California Beach Towns Near Santa Barbara County

The beaches of Santa Barbara are famous for being some of the most beautiful in California. Santa Barbara beach is the ideal place to enjoy a day in the sun with smooth, white sandy beaches, warm water, and incredible views. With 22 miles of coastline, there are plenty of beaches to choose from. It makes me wonder, what are some beach towns near Santa Barbara?

What Are Some Beach Towns Near Santa Barbara with A Beach?

So, what are some towns near Santa Barbara with a beach? Carpinteria, Goleta, Montecito, Ventura, Ojai, Crystal Cove, Morrow Bay, Pismo and San Luis Obispo. These beach towns are within 2 hours of driving Santa Barbara. Most of them have a beach within their town limits.

A bit about the history of Santa Barbara, California Beaches. In 1602, the Spanish explorer Juan Rodri­guez Cabrillo was the first European to sight the Santa Barbara coast. However, the indigenous people there lived in the area for hundreds of years.

Key Takeaways

• Santa Barbara’s smooth, white sandy beaches and warm water provide an ideal sunny day experience.
• Rich history: Indigenous inhabitants for centuries, Spanish influence with Santa Barbara named for Saint Barbara.
• The 1880s railroad development and 1920s tourism boom transformed Santa Barbara into a major tourist destination.
• Surrounding towns like Goleta and Carpinteria offer fine dining and state beaches for ocean enjoyment.
• Nearby beaches, including San Buenaventura and Point Mugu, offer surfing, swimming, and stunning Pacific views.
• Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean climate and proximity to Los Angeles make it a prime location for festivals and wineries.

The Spanish named the area for the Catholic Saint Barbara, whose feast day is December 4th. Spanish explorers and missionaries established missions along the coast from San Diego to San Francisco, and Santa Barbara became an important port, bringing settlers and goods from the East. By 1821, California became part of the United States.

The development of the railroads in the 1880s brought tourists to the Santa Barbara area, and by the 1920s, tourism had become the main industry. Today, visitors come to Santa Barbara for its beautiful coastline, Mediterranean climate, wineries, numerous festivals, and proximity to Los Angeles.

Santa Barbara, California, is a great place to live, work, and play. Santa Barbara is filled with great restaurants, bars, and shopping. It’s also home to the famous Santa Barbara Zoo. Many people come here to visit the zoo. There are many outdoor activities to enjoy. Santa Barbara has many beautiful beaches. You can spend all day at the beach or relax at one of the many restaurants or bars. It’s a perfect place to enjoy the weather.

Let’s explore Santa Barbara, California. There are so many things to do. You can spend all day at the beach or enjoy the great weather at one of the many restaurants and outdoor bars. You can also take trips to the beach towns near Santa Barbara California. Santa Barbara is a beautiful place to visit. Keep on reading! You don’t want to miss it.

What Are the Best Small Towns Near Santa Barbara with A Beach?

The best towns near Santa Barbara with a beach are Carpinteria, Goleta, Montecito, Ojai, Crystal Cove, Solvang, Morrow Bay and 

Santa Barbara has an abundance of beaches, but there are five towns within 30 minutes of Santa Barbara where you can enjoy the sand and surf. I’ve listed eight to give you plenty of choices.

Goleta Beach

Goleta Beach is located about 10 miles North of Santa Barbara. It’s a town near Santa Barbara with a nice beach where you can enjoy the waves and sand.

There are many things to see in this beach town, including beautiful beaches, ocean views, and various restaurants.

• Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMOA), which exhibits art history, modern art, photography, and sculpture.
• Take a walk along the shoreline at the Point Piedras Blancas State Park, where trails lead to scenic vistas and wildlife viewing areas.
• Enjoy a meal at downtown Goleta’s many fine dining establishments.
• Try local wines at one of the many wine tasting rooms around town.

Carpinteria State Beach

Carpinteria State Beach is another option for enjoying the ocean. This beach is one of the towns north of Santa Barbara.

Carpinteria is located on California’s Central Coast. It has beautiful beaches, including Carpinteria State Park, which is home to one of Southern California’s most popular surfing spots. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and hotels near the beach.

