Santa Barbara Beaches and Recreation
With beautiful weather year round and a unique environment of mountains meeting the sea, Santa Barbara is the perfect place to play outside. Santa Barbara has numerous beaches, parks, hiking trails, mountain biking trails, golf courses, public tennis courts, and the list goes on. Following are a few good suggestions for beaches and parks—all within walking distance. Bicycles, kayaks, surreys, and motorized scooters can also be rented nearby.
West Beach
Where State Street meets the ocean on either side of Stearns Wharf – Cabrillo Blvd. at Harbor Way. Ideally suited for sailing, fishing, swimming, and picnicking. (East Beach is approximately one mile south and has volleyball courts, a bath house, restaurant, and arts center. A little bit further than easy walking distance).
Stearns Wharf
Where State Street meets the ocean. Although this isn’t a beach or a park, you’ll find it hard to miss if you follow State Street to the ocean in search of beaches or the Santa Barbara Yacht Harbor. An adventure on its own, Stearns Wharf is the oldest operating wharf on the West Coast, complete with shops, some of the most famous restaurants in Santa Barbara, and The Nature Conservancy and Sea Center.
Chase Palm Park
Cabrillo Boulevard, along the Waterfront. The park includes a lagoon and creeks, picnic area, strolling/jogging paths, an antique carousel, a public meeting area, indoor and outdoor youth activity areas, and plenty of places for just relaxing.
Leadbetter Beach
Shoreline Drive at Loma Alta. Next to the Santa Barbara Yacht Harbor. Good surfing, windsurfing, and B-B-Q beach.
Los Banos del Mar Pool
401 Shoreline at Castillo 966-6110 Professional 50-meter pool offering year-round swimming. You’ll also find a large heated wading pool for children 7 years old and under. Children’s pool open from May to September.
Alameda Park
1400 Santa Barbara Street. Shady downtown park with picnic area and amazing children’s play area.
Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens
1500 Santa Barbara Street. Lovely garden park with gazebo overlooking the famous ‘piranha’ pond.
Recreation Partners
We work with the best tour partners in town to bring our guests an incredible and authentic Santa Barbara experience. These tour companies provide exceptional service and great adventure – the right combination to make your Santa Barbara recreation tour exactly what you want. From bike tours and all day wine tasting excursions, we know the right people. And whether you are booking for two or a group of twenty, our concierge team is here to make the process simple and streamlined. Text or call the concierge team 24/7 for help with your tour booking at (805) 448-0710.
Santa Barbara Sailing Center
Climb aboard the Double Dolphin for unforgettable coastal and sunset cruises. The 50 foot sailing catamaran is ideal for any group, from two up to 41. Also, try their unforgettable themed cruises; Sipping on the Sea and Music on the Water. Book through our concierge team for discounted rates.
sbsail.com
CalCoast Adventures
Five different bike tour options available. Try the city bike tour for a leisurely ride highlighting the best of Santa Barbara. The bikes and beverages tour will take you to beer and wine tastings at several of Santa Barbara’s favorite wineries and breweries. Or try the electric bike, mountain bike and road bike tours.
calcoastadventures.com
Eat This, Shoot That!
On these unique food/wine/photography tours you’ll visit the tastiest spots in town, learn about local wine culture, and take epic food pics to share on social media. Book through our concierge team for discounted rates.
eatthisshootthat.com
Paddle Sports Center
Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and surfboards, are available for rental right from the Santa Barbara Harbor. You can also book a SUP or kayaking tour and learn about Santa Barbara while exploring its coast – fun for the entire family. Ask our concierge to book you a rental or tour.
paddlesportsca.com
Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours
A Santa Ynez Valley wine tasting tour showcasing the best of the valley. This more than 6-hour long tour takes you through the Valley to some of the most popular vineyards and tasting rooms. The cost includes private tastings and winery tours, lunch and cold beverages along with a knowledgeable guide and discussions about wine making.
winetours-santabarbara.com
Farmers Market Foodie Stroll
Experience the Tuesday night farmers’ market with the chef from one of Santa Barbara’s best restaurants: Bouchon. Rendezvous with Chef at 3 pm inside Hotel Santa Barbara’s lobby. Tour the farmers’ market and select ingredients with Chef’s assistance, discuss the menu and then return to the restaurant for a 6 pm dinner. Advanced reservations are needed.
bouchonsantabarbara.com