Best beaches & best lodging accommodations for each beach
BUTTERFLY BEACH...CARPINTERIA BEACH...EL CAPITAN BEACH ...EAST BEACH
REFUGIO BEACH...MIRAMAR BEACH
Santa Barbara County has over 100 miles of spectacular coastline, with many splendid beaches
The water is much warmer than Central & Northern California Beaches. However
temperature is still not Florida warm. They are however more beautiful,
with coastal mountains making a picture perfect background. Winter
is usually sunny and mild. Summer often has foggy mornings
and bright sunny afternoons. Many beaches have trails
for walking, biking and skateboarding. Wildlife
viewing is exceptional. Gray and Humpback
Whale migrations are visible from
most beaches.
Butterfly Beach ~ Montecito, California
(Santa Barbara County)
Located in one of the nations most exclusive communities. Most west-facing beach in the region.
This makes it the best beach to watch sunsets over the water. Great views of the
wharf and city. Across from the Four Seasons Biltmore. There are no
public facilities on the beach. An easy walk to charming
shops, galleries and restaurants of Montecito.
COMPLETE LIST OF SANTA BARBARA HOTELS
_______________
El Capitan Beach ~ Santa Barbara
A sandy beach, rocky tide pools, and a shady setting along El Capitan Creek.
Suitable for swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking & camping.
A long stairway gives access from the bluffs to beach.
A bike trail connects the park with Refugio
State Beach, H1 miles away.
recommended lodging
EL CAPITAN RANCH
17.8 Miles From Center City Santa Barbara
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez mountains lies El Capitan Ranch,
an incredible beach side canyon resort located 15 minutes North of downtown
Santa Barbara. Built in 2001, Offering creek side cabins with full
baths & designer tents with down filled comforters, wet bar,
private fire pit. A back to nature experience. The
canyon boasts 15 miles of backcountry hiking
and mountain biking as well as ocean
sports. Truly affordable prices.
COMPLETE LIST OF SANTA BARBARA HOTELS
MiramarBeach ~ Montecito, California
Santa Barbara County
The casual ambiance of Miramar Beach is enjoyed by twenty seven individual homes/cottages,
snugly wedged together on the sand. Miramar homeowners are a tight knit community
both for their love of close encounters with the great Pacific Ocean, and the
fact that their homes are literally only inches apart in some cases.
With many beautifully designed 3 story architectural wonders
built in some cases on eleven (11) foot wide lots.
This beach is located in the village of
Montecito, one of the nations
wealthiest communities.
COMPLETE LIST OF SANTA BARBARA HOTELS
_______________
East Beach ~ Santa Barbara
East Beach has been featured on the Travel Channel as one of the top ten beaches
in the world. Known as "The Most Romantic Beach". A beautiful bike path runs
along the beach past Stearn's Wharf. You can jog, walk, bike or rent a
canopied surrey to travel this famous beach pathway. Sunday art
exhibits and evening drum circles are local favorites. The
famous Cabrillo Bath House (see photo above)serves
breakfast & lunch right on the beach and is
a favorite local's hang out. The beach
is clean and safe for swimming!
Recommended lodging
OLD YACHT CLUB INN
A charming Bed & Breakfast Inn located one block from the beach with easy beach access.
Beach chairs and towels are provided to guests. The beach way runs next to the
beach and is a great place to run, walk, or bike for several miles.
Bikes are provided for guest use.
"Voted one of Top 15 B&B/Country Inns by Arrington's BnB Journal"
COMPLETE LIST OF SANTA BARBARA HOTELS
Refugio Beach ~ Santa Barbara
There is excellent coastal fishing as well as picnic sites and trails.
Bike along the beach bluff that connects the beach with the
El Capitán State Beach 2.5 miles east. The camping
area is marked by Palm trees that give it
a real California feeling.
COMPLETE LIST OF SANTA BARBARA HOTELS
_______________________
Carpinteria City Beach ~ Santa Barbara County
A wonderful beach, one of the most beautiful to be found in Southern
California. The southern exposure makes for great sun bathing
with good crosswinds. Noted as one of safest swimming
beaches in the world. You can see the Channel
Islands from the shore. A long slopping
sea floor minimizes undercurrents
for added safety. Good place
for beginning sufers!
COMPLETE LIST OF SANTA BARBARA HOTELS
______________________
SEARCH BY BEACH ... SEARCH BY REGION