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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 653 Opinions
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01
Marina Beach Motel image 1
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Rooms are recently remodeled with a modern, cozy atmosphere. Quiet nights and a beautifully maintained courtyard make it peaceful. Free bicycles and beach towels support an active, family-friendly vibe just steps from the shore.

Just a short walk from the beach, the spot offers free bikes and towels for quick rides along the shore. The location suits easy beach strolls and nearby shopping trips.

People are saying

"It's just a short walk to the beach from here."

Good to know

1

Parking is free and located right in front of the room.

2

Breakfast and bicycle rental are included in the price.

3

The motel is pet friendly, allowing guests to bring their pets.

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Quaint inn offers cozy rooms and a peaceful vibe like home. Guests enjoy free beach cruiser bicycles and gear for easy beach trips. Location is steps from the beach and near downtown, perfect for quiet walks and exploring.

Steps away from the beach with an excellent location near downtown and the Funk Zone. Guests get free bikes, beach chairs, towels, and umbrellas for easy beach access.

People are saying

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

Good to know

1

Parking at the inn is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

The property is just 80 meters from the beach, making it very accessible.

3

The location is quiet and safe, ideal for a relaxing stay.

03
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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."

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.

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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."

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.

05
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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."

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.

06
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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

"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.

07
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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

"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.

08
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Rooms have ocean views and private balconies overlooking the beach and pier. Enjoy a heated saltwater pool and spa for relaxation. Walk to nearby restaurants and shops easily from this quiet, peaceful spot.

Right on the beach with easy access to the pier and shoreline. Walking distance to restaurants, tasting rooms, and shops surrounds the area.

People are saying

"It's right on the beach and a quick walk to downtown."

Good to know

1

The hotel charges an additional $32 per day for parking.

2

There is no room service or breakfast available at the hotel.

3

The bakery/cafe below the hotel causes noise disturbances early in the morning.

09
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Hotel offers free parking and large balconies with harbor views just steps from the beachfront. Family-friendly vibe with a quiet pool and playground nearby. Easy access to local restaurants and ocean walks.

Rooms sit just steps from the beachfront, offering easy access for walks or runs along the shore. Views include the harbor and ocean, with nearby parks and restaurants within walking distance.

People are saying

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

Good to know

1

Happy hour with wine and cheese is available daily from 4 PM to 5 PM.

2

The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast on Friday and Saturday mornings.

3

Parking is free and includes a charging station for electric vehicles.

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Rooms boast spacious layouts with beach views and balconies overlooking a courtyard pool. Steps from the shore, guests enjoy easy beach access and a relaxing vibe with cozy seclusion amid occasional nearby noise.

Rooms offer beach views and balconies overlook the shore. The property sits right on the beach with easy access just steps away, plus a pool and hot tub nearby.

People are saying

"It's just a block or two to the beach."

Good to know

1

Parking is very problematic, so plan accordingly.

2

Expect an additional $30 fee upon arrival not included in the quoted rate.

3

A daily 'property fee' of $27.50 is charged for 'amenities'.

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Motel features ocean views and Spanish-style rooms with unique charm. Guests enjoy a private jacuzzi overlooking the beach just steps away. Evenings bring complimentary wine on a cozy patio, blending relaxation with easy beach access.

Located just across the street, the beach is a 1-minute walk from the motel. Some rooms offer a private jacuzzi overlooking the beach, providing a great view and easy access to the sand.

People are saying

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

Good to know

1

Expect safety concerns due to broken locks and reports of intruders.

2

A $25 property fee is added on top of the booking price.

3

The motel offers a continental breakfast from 7:30 to 10am on weekdays.

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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

"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.

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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."

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.

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Newly renovated building offers modern design and breathtaking views of hills. Close to beach and downtown, it stays quiet and peaceful with thoughtful amenities like Nespresso machines and sound machines. Convenient underground parking and elevator open to a fountain.

Good to know

1

The location is ideal, within walking distance to State Street's shops and restaurants.

2

The property is well maintained and spotless, ensuring a comfortable stay.

3

Parking is available underneath the building for guests.

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Hotel boasts beachfront views and cozy rooms with a European boutique vibe. Guests enjoy multiple pools, a hot tub, and fire pits with live music outdoors. Beach gear like boogie boards and umbrellas are available before check-in.

Rooms offer beach views and the hotel sits right on the beach. Guests can use boogie boards, towels, chairs, and umbrellas before check-in.

People are saying

"The beach is right outside, offering a spectacular view."

Good to know

1

The hotel is located right across the street from the beach.

2

The location is perfect for exploring nearby restaurants and attractions.

3

The hotel is pet friendly.

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Cliffs and trails offer breathtaking ocean views and peaceful paths through oak and eucalyptus trees. Dogs roam freely in a spacious dog-friendly area where owners gather calmly. Stairs lead down to Arroyo Borro beach with a beachside restaurant and bar, perfect for quiet walks and sunsets.

Good to know

1

The entrance to the preserve is free.

2

Dogs are allowed off lead at the Douglas Family Preserve.

3

Parking is easy to find even over the weekend.

17
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Hotel offers upscale casual rooms with loud live music from an on-site bar. Guests enjoy walking distance to the beach and easy access to downtown and bike paths. Amenities include a cocktail and oyster bar and free bike rentals for city exploration.

Walking distance to the beach stands out as the key feature. The spot also offers easy access to the bike path and downtown, making the beach and nearby areas very walkable.

People are saying

"The staff's warm attentiveness made my beach stay feel incredibly special."

Good to know

1

The hotel has a partnership with Buttonwood Vineyard, offering a buy-one-get-one-free wine tasting.

2

The hotel is located within walking distance to the beach and downtown attractions.

3

Expect noise from weddings and events that may last until 1:00am.

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