Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP 10 BEACHES AROUND SANTA BARBARA
Although Santa Barbara's beaches are beauty-pageant prize winners, don't expect sun-
sets over the ocean because most of this coast faces south.
East Beach ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; E Cabrillo Blvd) Santa Barbara's largest and most popular
beach is a long, sandy stretch sprawling east of Stearns Wharf, with volleyball nets for
pick-up games, a children's play area and a snack bar. On Sunday afternoons, artists set
up booths along the sidewalk, near the bike path.
Butterfly Beach ( GOOGLE MAP ; Channel Dr east of Butterfly Ln) Armani swimsuits and Gucci
sunglasses abound at this narrow but chic swimming beach in front of the historic Bilt-
more hotel. Don't be surprised if you spot a celeb. The beach faces west, so you can catch
a sunset here.
West Beach ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; W Cabrillo Blvd) Between Stearns Wharf and the harbor
you'll find calm waters for kayaking, sailing and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). It's
most popular for sunbathing with tourists staying nearby. For lap swimming, head in-
doors to Los BaƱos del Mar .
Leadbetter Beach ( GOOGLE MAP ; Shoreline Dr at Loma Alta Dr) Further west of the harbor,
this is a fantastic spot for swimming or learning to surf or windsurf. A grassy picnic area
atop the cliffs makes it just that much more family friendly.
One Thousand Steps Beach ( GOOGLE MAP ; foot of Santa Cruz Blvd at Shoreline Dr; sun-
rise-10pm) Descend the cliffs on a historic staircase (don't worry, there aren't actually
1000 steps) for some windy beachcombing and tide-pooling (best at low tide), but no
swimming. Neighboring Shoreline Park has a grassy area with picnic tables and a chil-
dren's playground.
Arroyo Burro Beach County Park Near the junction of Cliff Dr and Las Positas Rd, this
gem has a picnic area and the family-style Boathouse restaurant. The beach is flat, wide,
away from tourists and great for kids, who can go tide-pooling. It's also a popular local
surf spot. Look for an off-leash dog area at Douglas Family Preserve, on the cliffs above
the beach.
Goleta Beach County Park ( GOOGLE MAP ; www.countyofsb.org/parks ; Sandspit Rd, Goleta;
8am-sunset) In the western suburbs near the University of California Santa Barbara
(UCSB) campus, this beach is a locals' scene. There's a 1500ft-long fishing pier, a bike
path and wide, sandy stretches for sunbathing after taking a dip or surfing easy waves.
From Hwy 101, take Hwy 217 westbound.
Carpinteria State Beach About 12 miles east of Santa Barbara off Hwy 101, this mile-long
beach has beautifully calm waters that are great for swimming, wading and tide-pooling,
especially for younger kids.
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