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Overview
Located in the town of Isla Vista, Depressions Beach is a half-mile long beach on the west side of Goleta Point on the University of California, Santa Barbara campus. Depressions Beach is backed by the UCSB Lagoon and is a great spot for surfing, especially for beginners because of its calm waters and mid-size waves. Depressions Beach is a dog-friendly beach and offers a couple of amenities including picnic tables and trails. There are many fun activities at Depressions Beach including surfing, hiking, biking, birdwatching, and beach walking. Getting to Depressions Beach is easy – the beach is situated near the east end of Del Playa Drive from where you will need to climb down a bluff trail to the beach. There are a few free parking spots along Del Playa Drive near the access trail to Depressions Beach.
Activities
If you are looking for attractions near Depressions Beach, you can drive 19 minutes to Santa Barbara Zoo which has been consistently ranked among the best small zoos in the United States and features a Zoo Train, pair of old locomotives – and is home to many animals and birds including giraffes, gorillas, African lions, foxes, vultures, and Humboldt penguins. If you like hiking, Lake Los Carneros has many trails and is a great spot to watch birds, coyotes, and bobcats. Rancho La Patera & Stow House displays historic photographs and furniture related to the nearby area. Another great attraction near Depressions Beach is Stearns Wharf, a fun tourist attraction site that offers souvenir shops, restaurants, and a small aquarium named the Sea Center.
Attractions
If you are looking for attractions near Depressions Beach, you can drive 19 minutes to Santa Barbara Zoo which has been consistently ranked among the best small zoos in the United States and features a Zoo Train, pair of old locomotives – and is home to many animals and birds including giraffes, gorillas, African lions, foxes, vultures, and Humboldt penguins. If you like hiking, Lake Los Carneros has many trails and is a great spot to watch birds, coyotes, and bobcats. Rancho La Patera & Stow House displays historic photographs and furniture related to the nearby area. Another great attraction near Depressions Beach is Stearns Wharf, a fun tourist attraction site that offers souvenir shops, restaurants, and a small aquarium named the Sea Center.
Restaurants
If you get hungry, there are many restaurants within a five-minute drive of Depressions Beach. The Club & Guest House At UC Santa Barbara is an upscale waterfront fine dining restaurant that serves appetizers, salads, entrees, beverages, and desserts. The organic restaurant Room 217 offers chicken sandwiches, cheese bread, wraps, rolls, and fries. Another good restaurant near Depressions Beach is Woodstock's Pizza Isla Vista, a pizza restaurant featuring homemade pizza, breadsticks, and chicken wings.
Hotels
If you are looking for a hotel near Depressions Beach, you can drive 20 minutes to many nearby hotels. The 5-Star pet-friendly hotel El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara features an infinity pool, lounge, poolside bar, spa, sauna, restaurant, and fitness center. Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is a 4-Star pet-friendly hotel that is spread across 24 acres and has many amenities including a pool, bar, spa, café, and three tennis courts. If you are looking for affordable hotels near Depressions Beach, the 3-Star Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort offers a pool and fitness center – and the 2-Star Best Western Plus South Coast Inn has a pool, gym, and ping pong tables.
Amenities
Dogs
Activities
Hiking
Surfing
Rentals
Bikes
Food
Access
Car Access
Foot Access
Parking - Free
Parking - Paid
Features
Top Traveler Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!
Does Depressions Beach have parking? If so, is it free or paid?
Yes, this Beach provides paid parking at the entrance, although spaces are limited. Visitors can also find street parking nearby for easy access to the beach.
Does Depressions Beach have lifeguards?
No, this Beach does not have lifeguards monitoring the beach - please be careful when swimming on this beach.
Is Depressions Beach a family-friendly beach?
No, this Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.
Is Depressions Beach good for swimming?
Yes, this Beach boasts excellent swimming conditions, attracting swimmers of all skill levels with its gentle waves and clear waters.
Does Depressions Beach have restrooms?
No, this Beach does not have restrooms on or near the beach.
Is Depressions Beach a nude beach?
No, this Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.
Is there food near Depressions Beach?
No, this Beach does not have nearby food options - please plan your beach day accordingly.
What are the activities at Depressions Beach?
Yes, this Beach is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, offering various activities for everyone to enjoy Hiking, Surfing.
Does Depressions Beach have accommodations for people with disabilities?
No, this Beach does not have accommodations for people with disabilities.
Is Depressions Beach a dog-friendly beach?
Yes, bring your dog with you to this Beach!
Is Depressions Beach good for surfing?
Yes, surfing is an activity that is frequently enjoyed at this Beach.
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