Over 3 miles of public beaches, spanning from Leadbetter to East Beach, provide many opportunities for ocean-side fun and activities.
Leadbetter Beach offers not only easy beach and ocean access, but also a large grassy area with picnic tables and barbeques. This is a good beach for beginning surfers, as well as kitesurfers and windsurfers.
To the east of Leadbetter is West Beach, which is wide and often hosts large public events like Santa Barbara’s 4th of July celebration. When it is not a staging area for pipes and other equipment, West Beach is picturesque in part because it is a wide beach between the Wharf and the Harbor. There are some volleyball courts here and welcoming sidewalks.
Finally there is East Beach Park which features over a dozen beach volleyball courts (and occasional tournaments), picnic tables, and an especially beautiful beach, with birds and panoramic views. This is the best beach for swimming.
A terrific, palm lined sidewalk connects the Wharf to the end of East Beach. In addition to a popular skateboard park, the walkway also features local arts and crafts booths on Sundays and, during major holiday weekends, on Saturdays too.
These three adjacent beaches are located to the south of Shoreline Drive and Cabrillo Blvd between La Marina and Ninos Dr. from 290 Shoreline Dr. to 1400 E Cabrillo Blvd
City of Santa Barbara
Leadbetter -- 10.9 miles (biking); West Beach -- 10.7 miles (biking); and East Beach – 12.1 mi (biking)
BBQ, Beach Activities, Biking, Birdwatching, Other Recreation Activities (skateboarding), Picnicking, Playground/Swings; Playing on Grass Activities, Relaxing, Running, Studying/Reading, Surfing, Swimming, Viewing, Volleyball, Walking
Inspired by sidewalk art shows in Mexico City and Europe, the Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show is the world’s only continuous, non-juried, original arts festival.
These destinations have accessible features, including beach wheel chair availability at East Beach.
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