"Once the province of surfers and avocado ranchers, Santa Barbara's prettiest beach community has been discovered by hedge-fund managers and Hollywood celebs. But what's great about Carp - as locals call it - is that it's still a friendly small town.

Much of the new energy is on Linden Avenue, where Jessica Pintard co-owns Corktree Cellars Wine Bar and Bistro($$ 910 Linden), serving up small plates and Santa Barbara County wines. Sly's ($$$ 686 Linden) is the kind of power-dining spot where those hedge-fund managers seal deals.

Shopping stops include the unabashedly girly Punch Interieur (619 Linden), full of vintage clothing and home accessories. Stock up on flip-flops and sunblock at archetypal SoCal surf shop Rincon Designs (659 Linden) because above all, Carp is a beach town; a short walk takes you to Carpinteria Beach and State Park.

Sunset Magazine 11/08