• Visit the lighthouse at the north end of the park. It was built in 1875 and offered visitors a view of the coastline.
• Take a walk along the boardwalk, which runs through the park’s center. It’s lined with shops selling souvenirs, art, jewelry, and clothing.
• The beaches here are clean and safe.
• There are plenty of parking spaces available.

Ojai

One of the prettiest towns around Santa Barbara is Ojai, a small town located 30 miles northwest of Santa Barbara. It will take about 30 minutes driving to get to the nearest beaches, close to Santa Barbara. 

Ojai Beach is located on the Ventura County coast in southern California. It has an average temperature of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months and averages 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. Several beaches along this stretch of coastline include Santa Rosa Island, San Buenaventura State Beach, and Point Mugu State Park. These beaches offer beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and plenty of opportunities for surfing, swimming, fishing, and hiking.

Ojai Beach, California, is a beautiful beach town on the Ventura County coast. There are several places to visit, including the Ojai Art Center, the Ojai Valley Inn, and the Ojai Playhouse Theater.

– Visit the Ojai Art Museum, which has an impressive collection of art pieces.

– Take a tour of the Ojai Valley inn, where you can stay overnight.

– See a play at the Ojai Play House Theater.

Solvang

Solvang is located about 35 miles from Santa Barbara one of the towns close to Santa Barbara. This small town offers a quaint downtown area with shops and restaurants.

Solvang is a beautiful beach town on the Central Coast of California, unique for its Danish-inspired architecture. It is about a 30-minute drive from Solvang to the nearest beach (Refugio Beach). 

• Solvang is famous for its Danish architecture and culture. Many of the buildings were built during the 1800s and early 1900s.
• The city was founded in 1911 and quickly became popular among tourists due to its unique history and architecture.
• In addition to the beautiful beaches, Solvang is also home to some of the oldest vineyards in California.
• Visit the Solvang Museum, which houses Danish history and culture exhibits.
• Stop into one of the local eateries for some delicious food.

Morro Bay

Morro Bay is located about 40 minutes southeast of Santa Barbara. It is one of the most popular beaches in California.

Morro Bay is located on the central coast of California. It has a population of about 13,000 people. There are several beaches along the shoreline, including Pfeiffer State Park, one of the most popular beaches in the area. People visit this beach town to enjoy surfing, swimming, fishing, hiking, camping, and sightseeing.

– Morro Bay is known for its beautiful scenery. Visitors can see rolling hills with vineyards, farms, and olive groves.

– The city offers visitors an array of restaurants, bars, shops, and galleries.

– Besides the beaches, there are plenty of parks and trails where visitors can hike, bike, picnic, and camp.

– The city is home to the Morro Bay Aquarium, which features exhibits featuring sea otters, sharks, stingrays, and other marine life.

Montecito

Montecito is located about 20 miles north of Santa Barbara.

– Montecillo State Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Montecito.

– Montecito Creek runs through Montecito and empties into the Pacific Ocean.

– Montecino State Park is another place to visit while visiting Montecito.

– Many people visit Montecito because of its beautiful beaches and hiking trails.

Crystal Cove State Park

Crystal Cove State Park is located about 25 miles north of Santa Barbara and is home to a beautiful beach.

This state park offers a beautiful beach, camping, and restrooms. There are many hiking trails to choose from here, including one down to the beach.

There are plenty of things to see in this beach town. Here are some suggestions on what to see while visiting Crystal Cove State Park.

– The park offers camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, birdwatching, and horseback riding.

– Take a walk along the shoreline.

– Visit the lighthouse at Point Dume on the Pacific Ocean.

– Explore the tide pools.

– Watch the surfers ride the waves.

– Enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Guadalupe Dunes State Park

Guadalupe Dunes State Park is located about 35 miles north of Santa Barbara, and this park offers a beautiful view and a sandy beach.

The dunes here are very tall and offer some of the most spectacular scenery in California. There are several hiking paths to choose from, including ones that lead to the beach.

Guadalupe Dune State Park is located on the coast of California near San Luis Obispo. There are two beaches at this park; one beach is called “The Strand,” and the other is called “Dunes.” Both beaches offer beautiful views of the ocean and dunes. The Strand has an area where people can go surfing, while the Dunes offer hiking trails through the sand hills.

