Beaches in Santa Barbara, CA

1. Butterfly Beach

• Where is Butterfly Beach located?
  • Located in Montecito to the east of the city, right by some fabulous upscale resorts and the vibrant Coral Casino, Butterfly Beach is one of Santa Barbara's most naturally beautiful spots and a great place to visit at any time of year.
• What can visitors do at Butterfly Beach?
  • Even on cloudy days, it can be nice to simply walk along this Santa Barbara beach and admire the views.
• Do you need to step onto the sand to enjoy Butterfly Beach?
  • You don't even need to actually head onto the sand itself to appreciate this beach, as there's a nice rock wall lining the edge of it, providing an ideal spot to sit down and relax.
• What makes Butterfly Beach unique compared to other Santa Barbara beaches?
  • Many of the city's beaches are south-facing, but Butterfly Beach looks out to the west, making it a great spot to visit early in the mornings to admire the sunrise while most of the city is still sleeping.

2. Carpinteria State Beach

• Where is this beach located?
  • Also located in the local town of Carpinteria, which can be found just a long hike or short drive out of Santa Barbara, this beach is a big hit with families.
• Why is this beach great for families?
  • The waters are very calm compared to other Santa Barbara beaches, offering just the right conditions for families to head out and do some swimming together without having to worry about the little ones.
• What amenities are available at this beach?
  • There are some picnic tables and restrooms at this beach, making it a comfortable spot for visitors.
• What wildlife can be seen at this beach?
  • It's a good spot to look out for all kinds of wildlife.
• What other attractions are nearby?
  • The local town of Carpinteria has some good shops and eateries to make your day complete.
  • Check out the Carpinteria State Beach Map.

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

3. Leadbetter Beach

• Why is Leadbetter Beach popular?
  • A very popular beach spot with Santa Barbara locals, Leadbetter Beach is a great spot for surfing and swimming.
• What amenities are available at Leadbetter Beach?
  • It's a very pretty beach with a lot of useful amenities, including BBQs that tend to get claimed quite quickly on warm days. Arriving early is a smart idea if you want to grill up some burgers.
• Are there food options near Leadbetter Beach?
  • If you miss out on the grills, a nearby restaurant offers some great food.
• What facilities are available for visitors?
  • There are restrooms and outdoor showers for public use.
• When is the best time to visit Leadbetter Beach?
  • As this Santa Barbara beach is quite popular, there's always a lively atmosphere here, making it a nice spot to visit on special occasions or summer weekends.

4. Summerland Beach

• Where is Summerland Beach located?
  • Just a little way south of Santa Barbara, Summerland Beach offers a lot of space and is one of the area's best-kept secrets.
• Why is Summerland Beach a hidden gem?
  • Not too many tourists know about this beach, so it never gets overly crowded, resulting in a quiet atmosphere where beachgoers can really listen to the waves and appreciate the tranquility of the day.
• What amenities are available at Summerland Beach?
  • A kids' play area and picnic table can be found here, along with showers and free parking zones.
• What should visitors bring to Summerland Beach?
  • This particular beach is very open, with few shady spots, so you might want to bring a beach umbrella along or remember to wear hats.

5. Mesa Lane Beach

• What makes Mesa Lane Beach a hidden gem?
  • One of Santa Barbara's true hidden gems, Mesa Lane Beach is totally unknown to many travelers in the area, but as soon as you step foot on this beach for the first time, you'll want to come back again and again.
• How do you access Mesa Lane Beach?
  • Getting onto the beach is a bit of a challenge, as you'll have to walk all the way down a very long staircase on Mesa Lane.
  • You'll also have to walk back up at the end of the day, so be sure to save a little energy for the return trip.
• What can visitors expect at Mesa Lane Beach?
  • The views on Mesa Lane Beach are simply extraordinary, and it's a breathtaking spot to lie back and do some sunbathing.