Santa Barbara Beach Travel Guide

Santa Barbara

A coastal town with a pier extending into the ocean, a beach, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings.
A marina with numerous boats docked, a pier extending into the water, and a backdrop of mountains and a sunset sky.
A pier with lights reflecting on the water, a flag, and buildings in the background.
A calm body of water with a pier extending into it, a ship docked at the pier, and mountains in the background.
A sunset over a calm body of water with a distant shoreline and a building on the right.

Stay near popular Santa Barbara Beach attractions

A pier with lights reflecting on the water, a flag, and buildings in the background.

Stearns Wharf

9.0/10 (4,143 reviews)
Explore the waterfront of Stearns Wharf and enjoy other activities such as cycling in Santa Barbara. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
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Things to do

Visit the Rescued Cats of Cat Therapy

Visit the Rescued Cats of Cat Therapy

฿837
per adult
Visit the Rescued Cats of Cat Therapy
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

฿1,171
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Helicopter Beach Tour

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

฿2,309
per adult
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

฿1,272
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

฿1,238
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Comedy Drag Show Ticket at Wildcat Lounge in Santa Barbara

Comedy Drag Show Ticket at Wildcat Lounge in Santa Barbara

฿650
per adult
Comedy Drag Show Ticket at Wildcat Lounge in Santa Barbara
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Where to stay in Santa Barbara Beach

Find the best Santa Barbara Beach areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santa Barbara Beach
Learn more about Santa Barbara Beach
A coastal beach with palm trees, a sandy shore, and a clear blue sky.

Montecito

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Montecito. A stop by Miramar Beach or Butterfly Beach might round out your trip.

A coastal town with a prominent white building with a red roof, palm trees, and mountains in the background.

Downtown Santa Barbara

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Presidio Santa Barbara or Arlington Theater might round out your trip.

A marina with multiple boats docked, calm water, and a clear sky.
Photo by Adam Hoggatt
Open Photo by Adam Hoggatt

West Beach

If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and West Beach are top sights worth seeing.

A beach with palm trees, a pier, and the ocean at sunset.

East Beach

East Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Santa Barbara Zoo and East Beach.

A large tree with dense foliage in a park.

Lower State

While visiting Lower State, you might make a stop by sights like Reagan Ranch Center and Moreton Bay Fig Tree.

Santa Barbara Beach Travel Guide