Coastal Living: A Guide to My Top Santa Barbara’s Beaches
Famous for its pristine shoreline and Mediterranean charm, Santa Barbara is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the West Coast — each offering something unique for every lifestyle. Whether you’re packing up the kids (or grandkids) for a day of sandcastle-building, testing your balance on a surfboard, or letting your dog splash in the waves, Santa Barbara has a beach that fits the bill.
Santa Barbara’s beaches offer something unique for every lifestyle, from surfing and sandcastle-building to lounging and watching sunsets.
Here are a few of my favorite local spots:
Miramar Beach — This narrow and sandy beach located in Montecito and just a stone’s throw from the iconic Rosewood Miramar Beach resort, is one of Santa Barbara’s most beautiful and exclusive spots. A true gem!
Hammonds Beach — Directly in front of the Coral Casino Resort in Montecito, Hammonds Beach is a serene, relatively uncrowded gem perfect for surfers and beachcombers alike. With soft sand, wide ocean views, and consistent surf, it’s a great spot for locals. Personally, I love coming here for a walk or bike ride during low tide. With super easy access from Butterfly Beach, the cruise from there to Hammonds and even further to Miramar, is a fantastic way to enjoy the sunrise in the late spring when low tide happens early in the day.
Butterfly Beach — Just a short stroll north from Hammonds, and adjacent to the Biltmore Four Seasons Hotel which is reopening in late summer, Butterfly Beach is one of the best places in town to catch a sunset. Named for the monarch butterflies that once stopped here during their migration, sightings are now rare — but the sunsets are anything but. Facing south and west, the sky lights up in fiery colors as the sun dips below the water, especially in winter. It’s postcard-perfect.
East Beach — Heading up the coast, East Beach embodies the laid-back Santa Barbara vibe. Located near downtown, Stearns Wharf, and other attractions, it’s a popular spot with both locals and tourists. You’ll find volleyball courts, a playground, picnic areas, and plenty of sand. If you haven’t already, check out my video on Stearns Wharf for a bit of local history.
Santa Barbara’s coastline is truly something special.
Leadbetter Beach — This expansive beach, near the Santa Barbara Harbor, has super easy parking! It has a right-turn surf break off the point and is an ideal spot for sailors and windsurfers. It’s also a great beach for walking, jogging, and taking in the sun.
Hendry’s Beach (Arroyo Burro Beach) — Though officially named Arroyo Burro Beach, locals know and love it as Hendry’s—named after the Hendry family who farmed the area in the late 1800s. It’s beloved for many reasons, but especially for being one of the few dog-friendly beaches in town. There’s even a dog wash station! After your walk, grab a bite at The Boathouse, a beachfront restaurant known for its fresh seafood and vibrant views. Towering cliffs and a sweeping curve of coastline make this beach a standout.
Haskell’s Beach — One of Santa Barbara’s best-kept secrets, Haskell’s Beach lies beneath the Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Goleta. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but well worth the trip. A scenic public access trail winds down to a quiet cove perfect for picnics, bonfires, and sunset strolls. Nature lovers will appreciate the solitude, and golfers will enjoy the nearby Sandpiper Golf Course, which offers cliffside views over the ocean.
Santa Barbara’s coastline is truly something special. With easy access to all the beaches and nearly zero commercial development blocking the public, our beaches in Santa Barbara welcome all. For anyone who loves being in or near the water, it’s a dream for surfers, paddleboarders, sailors, swimmers, and beachcombers. Pure paradise.