Loon Point Beach(Loon Point)

Located just south of Summerland, Loon Point Beach is a beautiful, popular beach with light brown sand and steep oceanfront bluffs. At the west end of Padaro, visitors can access the beach via the Loon Point Beach parking lot sign. From there, you’ll walk over railroad tracks and down a long ramp to reach this scenic shoreline. The beach itself has some narrow stretches but offers wide-open spaces to explore.

Loon Point Beach does not have lifeguards or amenities, but nearby parking includes restrooms. The parking lot, located near Exit 90 on Highway 101, provides easy access with clear signage. 

Loon Point Beach is ideal for a wide range of activities, such as sunbathing, wildlife watching, beachcombing, and exploring the tidepools found near the eastern side during low tide. In addition, visitors can enjoy fishing, surfing, paddleboarding, kitesurfing, and kayaking. Horse riding is permitted seasonally, with a limited number of horses allowed between May 1st and October 31st and again from November 1st to April 30th. For equestrians, note that dogs are occasionally off-leash here, which may pose a risk. Surfers flock to the eastern part of the beach, where they catch the right-breaking wave. However, swimmers should exercise caution, as the water near Loon Point Beach can have rip currents. If you are a fan of beachcombing, you may find colorful pieces of sea glass along the shore. During certain times of the year, you might spot seals, sea lions, and even migrating grey whales in the waters nearby. Walking a mile north along the beach leads to a trail to Lookout Park, which offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and amenities like barbecues, picnic tables, and restrooms.

Accessing Loon Point Beach is straightforward. Take Exit 90 off Highway 101 to Padaro Lane and follow the Loon Point Beach parking lot sign. This free lot is well-marked, allowing you to easily reach the trail that leads to the beach. After parking, you’ll cross railroad tracks and descend a long ramp to arrive at the sandy beach.

Several attractions are located near Loon Point Beach. The Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary, for instance, provides a unique opportunity to observe harbor seals, particularly during the breeding season, with knowledgeable volunteers offering insights into the local wildlife. Additionally, Tar Pits Park is home to rare active asphalt pits that connect to a vast underground asphalt lake—one of only five worldwide. Nearby, Linden Avenue features antique shops, restaurants, and hosts popular events such as the Christmas Parade of Lights, the Avocado Festival, and the Antique Car Show.

If you get hungry, there are many restaurants near Loon Point Beach. Padaro Beach Grill is a bar and restaurant that has an outdoor dining area and offers delicious sandwiches, burgers, seafood, salads, and fries. Giovanni’s Carpinteria offers a variety of amazing pizzas and pizzas. In addition, the restaurant also has live music performances on the first Friday of every month. If you are looking for a good and affordable restaurant near Loon Point Beach, the modestly priced Reyes Market offers amazing Mexican dishes.

If you are looking for a hotel near Loon Point Beach, there are many great nearby options. The 5-Star Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara offers many amenities including three restaurants, a lounge, two pools, a gym, and a spa. As another upscale option, the 4-Star Rosewood Miramar Beach offers many amenities including two restaurants, two bars, two pools, a spa, and a piano lounge. A more affordable hotel is the 3-Star Cabrillo Inn at the Beach that offers many amenities including complimentary continental breakfast, a lounge that offers pleasant ocean views, a pool, a bike path, and shared sundecks. If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Loon Point Beach, the modestly priced 2-Star Motel 6 Carpinteria, CA - Santa Barbara - North offers many amenities including a pool, complimentary morning coffee, and coin laundry. In addition, the hotel offers free accommodation to children under 17 staying with an adult family member.