A California Beach Guide
Best beaches & best lodging accommodations for each beach
Butterfly Beach.....El Capitan Beach ..... East Beach ..... Refugio Beach
Santa Barbara County has over 100 miles of spectacular coastline, with many splendid beaches
The water is much warmer than Central & Northern California Beaches. However
temperature is still not Florida warm. They are however more beautiful,
with coastal mountains making a picture perfect background. Winter
is usually sunny and mild. Summer often has foggy mornings
and bright sunny afternoons. Many beaches have trails
for walking, biking and skateboarding. Wildlife
viewing is exceptional. Gray and Humpback
Whale migrations are visible from
most beaches.
Butterfly Beach ~ Montecito, California
(Santa Barbara County)
Located in one of the nations most exclusive communities. Most west-facing beach in the region.
This makes it the best beach to watch sunsets over the water. Great views of the
wharf and city. Across from the Four Seasons Biltmore. There are no
public facilities on the beach. An easy walk to charming
shops, galleries and restaurants of Montecito.
recommended lodging
Montecito Inn
Located two blocks from pristine Butterfly Beach, the Montecito Inn was built in 1928
by silent screen legend Charlie Chaplin as a haven for tinsel town celebrities.
Enriched with influences reminiscent of early Santa Barbara.
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El Capitan Beach ~ Santa Barbara
A sandy beach, rocky tide pools, and a shady setting along El Capitan Creek.
Suitable for swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking & camping.
A long stairway gives access from the bluffs to beach.
A bike trail connects the park with Refugio
State Beach, H1 miles away.
Complete list of best hotels & inns in Santa Barbara
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East Beach ~ Santa Barbara
East Beach has been featured on the Travel Channel as one of the top ten beaches
in the world. Known as "The Most Romantic Beach". A beautiful bike path runs
along the beach past Stearn's Wharf. You can jog, walk, bike or rent a
canopied surrey to travel this famous beach pathway. Sunday art
exhibits and evening drum circles are local favorites. The
famous Cabrillo Bath House (see photo above)serves
breakfast & lunch right on the beach and is
a favorite local's hang out. The beach
is clean and safe for swimming!
More complete list of hotels in Santa Barbara
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Refugio Beach ~ Santa Barbara
There is excellent coastal fishing as well as picnic sites and trails.
Bike along the beach bluff that connects the beach with the
El Capitán State Beach 2.5 miles east. The camping
area is marked by Palm trees that give it
a real California feeling.
More complete list of hotels in Santa Barbara
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