An Enchanting Easter Affair at San Ysidro Ranch

This Easter Sunday, San Ysidro Ranch bloomed into a springtime dream, an elegant, pastel-kissed celebration that perfectly captured the magic of the season. Tucked in the hills of Montecito, the iconic property played host to a joyful Garden Celebration, delighting guests of all ages with its signature charm, culinary excellence, and whimsical holiday touches.

From the moment you stepped onto the storied grounds, the spirit of Easter surrounded you. Giant bunny ears perched playfully atop garden archways, hand-carved chocolate eggs shimmered on display, and fresh spring florals in soft hues adorned every corner. It was as if the Easter Bunny himself had sprinkled magic across the Ranch.

Brunch was hosted in the Ranch’s Michelin-starred Stonehouse Restaurant, an enchanting setting with sun-dappled patios, historic stone walls, and views of the lush gardens. Once seated, guests were welcomed with a beautifully curated Easter basket of house-baked delights: warm croissants, artisan breads, and fluffy muffins, served alongside bottomless sparkling mimosas, TY Bellinis, and freshly pressed juices. It was the kind of start that made everyone smile and sip a little slower.

The three-course brunch menu was a true showcase of Santa Barbara’s spring bounty. To start, guests could choose from egg croquettes, Brentwood corn tortellini, or a fresh Japanese yellowtail that melted in your mouth. The shaved spring vegetable salad with Sicilian burrata was another showstopper; colorful, delicate, and bursting with flavor.

Entrées were equally decadent: butter-braised Maine lobster Benedict (yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds), crispy duck confit, flaky New Zealand Ora King salmon en croûte, and a perfectly tender Colorado rack of lamb. Each dish was thoughtfully crafted and artfully plated, a celebration of spring’s freshest ingredients with a sophisticated twist.

But the real showstopper was the dessert buffet. Picture this: a lavish spread of handmade pastries, chocolate-dipped confections, fluffy cheesecakes, pastel-hued macarons, and a flaming finale of Harry’s Berries strawberry shortcake flambéed to order. Kids and grown-ups alike were wide-eyed and grinning with each sweet discovery.

And as magical as the setting and cuisine were, it was the Ranch’s attentive staff who tied it all together with a bow. Warm, gracious, and glowing with the same springtime spirit as the guests, they made everyone feel welcome and well cared for. Their joy was contagious and you could tell that they, too, were savoring the beauty of the day and the delight of the decor.

The magic didn’t stop at the table. On the garden lawn, little ones giggled through egg hunts at 11 am and 1 pm, posed for photos with the Easter Bunny, and took turns riding miniature ponies and petting long-haired bunnies in the pop-up petting zoo. With live music wafting through the air and the Santa Barbara sunshine lighting up the day, the entire experience felt straight out of a storybook.

It’s no surprise that San Ysidro Ranch continues to be one of the most beloved destinations in Santa Barbara. With its graceful hospitality, exquisite cuisine, and ability to create unforgettable memories, this Easter celebration was one that truly put a spring in everyone’s step.

Until next year, San Ysidro Ranch – every bunny loved it.