From San Diego to San Francisco, the Pacific Coast Highway conjures a sense of real-life magic—pristine beaches, zebras roaming the hills of San Simeon, sea cliffs studded with soaring redwoods. It’s also 600 miles and a 12-hour drive. Sure, PCH isn’t the easiest or fastest way to get from city to city, but that’s not why you do it.
 

MONTECITO

STAY

In the pristine seaside enclave of Montecito, Rosewood Miramar Beach has bungalow-style suites outfitted in calming creams and blues. Its beach is pristine. This is the kind of place where the details are thoughtfully taken care of so guests can focus on the important stuff: making dinner plans and a dent in a good novel.

At the risk of tooting our own horn, the on-site goop store carries an expertly curated selection of vacation-ready clean beauty, outfits, and fine jewelry.

EAT

At the Rosewood, there’s the Manor Bar for innovative cocktails and small bites; AMA Sushi for omakase and Santa Barbara uni; and Caruso’s, helmed by chef Massimo Falsini, for Michelin starred Italian. And if a picnic with a bespoke menu and wine pairings sounds like just the thing, consider it arranged.

All that, plus the allure of Montecito’s thriving food scene. Bettina slings fantastic pizza, Merci is great for organic pastries and light lunches, and Oliver’s serves plant-based new American on a candlelit patio. Rori’s is our go-to for a double-scoop—vanilla bean? black pepper pistachio?—in a house-made cone.