Visitors and dog-lovers jump for joy over Arroyo Burro Beach, better known to locals as Hendry’s Beach. Load up your pooch and head to this flat, dog-friendly spot for a game of fetch along the coastline. Hungry after a day of beach play? Make time to grab a seaside meal at Boathouse, a local and visitor favorite. (Please note that while the beach is dog-friendly, dogs are, unfortunately, not allowed at the restaurant.)

Insider tip: Afterwards, give Fido a bubble bath at the self-serve dog-washing station in the parking lot!

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Before hitting this crowd-favorite beach, go shopping along Coast Village Road or grab a craft cocktail at Coast & Olive or Honor Bar. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a famous celeb. Once your thirst has been quenched, sunbathe at Butterfly Beach while you catch up on your favorite novel. This long stretch of sand also makes for a serene beach stroll setting at any time of day.

Insider tip: Make sure to get there early or stay late. Located in Montecito, Butterfly Beach faces west, making it the perfect place to watch a stunning sunrise or sunset.

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Adventure-seeking visitors can enjoy a competitive game of volleyball at the numerous courts available along East Beach. If two wheels are more your style, rent a bike at Wheel Fun Rentals and cruise along Cabrillo Boulevard, complete with cool coastal breezes and scenic beachfront views. Grab a bite to eat and a cocktail at beachfront Reunion Kitchen + Drink or Costa Restaurant and admire the sailboats on the horizon on a delightfully sunny day on this iconic Santa Barbara beach.

Insider tip: Family-friendly East Beach is located next to Stearns Wharf and makes your stay a breeze with lifeguard stations, a playground and cafés.

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Make the most of your beach time with a visit to this “Good Land” beach. Cast a line off the Goleta Pier, or kick-start your weekend with a good ol’ beachside barbecue. Goleta Beach Park also boasts a paved trail system that is popular for both avid cyclists and casual riders. On weekends between Memorial and Labor Day, take to the sea and rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard right on the sand from Paddle Sports Center.

Insider tip: Plan to stay the entire day! This playful beachfront location has both picnic and grill areas, volleyball courts and horseshoe pits.

Photo credit: Blake Bronstad

Just below The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara is a long, beautiful stretch of sand known as Haskell’s Beach—and you don’t have to be staying at the resort to access it. When you arrive, park in the designated beach parking lot and take the public access trail down to the beach for a day of fun in the sun along Goleta’s coastline. The waters along the Gaviota coast also make for great kayaking with help from Santa Barbara Adventure Company.

Insider tip: During low tide, keep your eyes out for native critters living inside of the tide pools scattered along the beach. You might find animals and organisms like sea anemone, starfish, octopus and more.

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Near the Santa Barbara Harbor and the breakwater, Leadbetter Beach is a popular location for longboard surfing, boogie boarding and stand-up paddleboarding. Known for its rather mild shorebreak, this beach is perfect for anyone looking to take a leisurely dip in the ocean. Need a midday snack break? Head to Shoreline Café for an order of fresh fish and chips or a beach burger to-go.

Insider tip: Before leaving, take an extra few minutes to walk up to Shoreline Park, where you’ll be treated to a bird’s-eye view of the surfers below and get the best views of the Channel Islands. Editor’s note: The grassy areas of Leadbetter Beach will be temporarily closed through January 2024 for turf renovation.

Photo credit: JessyLynn Perkins

For those wanting a relaxing, laid-back beach day, escape to Summerland Beach. Sit back and simply enjoy the surrounding beauty at this unassuming, south-facing Santa Barbara beach. Bring your pup along for a picturesque walk on the beach, as Summerland Beach is one of the few dog-friendly beaches in Santa Barbara.

Insider tip: Not only is Summerland Beach dog-friendly, it’s horse-friendly, too. Book a sunset horseback riding tour with Los Padres Outfitters for an unbeatable experience touring the beaches and backgrounds of Summerland.