• 1. Where to Stay
• 2. Where to Eat
• 3. What to Do
• 4. Insider’s Tip
• 5. An Oddball Day

Butterfly Beach   (Photo: Courtesy Santa Barbara CVB)

Butterfly Beach in neighboring Montecito is the most west-facing beach along the area’s predominantly south-facing coastline, which makes it the prettiest spot to catch a flaming Pacific sunset. The narrow strand of sand fronts low cliffs for part of its length, then uses the gated homes of the seriously rich as its backdrop. Rent bikes or rollerblades at Wheel Fun Rentals (23 E. Cabrillo Blvd.; 805-966-2282) and peddle or skate the six miles to Butterfly. At low tide, walk less than a mile along the water’s edge to busier East Beach and join a pickup volleyball game.

Published on Nov 22, 2006 as a web exclusive.