– The Strand is a popular place for surfers and swimmers.

– The park has a campground where visitors can stay overnight.

– Visitors can rent kayaks and paddle boards at the marina.

– Visit the Guadalupe Dunes National Recreation Area.

San Marcos de las Salinas State Beach

San Marcos de las Salinas is located about 40 miles north of Santa Barbara on Highway 101. This state park offers beautiful ocean views, a large sandy beach, and restrooms.

In this beach town, there are several places where you can go swimming, surfing, fishing, kayaking, and boating. There are several restaurants located on the beach where you can enjoy delicious food while relaxing at the beach.

• Visit the San Marcos de las Salinas State Park.
• Go to the San Marcos River.
• Take a tour of the Mission San Luis Rey de Francia.
• Take advantage of the hiking trails around the park.
• Visit the beach during low tide to see all the shells and rocks lining the shoreline.

What Are the Best Places to Visit Near Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara has some great attractions and things to do specifically for tourists. These cities near Santa Barbara include going to the beach, visiting museums and art galleries, taking nature walks or hikes, shopping at local boutiques and farmer’s markets, dining at restaurants serving international cuisine, and attending wine tastings or food festivals. There are also possibilities of going on whale watching tours during winter months when gray whales migrate past the coast of Southern California.

What Are the Best Attractions Near Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is an excellent base for exploring the many attractions of Ventura County. From stunning beaches to incredible hiking trails, there’s something here for every kind of visitor. The following table outlines some of the top attractions to check out:

Attractions	Description	Location
Sandstone Peak	Take a hike up Sandstone Peak in Ventura County’s Simi Hills for an amazing view of Los Angeles Basin (including downtown LA) on a clear day	Ventura County
Channel Islands National Park	Visit by boat from Ventura Harbor, the park consists of five islands off the southern coast of California and is known for its abundant marine life, including sea lions, dolphins, sharks, etc.	Ventura County
Olivas Adobe	Check out Olivas Adobe which was built in 1849 and is the oldest adobe structure in Ventura County	Ventura County
Santa Barbara	Santa Barbara is an awesome place to stay in the best areas of town, with many different hotels and restaurants open 24/7, 365 days a year!	Santa Barbara
Nearby Attractions	The top-rated things to do near Santa Barbara are Malibu, Pismo Beach, and Newport.	Near Santa Barbara

Is Santa Barbara a Beach Town

Yes, Santa Barbara is a beach town.

Santa Barbara is a town in California that is well-known for its beaches. While it is often called a “beach town,” there are many other things to do in the area. Elk’s coastline, located near Santa Barbara, is surrounded by redwood forest and hilly pasture. This area is well worth a visit as it has a secluded stretch of beach near the Navarro River, which flows from the coast to the Pacific Ocean. In addition, this town’s local art is unique compared to other towns in California.

Santa Barbara is a local getaway because it offers residents and visitors plenty of opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Whether you’re looking to spend time on the beach or explore some of Santa Barbara’s hills and forests, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. And don’t forget about wine country! Santa Barbara sits nestled into the bluffs along the Gualala River in California’s “banana belt.” With its foggy beach days and Mediterranean climate, you’ll love Santa Barbara just as much as we do!

Is Santa Barbara Worth Visiting

Yes, it is worth it. Here are a few great reasons to visit this beach town:

-Beautiful beaches with palm trees and mountains with views

-Santa Barbara has the longest beach strip in all of California (20 miles). Most of it is public, most is sandy, and most is great for swimming, surfing, volleyball, and fishing.

-The coastline along Santa Barbara, California, is beautiful. It starts with the palm-lined Mission Beach and Promenade, continues to Stearns Wharf and the harbor filled with yachts and sailboats, and ends at East Beach, where you can wander the dunes.

-Santa Barbara has some of the best wine tastings in California. There are many wineries in Santa Barbara County, all with their own unique character, and wine festivals throughout the year.

Santa Barbara Beach California – A Few of the Best Small California Beach Towns

Santa Barbara is not a beach town. The region of California that Santa Barbara is located in has many outdoor destinations, including four idyllic beaches: Carpinteria State Beach, El Capitan State Beach, Refugio State Beach, and Gaviota State Park.

