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1. Butterfly Beach - 10 minutes east of downtown Santa Barbara

Butterfly Beach - 10 minutes east of downtown Santa Barbara

© Alison Jones/Danita Delimont

Location: Montecito, just east of Santa Barbara, CA

Recommended For: Couples, walkers, sunrise lovers, photographers, and visitors seeking quiet elegance near luxury resorts.

What I Love: "There’s something cinematic about Butterfly Beach—sunrises shimmer, waves whisper, and you can enjoy it all from a seaside wall with your coffee. It's understated and effortlessly beautiful."

  • Walk the length of the beach or along the scenic bluff, soaking in ocean views even on overcast days.
  • Sit atop the rock wall that edges the beach—no need to touch sand to enjoy the ocean breeze and serenity.
  • Watch the sunrise from the west-facing shore—unusual in Santa Barbara and ideal for peaceful early mornings.

Cost: Free public access; street parking available nearby.

Best time to visit: "I like to go in the mornings for solitude. Or to catch a sunrise views."

Local tips: There are no restrooms or shops on the beach—come prepared. Bring a blanket or cushion if you plan to sit on the rock wall.

Distance: About 10 minutes east of downtown Santa Barbara by car or bike.

How to Get to Butterfly Beach: From Santa Barbara, drive east along Cabrillo Blvd, which becomes Channel Drive. Look for signs near Coast Village Road and park along the street.

2. Carpinteria State Beach - 20 minutes south of Santa Barbara by car

Carpinteria State Beach - 20 minutes south of Santa Barbara by car

© svetography/stock.adobe.com

Location: Carpinteria, CA (a short drive or long hike south of Santa Barbara)

Recommended For: Families, swimmers, picnickers, nature lovers, and day-trippers exploring the Santa Barbara coast.

What I Love: "Calm waves, sandy shores, and plenty of space to relax—Carpinteria State Beach is the kind of family-friendly destination where kids can play safely and adults can truly unwind."

  • Swim in some of the calmest waters on the coast, perfect for young children and cautious swimmers.
  • Picnic at shaded tables or near the beach, with easy access to clean restrooms and wide open space for games.
  • Watch for local wildlife—from sea birds to tidepool creatures—as you enjoy a peaceful shoreline walk.

Cost: Day-use fee required for parking; walk-in visitors enter free. Campground reservations available for overnight stays.

Best time to visit: Spring and early fall for mild weather and fewer crowds; summer for full amenities and community buzz.

Local tips: Bring a beach umbrella for shade and walk into downtown Carpinteria for tacos, ice cream, and surf shops after your beach day.

Distance: About 15–20 minutes south of Santa Barbara by car.

How to Get to Carpinteria State Beach: From US-101, take the Carpinteria Avenue exit and follow signs to the State Beach entrance on Palm Avenue.

Address: Carpinteria State Beach, 205 Palm Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013
Website: parks.ca.gov

Review:★★★★★ "It was peaceful when my kids and I visited. The beach had a relaxed vibe, with plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy the sun. The tide pools were fun to explore. I loved how close the park was to the town!"

Here is a fun video about getting to know Santa Barbara, ice cream, surfing and more.


Family Beaches in Santa Barbara, CA:

3. Leadbetter Beach - 5 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara

Leadbetter Beach - 5 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara

© DavidMSchrader/stock.adobe.com

Location: Santa Barbara, CA, near Shoreline Park and Santa Barbara City College

Recommended For: Locals, surfers, swimmers, BBQ lovers, families, and weekend beachgoers.

What I Love: "It’s the kind of beach that brings everyone together—surfers in the waves, families at the grills, and groups relaxing under the sun. Leadbetter is laid-back Santa Barbara energy at its best."

  • Surf or swim in the inviting waves—this beach is well-loved by locals for its water access.
  • Grill your own beachside feast using public BBQs (but arrive early—they go fast on sunny days).
  • Dine at the nearby restaurant if the grills are full—great food with ocean views is never far away.

Cost: Free public access; parking available in the adjacent lot and nearby streets.

Best time to visit: Weekends and holidays for a lively scene; weekday mornings for more space and quieter vibes.

Local tips: Bring your own charcoal and utensils if planning a BBQ. Outdoor showers and restrooms are available—great for a full beach day.

Distance: Just 5 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara; easily accessible by car, bike, or on foot.

How to Get to Leadbetter Beach: From Cabrillo Blvd, turn onto Loma Alta Drive or Shoreline Drive. Follow signs to Leadbetter Beach Park near the harbor area.

Address: Leadbetter Beach, Shoreline Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Website: sbparksandrec.santabarbaraca.gov


4. Summerland Beach - 10 minutes south of downtown Santa Barbara

Summerland Beach - 10 minutes south of downtown Santa Barbara

© oatawa/stock.adobe.com

Location: Summerland, CA (just south of Santa Barbara)

Recommended For: Solitude seekers, families with kids, casual beachgoers, and those looking for a peaceful, uncrowded alternative to Santa Barbara’s busier beaches.

What I Love: "Summerland Beach is that rare coastal find—spacious, serene, and mostly known by locals. With wave sounds as your soundtrack and wide-open skies above, it’s the perfect escape when you need to breathe deeply."

  • Relax on a quiet, uncrowded beach with ample room to spread out and enjoy the peaceful vibe.
  • Play with little ones at the on-site kids' play area or picnic with ocean views at nearby tables.
  • Rinse off after your beach day with public showers and take advantage of easy, free parking nearby.

Cost: Free public access and free street parking available.

Best time to visit: Weekdays for total tranquility; mornings and late afternoons for the best lighting and cooler temps.

Local tips: There’s little shade here—bring a beach umbrella, hats, and sunscreen to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Distance: About 10 minutes south of downtown Santa Barbara by car.

How to Get to Summerland Beach: Take US-101 S and exit at Evans Avenue in Summerland. Head down to Lookout Park where beach access and parking are located.

Address: Summerland Beach, Lookout Park, Summerland, CA 93067
Website: santabarbaraca.com


Romantic Beaches in Santa Barbara, CA:

5. Mesa Lane Beach - 10 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara

Mesa Lane Beach - 10 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara

© Eugenia/stock.adobe.com

Location: Mesa Lane, Santa Barbara, CA

Recommended For: Adventure seekers, locals, sunbathers, photographers, and those looking for a secluded beach experience.

What I Love: "Mesa Lane Beach is for those willing to earn their ocean view—after 200+ steps down, you're rewarded with raw coastal beauty, crashing waves, and a quiet stretch of sand you'll never want to leave."

  • Access the beach via a dramatic staircase—steep but unforgettable—off Mesa Lane near the intersection with Edgewater Way.
  • Sunbathe in peaceful solitude or take in some of the most awe-inspiring coastal views in Santa Barbara.
  • Escape the crowds—this hidden gem is rarely busy, making it ideal for undisturbed beach time and reflection.

Cost: Free public access; limited free street parking in nearby residential areas.

Best time to visit: Midday to early evening for warm sunlight and ideal tide conditions—check tide charts before you go.

Local tips: Bring water and light gear—you’ll be climbing a long stairway back up. No restrooms or facilities on-site, so plan accordingly.

Distance: About 10 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara by car or bike.

How to Get to Mesa Lane Beach: From Cliff Drive, turn onto Mesa Lane and walk to the beach access point at the cul-de-sac. Descend the wooden staircase to reach the shore.

Address: Mesa Lane Beach Access, Mesa Ln, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Website: sbparksandrec.santabarbaraca.gov


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