Santa Barbara Beaches

You will find many great reasons to locate a beach in Santa Barbara, CA. Regardless of the activity – splashing in the waves, grilling on the beach, playing volleyball, flying a kite, fishing, or just catching some rays, beaches are a host for many different fantastic activities.

Finding a beautiful swimming beach in Santa Barbara with plenty of space for beach activities is easier than you think. If you could use some help with searching for a beach in your area, then find one using the list below. Begin, by entering a zip code in the displayed box below.

Santa Barbara Beaches

If areas around Santa Barbara have seen an excessive amount of rainfall, blocked sewage drains, or stormwater pollution recently, it can create dangerous water quality levels. Be sure to visit the website of the beach for details regarding water quality alerts.

Keep in mind that the weather on the beach is very different than in the city. Wind is usually stronger and gusty whenever it is coming onto a beach.

Santa Barbara, CA Beach Guidelines

While different beaches in Santa Barbara may use various guidelines for attending their beach, you should expect to adhere to these common guidelines for any beach in Santa Barbara that you go to.

  • Even if a lifeguard is on duty, know that you are entering the water at your own risk.
  • Alcohol may not be permitted.
  • Don’t venture beyond the swim region.
  • Just about all Santa Barbara beaches have a curfew except for special occasions.
  • Always listen to the lifeguard on duty. If the lifeguard ask you to stop doing something, then you must do it.
  • Clean up after yourself.

Santa Barbara Beach Tips

  1. Prepare for cold weather. Even if you’re anticipating a hot day in Santa Barbara, it’s important to know that the weather in Santa Barbara can change rather quickly. It is particularly important if you are wanting to go in the water, so bring enough warm clothes like sweatshirts, towels, sweatpants, and shirts.
  2. Where are the public restrooms. Bathroom details could be the last thing on your mind when you plan your beach trip. However you never want to be caught in a spot where you must find a bathroom immediately but there isn’t one nearby. If you’re unable to find restroom details on the beach’s website, then you can plan on the fact that a public restroom or porta potty isn’t open. Make sure that you use the restroom prior to leaving for the beach.
  3. Bring spare towels. Remember to take many clean towels prior to going to the beach. Packing towels is even more important if you are bringing little children with you or if you are thinking of going for a swim.
  4. Pick Up Garbage. It’s no fun to go to a dirty beach. Whenever you bring items to the beach, you are required pick up your litter. Be sure that you throw away your litter in a designated trash or recycling receptacles.
  5. Don’t swim outside of the specified swimming space. If there is a designated swimming region it is likely not safe to venture beyond the region. There could be hazardous objects under the water, be frequented by watercraft, or is not supervised by lifeguards.
  6. Get there early. Beaches in Santa Barbara can get crowded, especially on weekends in the summer. Try to arrive at the beach before noon if possible.
  7. Get away from the sun. If you know that finding shade will be hard to come by, or if you suspect that there may not be too many shady spots available, bring your own! Bring a beach umbrella, pop up beach tent, or similar equipment that provides shade. It’s best to bring equipment that provides good ventilation.
  8. Keep items dry. It’s simple to grab a purse, grocery bag, or waterproof travel bag to stash beach items like towels, buckets, speakersinflatables, and PFDs. However, these types of bags keep moisture from leaving, leading to mildew problems and keeping beach gear from drying out.