01
Best overall pick
East Beach
Waterfront East Of Stearns Wharf • Lively Palm-Lined City Beach • Best For Volleyball And People-Watching
A broad, active shoreline with courts, bike paths, and classic Santa Barbara waterfront views.
East Beach is where locals and visitors blend together on the sand, with volleyball games running most weekends and plenty of room to spread out. The adjacent bike path and grassy park make it easy to mix a beach day with a stroll, ride, or picnic. It’s the spot to choose when you want the full Santa Barbara waterfront experience without getting too remote.
02
Best for dog lovers
Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry’s Beach)
Mesa, Southwest Of Downtown • Dog-Friendly Locals’ Beach • Local Favorite For Dog Owners
A relaxed stretch of sand backed by bluffs, where leashed pups and their people come for walks, waves, and sunset dinners.
Known to locals as Hendry’s, Arroyo Burro Beach has a loyal following thanks to its off-leash area, gentle waves, and easy access from the Mesa. You can walk for a long way at lower tides, exploring tide lines and watching surfers further out. Finish with fish tacos or a drink at the beachfront restaurant while the sky lights up over the Channel Islands.
03
Best for sunsets
Butterfly Beach
Montecito Coastline • Elegant, Low-Key Shoreline • Most Romantic At Golden Hour
A narrow, west-facing beach with a quiet promenade feel and some of the best sunset views in the area.
Butterfly Beach sits in front of Montecito’s grand hotels and estates, but keeps a surprisingly relaxed vibe, especially on weekday evenings. There’s no boardwalk or big facilities, just a seawall, stairs, and a wide-open view west toward the setting sun. Bring a blanket, park on the street above, and join the mix of locals, hotel guests, and evening walkers settling in for golden hour.
04
Best for casual surf days
Leadbetter Beach
Mesa, Near Santa Barbara City College • Laid-Back Surf-And-Picnic Beach • Best For Beginner Surfers And Wind Sports
A gently curving beach with mellow waves, picnic lawns, and steady afternoon winds that draw surfers, sailors, and kiteboarders.
Leadbetter fronts a large grassy bluff that’s dotted with barbecues and picnic tables, making it a go-to spot for student gatherings and casual weekend cookouts. The break here is forgiving, so you’ll often see surf schools in the water alongside longboarders cruising the smaller sets. On windier days, look offshore for colorful sails and kites carving back and forth across the bay.
05
Best coastal escape
Refugio State Beach
Gaviota Coast, Northwest Of Goleta • Palm-Framed Cove And Campground • Best Quick Escape From Town
A sheltered crescent of sand with tall palms, mellow surf, and a slower pace about 20 minutes up the coast.
Refugio feels a world away from Santa Barbara’s waterfront, with its palm-ringed cove, rocky points, and campground just steps from the sand. It’s a great call for a half-day escape when you want clearer water, fewer buildings, and a more rugged slice of the coast. Pack extra snacks and consider staying through sunset, when the cliffs pick up warm light and the drive back feels particularly scenic.