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Local picks in Santa Barbara

Beach spots

The rhythm of the waves is the only thing that can quiet a busy mind.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
Stearns Wharf image 1
Stearns Wharf image 2
Stearns Wharf image 3
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Historical landmark

Pier offers breathtaking ocean views and a peaceful, historic atmosphere. Visitors enjoy fishing off the dock and exploring hands-on marine exhibits popular with kids. Walking along the beach and marina reveals romantic sunsets and mountain sights.

Beautiful ocean views meet a clean beach and pier with fresh air. Walking along the beach, marina, and wharf offers romantic sunsets and nice sights of the mountains and church.

People are saying

"The panoramic views of the mountains meeting the Pacific are breathtaking."

"You'll find fun activities like strolling, shopping, and eating with great ocean views."

"I loved walking the beach and enjoying the beautiful scenery."

Good to know

1

Parking is free for the first 90 minutes at Stearns Wharf.

2

There are various shops and restaurants with ocean views on the wharf.

3

Visitors can walk to Stearns Wharf from nearby hotels.

02
Hendrys Beach image 1

Black silt sand and off-leash dog areas make this beach unique. Rocky shores offer sea glass and close ocean views. A dog wash facility and a beachfront restaurant add convenience and charm.

A small, local-only beach with off-leash dog areas and a dog wash on-site. It offers unique rocks and sea glass along with a restaurant right on the beach.

People are saying

"This beach is great for dogs, with a separate off-leash area."

"It's a beautiful beach, and it's dog friendly with off-leash areas."

"I found the parking available to be convenient and plentiful."

Good to know

1

Hendrys Beach has a dog-friendly area on one side and a separate area for people.

2

Parking is free and there are plenty of spaces, but it can sometimes be full.

3

The bathrooms at Hendrys Beach are clean and available.

03
Leadbetter Beach image 1
Public beach

Wide sandy shore offers breathtaking views and plenty of space for kids and dogs. Grassy areas shaded by palms invite picnics and yoga, creating a lively yet relaxing vibe. Easy parking and nearby dining make it family-friendly and convenient.

Wide sandy shore offers great walking and plenty of space for kids and dogs. Clean beach features breathtaking views with a cliff and nice homes behind it, plus bathrooms for convenience.

People are saying

"This beach is beautiful and offers breathtaking views."

"It's a great spot for picnics with plenty of space and tables."

"It's so fun watching dolphins and sea lions play in the surf."

Good to know

1

Avoid swimming within 50 yards of drains or runoff at Leadbetter Beach.

2

Parking is easily accessible and close to the beach.

3

Leadbetter Beach is a great spot for picnics and gatherings without needing a reservation.

04
Arroyo Burro Beach County Park image 1

Beachfront setting with panoramic ocean views and a casual vibe welcomes dogs off leash. Calm waters and tide pooling offer fun for swimmers and explorers. Picnic areas and a beachfront restaurant provide indoor and outdoor seating with water views.

A dog-friendly beach with both leash and off-leash areas welcomes many happy pups. Calm waters make it great for swimming and tide pooling, while nearby bike paths add to the outdoor fun.

People are saying

"It's a great dog friendly beach for letting your dog run free."

"The ocean views from the restaurant are spectacular."

"This beach is a great place to let your dog run free."

Good to know

1

Dogs are allowed, with a designated off-leash area available.

2

There is free parking, but it can be tricky to find a spot.

3

Visitors should be aware of tar on the beach and in the water.

05
Campus Point Beach image 1

Campus Point Beach offers stunning ocean views and biodiverse tide pools full of marine life. It draws many surfers and welcomes dogs, creating a lively yet relaxed vibe. Accessibility is limited but the area stays clean and natural.

Waves and tide pools teeming with life make the beach stand out. Campus Point Beach offers stunning ocean views and a nice walk, though it is not very accessible.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the beautiful ocean views at the beach."

Good to know

1

Campus Point Beach is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

2

The beach features nice waves and tide pools, perfect for exploration.

3

Expect to see many surfers enjoying the waves at Campus Point Beach.

06
1000 Steps Beach image 1
Beach pavillion

Secluded beach offers quiet access via 200 steps down a bluff. Unique tide pools and lobster shells line the shore. Stunning ocean views create a peaceful atmosphere perfect for calm and natural beauty.

Secluded beach with easy access via a long staircase leading directly into the ocean. Features unique rocks, tide pools, and plenty of lobster and crab shells along the shore.

People are saying

"This beach offers stunning views and a peaceful, beautiful atmosphere."

"The sunset view from the steps was beautiful and stunning."

"I found the beach to be really secluded."

Good to know

1

Parking at 1000 Steps Beach is limited and located at the end of a dead-end street.

2

There are only about 150 stair steps to reach the beach, not 1000 as the name suggests.

3

I need to pay attention to the tides because at high tide, the water comes right up to the bottom of the steps.

07
Shoreline Park image 1

Park on a bluff offers breathtaking ocean views and a serene atmosphere perfect for families and dog walkers. Clean, beautiful shore with private beach spots and easy access via stairs and trails. Well-maintained amenities include playgrounds and BBQs for a calm outdoor escape.

