Santa Barbara Beach Guide & Beaches Directory

Santa Barbara Beach Guide & Beaches Directory

Santa Barbara
Beach Guide

Santa Barbara's coastline has miles of spectacular sandy beaches.  Santa Barbara beaches are clean and safe, with coastal mountains making a picture perfect background.  Santa Barbara wildlife viewing is exceptional with Gray and Humpback whales migrating during the winter season.

West Beach

  • West Beach

West Beach is nestled between the wharf and marina, directly across from the Veteran's Center. It is a relatively quiet beach, despite being so close to Motel Row. There aren't any facilities on the beach, but food is available within walking distance.

Rincon Beach

  • Rincon Beach
  • Tel. 805 568 2460

Rincon is one of the premier surfing locations in the world, with an incredible right break. The stronger winter waves leave a rocky shoreline. But by summer, the ocean currents have deposited enough sand to form an enjoyable swimming beach.

Mesa Beach

  • Mesa Beach

This long isolated beach is only accesible during low tides. There are access points at Mesa Lane, and at Santa Cruz Road, but little parking and no facilities.

Leadbetter Beach

  • Leadbetter Beach
  • Tel. 805 564 5418

One of the best beaches for swimming and family fun in Santa Barbara is Leadbetter Beach, just west of the Santa Barbara Marina. The beach is lined with a grassy picnic area with numerous barbecue pits, making Leadbetter the ideal place to hold a summer beach party.

Hendrys Beach

  • Hendrys Beach

Arroyo Burro Beach an extremely popular beach with surfers, joggers, and dog-walkers. There are 600 feet of sandy beach with volleyball, tidepools, and an adjoining grassy picnic area. The Brown Pelican Restaurant, featuring California Cuisine is at the sand's edge.

Goleta Beach

  • Goleta Beach
  • Tel. 805 568 2460

Not Provided

East Beach

  • East Beach
  • Tel. 805 564 5418

East Beach is often the first beach to be seen when entering Santa Barbara. Palm-shaded lawns and clean sand make this one of Santa Barbara's most popular beaches. The beach is also world famous for volleyball, hosting several top-notch tournaments each year.

Butterfly Beach

  • Butterfly Beach

Butterfly Beach is the most west-facing beach in Santa Barbara. This makes it the best beach to watch a sunset, complete with incredible views of the city and the wharf.

August 20, 2008