Santa Barbara Beaches – Where the Mountains Meet the Sea
Santa Barbara’s coastline offers some of California’s most stunning and diverse beaches — from the lively surf at Leadbetter and the family-friendly sands of East Beach to the serene sunsets at Butterfly Beach in Montecito. Each shoreline captures a different side of coastal life, blending natural beauty with that signature Santa Barbara charm. Whether you’re here to surf, stroll, sunbathe, or simply watch the waves roll in beneath the palm trees, Santa Barbara’s beaches promise something for everyone.
East Beach
East Beach is the heart of Santa Barbara’s waterfront — a wide, sun-soaked stretch perfect for beach volleyball, bike rides, and oceanfront relaxation. Located just east of Stearns Wharf, it’s where locals and visitors come together for picnics, paddleboarding, and festivals beneath the palms. With calm surf, easy parking, and nearby cafés, East Beach offers the ideal blend of activity and leisure, capturing the lively yet laid-back spirit that defines Santa Barbara’s coastal lifestyle.
West Beach
West Beach sits between the Santa Barbara Harbor and Stearns Wharf, offering a perfect blend of scenic beauty and seaside adventure. This central stretch of sand is ideal for paddleboarding, sailing, and strolls along the palm-lined promenade. Visitors can watch boats glide in and out of the harbor, rent kayaks for a close-up view of the coastline, or simply relax and take in panoramic views of the mountains and Channel Islands. With its easy access to downtown, the harbor, and the Funk Zone, West Beach is the ultimate starting point for exploring Santa Barbara’s vibrant waterfront.
Leadbetter Beach
Leadbetter Beach is a local favorite for its easygoing surf, oceanfront barbecues, and postcard-perfect sunsets. Nestled between the Santa Barbara Harbor and Shoreline Park, it’s a go-to spot for beginner surfers, windsurfers, and beachgoers looking to unwind with a picnic on the sand. The gentle waves and grassy bluff above make it ideal for families, students from nearby SBCC, and anyone chasing that classic California beach vibe. With nearby cafés and panoramic coastal views, Leadbetter Beach perfectly captures Santa Barbara’s relaxed, sun-drenched spirit.
Butterfly Beach
Butterfly Beach in Montecito is where Santa Barbara’s elegance meets pure coastal tranquility. Beloved for its golden sunsets, gentle waves, and picture-perfect views of the Channel Islands, this south-facing beach offers a peaceful retreat just minutes from downtown. Locals and visitors alike come here for morning walks, ocean swims, or evening picnics along the seawall. With its refined yet unspoiled charm, Butterfly Beach embodies the timeless beauty that makes Santa Barbara’s coastline truly unforgettable.
Arroyo Burro Beach County Park (Hendry’s Beach)
Arroyo Burro Beach County Park isn’t just another spot on the map; it’s a beloved coastal haven that offers a slice of authentic Santa Barbara life. From dog-friendly freedom to kid-approved picnics and memorable seaside sunsets, this shoreline treasure invites you to slow down, connect with nature, and bask in the laid-back charm of California’s Central Coast.
Shoreline Park Beach
Shoreline Park is one of Santa Barbara’s most breathtaking coastal spots, combining panoramic ocean views with peaceful walking paths and beach access below. Perched atop a grassy bluff between Leadbetter and Mesa Lane, it’s a favorite for picnics, morning jogs, and whale watching during migration season. Families enjoy the playground and open lawns, while adventurers can take the staircase down to the sand for tidepool exploring. With its sweeping vistas of the Channel Islands and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Shoreline Park perfectly captures the harmony of land, sea, and sky that defines Santa Barbara’s coastline.
Mesa Lane Beach
Mesa Lane Beach is one of Santa Barbara’s most peaceful and hidden coastal escapes, tucked beneath the bluffs of the Mesa neighborhood. Accessible only by a long wooden staircase, this quiet stretch of sand rewards the climb with stunning ocean views, uncrowded surf breaks, and a true sense of solitude. Beloved by locals for sunrise yoga sessions, beach walks, and laid-back surf sessions, Mesa Lane offers a raw, natural beauty that feels worlds away from the city — yet remains just minutes from downtown Santa Barbara.
