Beaches in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is technically the last area of southern California and the beaches there are just as nice as anywhere in southern California. There are beaches to relax, play volleyball, eat and drink, fish, and surf. There is even a nude beach!
Starting in Goleta which is just north of Santa Barbara as it used to be a part of the city but gained cityhood a few years ago. Haskel’s Beach is the actually last technical beach of southern California before Goleta and Santa Barbara becomes the central coast. The beach is a nice one with a volleyball court and decent waves at times. It has a bathroom and a snack bar in the summer. It is just down from the Bacara, which was built several years ago and is one of the few 6 star resorts/hotels in the country. Just behind the beach is bluffs overlooking the ocean.
Goleta Beach a few miles away is one of the nicer beaches in the area. Getting into Goleta Beach Park there are large palm trees all around a grassy knoll. There is a large parking lot whether you go right or left towards the restaurant and pier. The Beachside is a great seafood restaurant and great views. The beach has a couple of volleyball courts from May to November. There is lost of sand to relax and play around in and the surf generally isn’t that big. There are many areas on the grass for picnics and gatherings with many tables and barbecues. The pier is also great for fishing or for taking a long walk on.
East Beach more towards downtown Santa Barbara is the volleyball beach with many nets strewn about. The surf isn’t that big and there is a lot of beach to spread out on. There are a few benches on the grass between the road and the beach. A little down the beach there is a grill and restrooms as well as swings and a playground for the kids.
Tucked a little ways off is Henry’s Beach that is very popular. There are pretty goods waves and a huge stretch of beach to set a spot. There is a nice restaurant on the beach called the Brown Pelican, which has great breakfasts, and serve lunch and dinner as well.
Butterfly beach is a nice beach for relaxing as it is in Montecito and next to a gorgeous resort and hotel. There is lost of sand and the backdrop of the grass and the trees is second to none. Butterfly Beach gets pretty good waves occasionally and is a perfect place to watch the sunset.
Leadbetter Beach is a gorgeous beach down from Santa Barbara City College and at the base of the bluffs. Leadbetter is a great picnic area with many tables on the grass. Leadbetter is a popular surfing beach. There are palm trees everywhere and there is a little bar and sandwich shop right on the beach. There is a large stretch of sand so it does not get crowded.
These are just a few of the beaches that are popular in the Santa Barbara area but there are many more.
