Montecito Beaches
Miramar beach
A small, picturesque beach sits in front of the luxurious Rosewood Miramar Beach resort but remains accessible to the public. With its soft golden sand and relatively calm waters, Miramar offers a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. During low tide take a walk all the way to the SB pier and pick up the beautiful sea glass! Access is available through the hotel and via public entrance points, though parking is limited in the residential neighborhood.
Butterfly Beach
Montecito, secluded beach, great for sunsets, known for pristine sand and calm water, perfect for relaxation and more intimate beach setting. Tides can affect the size of the beach. Even in high tide when there is no sand, there is a great seawall to sit and watch waves.
Butterly Beach
Santa Barbara Beaches
East Beach
Heart of Santa Barbara, urban beach experience near downtown attractions such as the SB Zoo, State Street, and the Funk Zone. Great place to pick up a game of beach volleyball!
Hendry's Beach
A popular spot for local wildlife enthusiasts, with opportunities to see marine birds and potentially sea lions. Offers walking trails, picnic areas, and a more natural setting. Great for dog walking and meeting other dog owners! If you get hungry the Boat House Restaurant is right there. It can be difficult to find parking on a nice day.
Leadbetter Beach
Next to the Santa Barbara Harbor with shopping & great restaurants. Ideal for kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing with its mainly calm waters. Enjoy the sailboat races (March-October) & Nite Moves run on Wednesday nights (June-August!) Also a great place to have a picnic or use the public BBQs or try Shoreline Restaurant on the sand.
West Beach
Next to Sterns Wharf/SB Pier. Easy access and proximity to waterfront restaurants, hotels, the harbor, and State Street. Large sandy beach during all tides. Sometimes a little smelly.
1000 Steps Beach
Only about 150 steps down from Shoreline Dr., seclusion and natural beauty. Tide pool exploration, scenic photography, and a more rugged beach experience. Beach access can be affected by high tide!
Hendry's Beach
Goleta Beaches
Campus Point
Great spot for surfing and watching surfers among the UCSB students and Isla Vista residents. Offers great opportunities for marine biology enthusiasts to observe coastal ecosystems and marine life. Great place for sunsets in the winter months. High tides may affect access points down to the beach and could be a walk depending on tides.
Goleta Beach Park
Features extensive picnic areas, barbecue pits, and a pier, making it ideal for family gatherings and group outings. Provides excellent fishing opportunities from the pier and beautiful views of the Santa Barbara Channel.
Haskell's Beach
Located near the Sandpiper Golf Club, this beach offers a quiet and scenic environment. Features a wide, sandy shoreline perfect for long walks and enjoying unobstructed ocean views. The beach is a little walk from the parking lot.
Campus Point Beach
Carpinteria & Summerland Beaches
Carpinteria City Beach
The main city beach with easy access from downtown. A mile-long, gentle shoreline with calm waters perfect for swimming. Known as one of the safest beaches in California for families with gentle surf and frequent seal and dolphin sightings. Features volleyball courts, picnic areas, and is walking distance to restaurants and shops. Nice sandy beach in high & low tides!
Rincon Beach
Famous surf spot with consistent waves and beautiful views. The southern portion is more suitable for sunbathing while the northern area attracts surfers.
Padaro Beach
Less crowded with soft sand and good swimming conditions. Popular with locals and has some charming beachside eateries nearby. There is a public access trail on Padaro Ln. This beach is shaped like a horese shoes so in high tides access on either end is blocked.
Tar Pits
More natural setting with stunning ocean views from the bluffs. Features tide pools and seal viewing at the Harbor Seal Sanctuary. Good spot to surf and located in front of the Carpinteria camp grounds.
Lookout Park Beach (Summerland Beach)
A wide, sandy shoreline with excellent views of the Channel Islands, generally less crowded with free parking, picnic benches and a playground. A dog-friendly (on leash) atmosphere, walking distance to charming shops and restaurants in Summerland & a path for easy beach access from the bluff! A great beach to enjoy a sunset walk!
Lookout Park Beach
