Location: Santa Barbara
Top Things to do in Santa Barbara
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The 6 Best Beaches in Santa Barbara, California (CA)
Nestled between the shrub-covered slopes of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the clear blue shores of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is California at its best. Mission Santa Barbara is an example of 18th-century religious architecture, boasting beautiful grounds and a wonderfully detailed interior. Work up an appetite with a walk through Shoreline Park, then dine above the water on Stearns Wharf. Fig trees, parks, waterfalls, and botanical gardens round out Santa Barbara’s natural beauty.
Restaurants in Santa Barbara
1. West Beach
2. Arroyo Burro County Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 357 reviews
The locals call it Hendry's Beach, a place to meet for breakfast or a cocktail at sunset, stroll or jog the sandy shore, watch for whales, fish or ride the wild surf.
Reviewed By talkslikeaduck - Santa Clarita, United States
This is the place to let your dog run free at the beach in Santa Barbara. people were exercising with their dogs and everyone was respectful of there animals interactions with other dogs. Of course, you are on the beach in Santa Barbara so what's not to like! Anyway it was a great experience for us and our pups!
3. Thousand Steps Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By TravelingMerm - Monrovia, United States
Was looking for some good stairs in the area to keep up my exercise routine while away and wow!! These are such a fun alternative!! I’m so glad I found them and will definitely be back! So, the name is a tad misleading - there aren’t one thousands steps - there are around 150 stairs down to the beach....still a decent amount! Up at the top is a nice viewing area that has safety fencing. The entrance is obvious and marked with a sign as well. There’s a decent sized platform about halfway down...but be cautious bc it was at about that point where the stairs were absolutely soaked with water all the way down. They weren’t terribly slippery but it’s definitely an issue if you’re trying to exercise. You can’t go at any kind of fast pace. I was there right at high tide and the waves were crashing on the bottom couple of stairs, so it’s definitely a good idea to check the tide tables before going - plan ahead. I went ahead and visited during high tide bc the timing of low tide was crazy for me. But you can tell there’s a really nice beach at low tide! The top half of the stairs and the midway platform are shaded nicely ...but the bottom half of stairs are exposed to full sun. The shade is provided by some lovely trees - such a nice area! The entrance is in a rather residential area and parking is all street parking but I had no issues finding a spot right by the entrance - however I was there on a Wednesday morning. I imagine weekends/holidays get packed.
4. Rincon Beach Park
5. Leadbetter Beach
6. East Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By 651dennyw - Santa Barbara, United States
East beach is situated on Cabrillo Blvd as you enter the beach area from Los Angeles. Take the Cabrillo exit and turn left. The beach also has areas for sand-play and a tasty outside cafe. The ocean is cold but invigorating.
