Best Beaches in Santa Barbara

What's better than the pristine beaches near Santa Barbara? In our opinion, nothing! The Cali sunshine and the white sandy pacific beaches are one of the biggest draws to the Santa Barbara area. Browse our guide to the best beaches near Santa Barbara to plan the perfect beach getaway!

Butterfly Beach, Santa Barbara

In the chic and laid-back village of Montecito, you'll find Butterfly Beach—a favorite spot for relaxing with a book or watching the waves.

Why Visit Butterfly Beach:

• Relaxing, quiet, and sophisticated atmosphere
• A known celebrity hotspot (keep an eye out!)
• One of the best sunset beaches in Santa Barbara

Pro Tip: This west-facing beach is especially stunning at sunset—perfect for evening visits.

Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach in Montecito is one of the many hidden gems of the American Riviera. While it may not be ideal for sunbathing due to occasional sand loss (a result of rising sea levels and storms), it’s a fantastic beach for exploring and going on a scenic coastal walk.

Highlights of Miramar Beach:

• Great for beachcombing and tide pooling
• Best enjoyed during low tide
• A peaceful place for a walk along the shore

Note: Sand levels fluctuate due to storms and rising sea levels.

Summerland Beach

Summerland Beach is known for its laid-back vibes! This stunning oceanfront beach is the destination for rest and relaxation. Located at Lookout Park, it has so many fun activities and amenities that you could spend the entire day here! If you're traveling with pets, this is the spot for you; Summerland Beach is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Santa Barbara. Please note that all dogs must remain on leash while you're here, though!

What You'll Find at Summerland Beach:

• Grills, picnic tables, restrooms, and volleyball courts
• A playground and outdoor games area
• Open from 8 AM to sunset
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are welcome on leash, making it a top dog beach in the area.

Arroyo Burro Beach

Arroyo Burro Beach, better known as Hendry’s Beach by the locals, is known for its winding coastline and light surf. This beach is a popular destination for our four-legged friends as one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Santa Barabara.

Dogs are allowed anywhere on this beach if they are on a leash, plus there is a dedicated off-leash dog area! In this area, dogs are welcome to splash in the waves or walk with their owner along the bluffs of the Douglas Family Preserve. If your pup gets all salty and sandy, you can wash them in one of the self-serve dog wash stations.  

Arroyo Burro (Hendry's) Beach Highlights

• On-leash and off-leash dog areas
• Access to Douglas Family Preserve trails
• Dog wash stations on-site

Perfect For: Letting your dog splash in the waves or wander the bluffs.

Leadbetter Beach, Santa Barbara

This beautiful beach is one of the most popular beaches in Santa Barbara. Located adjacent to Santa Barbara Harbor, Shoreline Park, Leadbetter Beach is a top destination spot for tourists, locals, and college students. The large strip of sand is flanked by beautiful green grass that is perfect for a picnic for family and friends. Additionally, the beautiful blue waters of Leadbetter Beach are perfect for surfing, SUP paddle boarding, and boogie boarding. And let’s not forget the beautiful views of the Channel Islands. 

Things to Do at Leadbetter Beach:

• Picnics on the grassy lawn
• Perfect spot forsurfing, paddleboarding, or boogie boarding
• Catch views of the Channel Islands

East Beach & West Beach

In the heart of Santa Barbara, you’ll find East Beach and West Beach. These two central beaches are separated by Stearns Wharf and offer easy access to plenty of beachside fun. Both beaches are a popular destination for those who want to play a little bit of sand volleyball, plus there is a perfect bike path along Cabrillo Boulevard for biking, roller skating, or just walking. 

East Beach:

• 1.6 miles of sand
• Multiple sand volleyball courts
• Family-friendly and spacious

West Beach:

• Smaller (0.25 miles) but just as convenient
• Close to the harbor and downtown
• A great spot to watch boats and walk the waterfront

Refugio State Beach

Just half an hour west of Santa Barbara in Goleta is Refugio State Beach. This beach is know as one of the most scenic beaches and offers some of the most beautiful views with its unique landscape and calm vibe. Bring your family or enjoy the beach on your own and enjoy a picnic, coastal fishing, and/or kayaking in the palm-tree-lined cove creators. You could spend the whole day here and if you want to sleep under the stars, you can camp! 

Just 30 minutes west of Santa Barbara, Refugio State Beach is known for its palm-lined cove and laid-back setting.

Refugio Beach Highlights:

•  Palm tree-lined beach with wide ocean views
•  Calm waters, ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding
• Shaded picnic areas with BBQ grills
• Campground with individual and group sites
• Popular spot for coastal fishing

Haskell's Beach

Haskell's Beach, better known as Driftwood beach, has been a long-kept secret of Goleta. This beautiful beach sits at the base of the expansive Bacara Resort, but don't worry, you can still access it from the public beach point!

The surf isn't too great here so surfing might be a little rough, but the Haskell's Beach is ideal for a peaceful sunset stroll. When you get hungry, there's also a little grass park for picnics. Here you can find the "Beach House" which has a shaded alcove area, restrooms, and showers. If you stroll up the beach past the oil pier, you'll find a secluded area known as Naples Point. 

What to Expect at Haskell’s Beach:

• A grassy park with shaded areas, restrooms, and showers
• Quiet, scenic shoreline (not ideal for surfing)
• Optional stroll to nearby Naples Point for extra seclusion

Pro Tip: Bring a picnic and enjoy the views near the "Beach House" alcove.

Enjoy Waterfront Dining in Santa Barbara

No matter which beach you choose, you’re never far from great food. After a day in the sun, grab a bite nearby at these favorites:

• Shoreline Beach Cafe by Leadbetter Beach
• Boathouse Restaurant at Hendry's at Arroyo Burro Beach
• Miramar Beach Bar
• Caruso's at Miramar Beach

You really can't go wrong when you choose one of these options! Great food and spectacular views...you can't beat it!

Book Your Santa Barbara Beach Vacation Directly with Wanderlust Vacation Rentals!

Wow! With so many beautiful beaches to explore in the area, you can't go wrong no matter which part of Santa Barbara you choose to stay in. When it comes to the best vacation rentals in Santa Barbara, look no further than Wanderlust vacation rentals. 

Browse our luxury collection of Santa Barbara vacation rentals to find the perfect place for your Santa Barbara vacation! We have oceanfront rentals in Santa Barbara, Montecito, Summerland, and Carpinteria so you can stay close to the beach you'd like to visit most! Start planning your next vacation to the American Riviera.