopia of shops ranging from fine jewelry to thrift stores.
As long as you have your wallet out, you may as well browse the Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show, which is held every Sunday on East Beach, paralleling Cabrillo Boulevard just a few blocks from downtown. It’s a bit overpriced, but the beachside location can’t be beat. This weekly fair, sponsored by the Department of Parks and Recreation, was inspired by Mexico City’s celebrated Jardin del Arte.
When you’re done checking out the local arts, wander out onto historic Stearns Wharf, where State Street meets Cabrillo. The wooden wharf was built in 1872 and has been used for everything from supplying WWII warships to providing a dock for casino boats. It’s the most popular tourist destination in all of Santa Barbara, but don’t let that dissuade you. All this shopping and walking stirred our appetites back up, so we decided to try something typically Californian: organic cuisine. The Sojourner Café on East Cañon Perdido creates a daily menu based entirely on the freshest organic produce of local farmers. It’s open for lunch, dinner, and as a guiltless-yet-delicious late night meal. Try anything on the menu, it’s all good.
