While Santa Barbara is well known for its expansive, pristine beaches, it has just as much space to offer inland as well. Santa Barbara’s beaches and parks are a testament to the city’s affinity for fresh air and outdoor fun.
Starting at the Pacific, Santa Barbara is home to miles of public beaches, many of which serve as a launchpad for making a splash. Surf some of the most renowned breaks in the world, or stand-up paddleboard in the protected waters of Butterfly Beach in Montecito. Cabrillo Boulevard connects East and West Beach, which are hot spots for pick-up volleyball games, picnics, and an afternoon date with a good book. Every Sunday, make sure to catch the Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show that spans the popular coastline.
A few steps inland, Santa Barbara becomes a treasure trove of green parks, gardens, and hidden sanctuaries — the city is home to over 50 of them. Chase Palm Park makes the sand-to-grass transition easy with its location across from East Beach. It also offers free family-friendly concerts throughout the summer. Stow Grove Park in Goleta features redwoods and eucalyptus trees, volleyball courts, a baseball diamond and horseshoe pits, making it the perfect stop for the entire family. Other favorites include Alameda Park, which is home to an elaborate 8,000-square foot playground, and Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden, where you’ll see turtles cruising through the pond, and beautifully manicured gardens — a wedding favorite.
One look and it’s easy to see why Santa Barbara makes being outside a priority and staying out a must.
Located one hour west of Santa Barbara, Jalama Beach Park and Campground is an secluded park where visitors can unplug and relax in nature. With more than 100 campsites, seven equipped cabins, a general store and spectacular ocean views, Jalama…
Explore California’s unique natural landscape at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, a 78-acre living museum designed entirely with California-native plants. Five miles of easy walking trails crisscross the wild-crafted gardens, so you can…
Located in the chic and laid-back village of Montecito, Butterfly Beach is a favorite among Santa Barbara locals. The beach’s pristine shoreline is ideal for swimming, surfing and sunbathing, and its unique east-west orientation makes for…
Flanked by towering palms on one side and the blue Pacific on the other, the Chase Palm Park Center is a “hidden jewel” located on the ocean side of Cabrillo Boulevard opposite the carousel in Chase Palm Park. A Spanish-style entryway…
East Beach in Santa Barbara provides the ideal atmosphere for fun in the sun. Its spacious, sandy coastline is bordered by a grassy park that’s lined with large palm trees which makes it a popular area for outdoor activities both on and off…
Editor's note: This beach is temporarily closed due to hazardous flooding and debris. Please check back as conditions improve. Located just half an hour west of Santa Barbara, Refugio State Beach offers a unique landscape and calm oasis for…
Nestled in the beautiful and luxurious town of Montecito, a 15-minute drive from downtown Santa Barbara, Miramar Beach is one of the area’s most notable hidden gems. Miramar Beach is a narrow sandy enclave surrounded by incredible beachfront…
