A connected waterfront of beaches, bike paths, harbor facilities, Stearns Wharf, and recreation areas. Swimming conditions, water quality, surf, parking, and accessibility vary by beach and day.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
A connected waterfront of beaches, bike paths, harbor facilities, Stearns Wharf, and recreation areas. Swimming conditions, water quality, surf, parking, and accessibility vary by beach and day. Check official reservations, road conditions, water quality, accessibility, seasonal closures, fire weather, and event schedules shortly before visiting.
What Stands Out
- South-facing, Channel Island-protected: the calmest and most swimmable beaches in Southern California
- East Beach: longest strand, volleyball, historic bathhouse — the city's most social beach
- Hendry's Beach: dog-friendly, surf, and the Boathouse restaurant directly on the sand
- Santa Barbara Harbor: cleanest working harbor in California — kayak and whale-watch charters
- Santa Ynez Mountains as backdrop: the most scenically complete beach setting on the California coast