52.7
°F
|
°C
Overview
Located in the town of Isla Vista, Sands Beach is a small, narrow, and rocky beach south of Devereux Lagoon and in front of Nature Center Coal Oil Point Reserve – a protected plant and animal habitat. Sands Beach is a perfect destination for surfing as it offers a great point break.
Amenities
Sands Beach welcomes dogs on leash and offers many amenities including restrooms, trails, tide pools, and a lagoon.
Activities
There are many fun activities at Sands Beach including surfing, hiking, birdwatching, tide pooling, and beach walking.
Parking
To access Sands Beach, drive to the end of Camino Majorca Road where it meets Del Playa Drive. There is a stairway near this intersection point and you can walk 15 minutes west to the beach after climbing down these stairs. Visitors can use the few free street parking spots available along Del Playa Drive and Camino Majorca Road.
Attractions
If you are looking for attractions near Sands Beach, you can drive eight minutes to the Art, Design & Architecture Museum that is also known as the University Art Museum and features many architectural drawing, historic photographs, writing, scrapbooks, three-dimensional objects in the Architecture and Design Collection, and over 8,500 original works of the museum itself. Rancho La Patera & Stow House displays historic photographs and furniture related to the nearby area. If you like golfing, Sandpiper Golf Club is a beautiful waterfront 18-hole golf course that has been rated among the top 100 public golf courses in the US and the top 25 public golf courses in California. Another great attraction near Sands 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 seven-minute drive of Sands Beach. Rockfire Grill is a Mediterranean restaurant that offers Fettuccine Alfredo, pasta, chicken, and beef dishes along with special items for vegans. The bagel eatery IV Bagels Cafe serves house-baked bagels, handmade pastries, espresso, bread, and other Mexican desserts. Another good restaurant near Sands Beach is Lao Wang, an Asian restaurant with a nice menu that includes spring rolls, pumpkin curry, coconut rice, basil chicken, salmon rolls, and crab meat noodles.
Hotels
If you are looking for a hotel near Sands Beach, you can drive 11 minutes to the 5-Star pet-friendly hotel The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, an incredible Mediterranean-style hotel that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is spread 78 acres – it features a lounge, poolside bar, spa, sauna, fitness center, ping pong table, two pools, restaurants, and tennis courts. Residence Inn by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta is a nice 3-Star hotel that welcomes pets and has a pool, golf course, and fitness center. If you are looking for a budget-friendly hotel near Sands Beach, the 2-Star Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Barbara/Goleta offers a pool.
(805) 568-2460
Restroom Available
6 AM - 6 PM
Amenities
Dogs
Restrooms
Activities
Bike Paths
Fishing
Hiking
Snorkeling
Surfing
Rentals
Bikes
Kayaking Canoeing
Food
Access
Car Access
Foot Access
Parking - Street
Features
Top Traveler Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!
Does Sands Beach have parking? If so, is it free or paid?
No, this Beach does not have dedicated parking but has street parking near the entrance.
Does Sands Beach have lifeguards?
No, this Beach does not have lifeguards monitoring the beach - please be careful when swimming on this beach.
Is Sands Beach a family-friendly beach?
No, this Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.
Is Sands 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 Sands Beach have restrooms?
Yes, Restrooms are conveniently available on or adjacent to the beach at this Beach.
Is Sands Beach a nude beach?
No, this Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.
Is there food near Sands Beach?
No, this Beach does not have nearby food options - please plan your beach day accordingly.
What are the activities at Sands Beach?
Yes, this Beach is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, offering various activities for everyone to enjoy Bike Paths, Fishing, Hiking, Snorkeling, Surfing.
Does Sands Beach have accommodations for people with disabilities?
No, this Beach does not have accommodations for people with disabilities.
Is Sands Beach a dog-friendly beach?
Yes, bring your dog with you to this Beach!
Is Sands Beach good for surfing?
Yes, surfing is an activity that is frequently enjoyed at this Beach.
EXPERT ADVICE AND TIPS
October 9th, 2024 Sandee
Discover how hurricanes, like the powerful Hurricane Milton, are classified into categories and the damage each category can cause. Learn how Florida and other regions prepare for such storms.
October 2nd, 2024 Sandee
If you're visiting California's iconic beaches this season, you might encounter some unusual, vibrant blue creatures washed ashore. These tiny marine organisms, known as Velella Velella, are captivating tourists and locals alike. Often referred to as "by-the-wind sailors," these creatures have recently been appearing in large numbers along the West Coast, including popular beaches in Santa Cruz, Malibu, and Santa Barbara. This phenomenon adds a touch of intrigue to California’s already scenic shores, making your beach visit even more unforgettable.
August 20th, 2024 Sandee
Quick! That’s how fast it happened—one moment, Jamie Acord was enjoying a peaceful stroll along the beach with her husband, and the next, she was waist-deep in quicksand.
May 28th, 2024 Sandee
Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California
May 14th, 2024 Sandee
Discover the top cliff jumping beaches in the United States! Dive into our expert guide to find the most exhilarating spots for adrenaline-pumping jumps, breathtaking views, and unforgettable beach adventures. Perfect for thrill seekers!
February 7th, 2024 Sandee
For pet owners, leaving Fido or Fluffy behind while the family hits the beach just won't do. Luckily, many coastal destinations now cater to vacationing animal lovers by allowing dogs, cats, and other pets to enjoy the seaside fun too. From wide open spaces to play, pet perks, and accommodations, here are the top pet-friendly beaches to visit for a pawsome vacation with your furry best friend.
February 7th, 2024 Sandee
A successful beach trip requires thoughtful preparation and packing. You don't want to forget essential items and have to cut your day short or run out constantly for supplies.
February 7th, 2024 Sandee
You've dreamt of this beach vacay for months. The sunscreen is packed, cute swimsuit donned, and you made your playlist filled with sunny tunes. You head out ready for a blissful, relaxing day soaking up the summer sun, waves, and vistas. Then...something happens that puts a damper on the day. Beach trips don't always go as envisioned. From weather mishaps to forgetting necessities, here are 8 common things that can sabotage and ruin an otherwise glorious beach day.
February 1st, 2024 Sandee
With over 800 miles of coastline, California is synonymous with beach culture. Up and down the Golden State, you’ll find lively seaside towns and cities where you can wake up to ocean views, spend the day tanning on the sand, and enjoy fresh coastal cuisine.
February 1st, 2024 Sandee
The United States Virgin Islands offer a beautiful tropical escape for travelers looking to experience the stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage. For those who are interested in naturism or nudism, it's important to be aware of the laws and cultural attitudes towards nudity in this region.
February 1st, 2024 Sandee
Nudism, also known as naturism, is a lifestyle that promotes the freedom and comfort of being nude in a non-sexual context. In the United States, there are laws and regulations that dictate where and when nudism is permissible. As a travel blogger and enthusiast of naturist activities, I have explored the various laws and cultural attitudes towards nudism in the US.