Goleta Beach
Goleta Beach is a beloved destination just north of Santa Barbara, known for its spacious shoreline, scenic pier, and family-friendly atmosphere. Located next to UCSB, it’s a popular hub for barbecues, picnics, and fishing, with large grassy areas, playgrounds, and plenty of parking. The calm waters and gentle surf make it ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply wading in the Pacific. With its blend of natural beauty and community energy, Goleta Beach captures the laid-back coastal lifestyle that defines the Santa Barbara area — a place where sunsets, seagulls, and surf all come together.
Sands Beach
Sands Beach, located at the western edge of Isla Vista near UCSB, is a quintessential Southern California surf spot with a youthful, energetic vibe. Known for its consistent waves and sweeping coastal views, it’s a favorite among students, surfers, and sunset seekers alike. A short walk or bike ride from campus, Sands offers a blend of adventure and relaxation — from early morning surf sessions to laid-back beach gatherings as the sun dips into the Pacific. Surrounded by coastal bluffs and tidepools, this beach perfectly embodies the carefree, sun-soaked spirit of Isla Vista.
Campus Point
Campus Point, located on the eastern edge of the UC Santa Barbara campus, is a picturesque blend of surf, sand, and scenic bluffs that define the university’s oceanfront setting. It’s a favorite among surfers for its long right-hand waves and among students and locals for its easy access and breathtaking views of the Pacific. The beach below the bluff offers tidepools and gentle spots for swimming or bodyboarding, while the overlook above provides one of the best sunrise and sunset views in the area. Whether you’re a UCSB student taking a study break or a visitor exploring the coastline, Campus Point is pure Santa Barbara magic — where education meets the ocean.
Carpinteria State Beach
Carpinteria State Beach, just south of Santa Barbara, is a family-friendly coastal gem known for its gentle waves, wide sandy shores, and relaxed small-town atmosphere. Nicknamed “the world’s safest beach” for its calm surf and shallow entry, it’s ideal for swimming, camping, and tidepool exploring. The beach features well-maintained campgrounds, picnic areas, and easy access to downtown Carpinteria’s charming cafés and shops. With stunning mountain views and unforgettable sunsets, Carpinteria State Beach offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and laid-back California coastal living — a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Summerland Beach
Summerland Beach offers a quiet, uncrowded escape just minutes south of Santa Barbara. Accessible from Lookout Park, this serene stretch of coastline is perfect for long walks, beachcombing, and enjoying panoramic views of the Channel Islands. The calm atmosphere and dog-friendly policy make it a favorite among locals seeking a more relaxed seaside experience. After your beach day, stroll up to the charming town of Summerland for boutique shopping or ocean-view dining. Blending natural beauty with small-town charm, Summerland Beach is a true hidden treasure along the Santa Barbara coast.
El Capitan State Beach
El Capitán State Beach, about 20 minutes west of Santa Barbara, is a stunning coastal haven known for its rocky tidepools, shady sycamores, and sweeping ocean vistas. Popular for camping, picnicking, surfing, and kayaking, it captures the wild, untamed beauty of California’s Central Coast. The beach’s gentle point break attracts surfers of all levels, while the nearby trails and bluffs offer panoramic views perfect for sunrise hikes or sunset photography. With its mix of adventure and tranquility, El Capitán State Beach delivers the quintessential Santa Barbara camping experience — where nature, ocean, and open sky meet in perfect harmony.
Refugio State Beach
Refugio State Beach, located just north of El Capitán, is one of Santa Barbara County’s most picturesque seaside escapes. Framed by swaying palm trees and calm, turquoise waters, it offers a uniquely tropical feel along California’s rugged coastline. The protected cove makes it ideal for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, while the palm-lined picnic areas invite long, relaxing afternoons by the sea. Popular with campers and day visitors alike, Refugio is the perfect spot to unplug, explore tidepools, or catch a golden sunset over the Pacific — a peaceful slice of paradise that embodies the natural beauty of the Santa Barbara coast.
Gaviota State Park Beach
Gaviota State Park Beach marks the dramatic gateway between Southern and Central California, offering a rugged, unspoiled stretch of coastline just 30 minutes northwest of Santa Barbara. Known for its iconic pier, coastal cliffs, and natural hot springs nearby, Gaviota is a favorite for campers, hikers, and adventure seekers. The steady winds make it ideal for surfing, fishing, and kiteboarding, while the surrounding bluffs provide stunning hiking trails with panoramic ocean views. With its raw beauty and untamed landscape, Gaviota State Park Beach captures the wild spirit of the Santa Barbara coast — a place where the mountains meet the sea in their purest form.