Santa Barbara is a coastal city. The City of Santa Barbara website says, “The coastline stretches for more than 20 miles and provides an endless opportunity for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and simply taking in the dramatic views.”

How Far Is Downtown Santa Barbara from The Beach

Downtown Santa Barbara is located about two miles from the beach. The Promenade offers both upscale shopping and entertainment, so it’s a great spot to visit whether you’re near the ocean. There are plenty of outdoor dining options in Santa Barbara, so you can enjoy a meal by the sea even if you’re not spending time on the sand.

Santa Barbara Is a World-Renowned Beach Destination

Santa Barbara is known for its world-renowned beaches and dramatic coastal scenery. With more than three hundred days of sunshine each year, Santa Barbara is the perfect place to enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, surfing, kayaking, hiking, and biking.

Santa Barbara Is a Great Place to Surf

The best towns for surfing near Santa Barbara have waves suitable for beginners, intermediate, and advanced surfers. The type of waves will depend on the user’s skill level and ability. Some towns with surf that is suitable for beginners are Santa Cruz, Humboldt County, and Malibu. Towns with intermediate to advanced waves include Carpinteria, Rincon Beach, and El Capitan.

Santa Barbara is known for its beaches, and one of the most popular activities people do there is surfing.

There are a few towns near Santa Barbara that are great for surfing. Carpinteria has several good surf spots about 10 miles south of Santa Barbara.

The town of Montecito is also a great place to surf; it’s well-known for its waves and luxury hotels.

Further north, you’ll find Goleta, home to the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB). UCSB students often head to Campus Point or Sands Beach for some waves.

Ventura offers great waves and beautiful scenery away from the heart of Santa Barbara but still on the coast.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option than staying in Santa Barbara proper, these towns offer some great options for surfing near Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara Has Amazing Views

Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful cities in California. With its amazing views, Mediterranean climate, and charming Spanish architecture, it’s no wonder it’s a popular tourist destination. The downtown area is full of great restaurants, shops, and bars, while the beaches are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. Santa Barbara is worth checking out if you’re looking for a beach town with plenty to offer!

Final Thoughts    

So, there you have it – some of the best towns near Santa Barbara with a beach. There’s nothing like spending a day relaxing on the sand, enjoying the sun, and taking in the ocean sights. If you are in Santa Barbara, there are beaches within the city limits. But if you want to get away from it all, there are plenty of towns near Santa Barbara with their own beaches. From Solvang to Carpinteria, these places offer various activities and attractions that keep you busy for days. So whether you’re planning a romantic weekend or a family vacation, you won’t regret choosing one of these beautiful spots over the city.

Frequently Asked Questions‍

What are the best beach towns in California near Santa Barbara?

Some of the best beach towns near Santa Barbara in California include Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Goleta Beach, and Venice Beach.

Which beach in Santa Barbara is the safest?

Arroyo Burro Beach, also known as Hendry’s Beach, is considered one of the safest beaches in Santa Barbara.

Are there any charming beach towns near Santa Barbara?

Yes, there are several charming beach towns near Santa Barbara, such as Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Butterfly Beach.

What are some of the Santa Barbara beaches?

Some of the best beaches in Santa Barbara include Butterfly Beach, Goleta Beach Park, East Beach, and Hendry’s Beach.

Are there any small towns near Santa Barbara with a beach?

Yes, there are small towns near Santa Barbara with a beach, such as Goleta and Carpinteria.

What are the best beach towns in California?

Some of the best beach towns in California include Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Venice Beach.

Which beach town in Southern California is closest to Santa Barbara?

Goleta, located just west of Santa Barbara, is the closest beach town in Southern California.

Are there any charming beach towns along the California coastline?

Yes, there are many charming beach towns along the California coastline, including Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Carpinteria.

Is there a beach boardwalk in Santa Barbara?

Yes, Santa Barbara has a beach boardwalk located right on the beach, offering beautiful ocean views and recreational activities.

What are some of the best beach parks near Santa Barbara?

Some of the best beach parks near Santa Barbara include Goleta Beach Park, Carpinteria State Beach, and East Beach Park.