Clean, beautiful shore with private beach spots and refreshing wind. Easy access via stairs and trails from the park with excellent ocean views and multiple parking options.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the beautiful ocean views from the bluff."

"It's a great place to walk your dogs and see other people with pets."

"I loved the beautiful, panoramic ocean views from the beach."

Good to know

1

Parking at Shoreline Park is limited, so arrive early.

2

There is free parking available at Shoreline Park.

3

The park is sometimes used for special events, so check the schedule.

08
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach image 1

Inn offers free bike rentals for easy beach access and nearby dining. Rooms have a 1960s style but stay clean and comfortable. Small pool with hot tub and outdoor seating create a relaxed vibe despite some night traffic noise.

Free beach cruisers make it easy to explore the scenic beach and nearby areas. Walking distance connects the beach, downtown, and restaurants for quick access.

People are saying

"The staff here is so friendly and welcoming."

"I loved the free wine and cheese hour upon arrival."

"It's so easy to walk to the beach from here."

Good to know

1

Daily happy hour runs from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM with wine and snacks.

2

Free breakfast is included with your stay at the hotel.

3

The hotel is within a 10-minute walk to the beach and downtown.

09
East Beach image 1

Palm tree-lined beach offers calm waters perfect for families and soft sand for walking or cycling. Spacious green areas with paths invite peaceful strolls and active fun like volleyball and skateboarding. Friendly, kid-safe vibe makes it ideal for quiet relaxation.

Palm tree-lined shore offers soft sand and a clean coastline ideal for walking or cycling. Calm waters suit families with small children and activities like beach ultimate and volleyball, with plenty of parking and easy access.

People are saying

"I found the beach beautiful with palm trees and grass dunes."

"The sunset views here are truly spectacular."

"It's kid-friendly, with no waves perfect for small children."

Good to know

1

East Beach hosts several volleyball tournaments each year, attracting many visitors.

2

Street parking is available, but it can be hard to find on weekends.

3

Parking lots cost $3 an hour per car.

10
Lavender Inn by the Sea image 1

Inn feels cozy with exterior doors and courtyards for quiet outdoor seating. Bikes are free to explore the beach path and nearby pier. Pool across the street adds to the relaxing vibe despite some roadside noise.

An easy walk leads to the beach and parking. Complimentary bikes let you explore along the beach path. The hotel sits within walking distance of the pier and State Street.

People are saying

"This hotel's location is perfect, just a short walk to the beach and State Street."

"The complimentary breakfast had pastries, oatmeal, and coffee."

"It's a short walk to the beach and Stearns Wharf."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4:30 to 8 pm with free wine and snacks.

2

The inn offers complimentary wine, cheese, and crackers during happy hour.

3

The hotel is just a short walk from the beach and shopping areas.

11
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel image 1

Older building offers spacious suites with breathtaking harbor views and large balconies. Steps from the hotel, the beach access is perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. Grounds feature heated pool and peaceful plants, creating a quiet retreat near the beach.

Just steps from the hotel, the beach offers easy access for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The location sits directly across from the beach, making it simple to enjoy walks or runs along the shore.

People are saying

"The hotel staff were super friendly and helpful."

"The hot tub is steps from the beach and harbor."

"It's right across the street from the beach!"

Good to know

1

The hotel is a two-minute walk to West Beach for swimming and kayaking.

2

Happy hour features cheese, crackers, wine, and lemonade each evening.

3

The hotel offers a daily wine and cheese hour for guests.

12
Santa Barbara Inn image 1

Spacious rooms boast ocean views and balconies for sunrise or sunset. Guests enjoy a heated pool and easy access to sandy shores just across the street. Location blends quiet coastal vibe with proximity to downtown for a peaceful yet lively stay.

The hotel sits right in front of the beach with easy access just across the street. The beach offers sandy shores perfect for barefoot walks and sunrise views.

People are saying

"The ocean view from my room was beautiful."

"You can walk right across the street for your nightly beach walk."

"The bathroom was large and had a nice tub."

Good to know

1

The hotel is located directly across from the beach, making it ideal for beachgoers.

2

Parking is included and easy, with street parking available to avoid valet fees.

3

Rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable, with large bathrooms featuring tubs.

13
The Eagle Inn image 1

Spanish colonial architecture meets Santa Barbara style in a cozy, romantic inn with fireplaces and balconies. Guests enjoy free bikes for easy beach rides just blocks away. Complimentary breakfasts add to the peaceful, charming retreat near downtown.

A short walk leads to the beach from the inn, just a block or two away. Free bikes are available for rides along the beach path, making access easy and fun.

People are saying

"The breakfast here was a really nice surprise and freshly made."

"This hotel's location is great, close to shops and the beach."

"It's just a short walk to the beach and many restaurants."

Good to know

1

The location is literally a block from the beach.

2

The inn offered free parking and a free breakfast.

3

During the Labor Day holiday, they gave us an extra night free.

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