Butterfly Beach
Montecito, CA
Butterfly Beach sits below Montecito's Butterfly Lane and the historic Biltmore Hotel, stairs from either street leading down to a genuinely upscale stretch of sand with some of the best sunset views on the South Coast. It's a quieter, more residential beach than the busier stretches closer to downtown Santa Barbara.
The genuinely excellent sunset views and upscale, quiet setting make it a real Montecito favorite, though the limited on-street parking takes some patience.
How we score beachesCome for sunset if you can, this is one of the best regarded sunset beaches on the whole South Coast, especially with the Biltmore's silhouette in view.
Free on-street parking is available near both access points.
Stairs lead down to the beach from Butterfly Lane and from the street seaward of the Biltmore Hotel.
Dogs are welcome; check posted signage for specific leash rules.
Fog is common most mornings year round, typical of the Santa Barbara coast.
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