60.4
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60.4 °F
10:00 AM
64.1 °F
1:00 PM
68.2 °F
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68.3 °F
7:00 PM
62.2 °F
10:00 PM
61.5 °F
1:00 AM
60.4 °F
4:00 AM
59.1 °F
7:00 AM
59.7 °F
10:00 AM
69.5 °F
1:00 PM
69.6 °F
4:00 PM
67.3 °F
7:00 PM
60.4 °F
10:00 PM
59.4 °F
1:00 AM
58.0 °F
4:00 AM
57.8 °F
7:00 AM
59.6 °F
10:00 AM
69.6 °F
1:00 PM
68.6 °F
4:00 PM
65.7 °F
7:00 PM
60.5 °F
10:00 PM
60.2 °F
1:00 AM
60.2 °F
4:00 AM
60.2 °F
7:00 AM
61.0 °F
10:00 AM
70.1 °F
1:00 PM
71.6 °F
4:00 PM
67.2 °F
7:00 PM
61.1 °F
10:00 PM
60.8 °F
1:00 AM
60.8 °F
4:00 AM
60.0 °F
7:00 AM
60.5 °F
10:00 AM
68.9 °F
1:00 PM
71.4 °F
4:00 PM
69.3 °F
7:00 PM
61.8 °F
10:00 PM
60.0 °F
1:00 AM
59.3 °F
4:00 AM
57.7 °F
Overview
Located in Santa Barbara in Southern California, Butterfly Beach is a local secret known for its breathtaking views and lack of crowds.
Amenities
This beach doesn’t have basic amenities like restrooms, showers, and lifeguards, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.
Activities
The calm waters here are great for swimming, boogie-boarding, and wading. Since it’s located in a secluded residential area, there aren’t rental options nearby. The pristine sand extends for a quarter-mile and is the perfect place for walking, building sandcastles, and playing with your dog (leashed only). During low tide, you can walk west to East Beach. If you want a little exercise, head to Santa Barbara Bikes to Go and rent a beach cruiser for $10 per hour and enjoy the Cabrillo Boulevard Bike Path. This 4.5-mile path is one of the most popular trails in Santa Barbara and takes you as far as the Santa Barbara Pier. Butterfly Beach is famous for its dolphin sightings, so be sure to keep an eye out for the local marine life.
Parking
To get to this beach, drive along Channel Drive, where you will find street parking and the staircase that leads to the sand. Butterfly Beach is famous for its unique east-west orientation, making it one of the few California beaches where you can watch the sunset. Parking can sometimes be hard to find but there are always more spots in the residential area.
Attractions
The calm waters here are great for swimming, boogie-boarding, and wading. Since it’s located in a secluded residential area, there aren’t rental options nearby. The pristine sand extends for a quarter-mile and is the perfect place for walking, building sandcastles, and playing with your dog (leashed only). During low tide, you can walk west to East Beach. If you want a little exercise, head to Santa Barbara Bikes to Go and rent a beach cruiser for $10 per hour and enjoy the Cabrillo Boulevard Bike Path. This 4.5-mile path is one of the most popular trails in Santa Barbara and takes you as far as the Santa Barbara Pier. Butterfly Beach is famous for its dolphin sightings, so be sure to keep an eye out for the local marine life.
Restaurants
If you get hungry, take a short 8-minute walk from Butterfly Beach to Bella Vista for Italian-inspired California cuisine with panoramic ocean views. You’ll also find many restaurants within a 15-minute walk from the beach. Bree’osh Bakery Cafe Montecito is popular for its namesake brioche bread and other homemade French pastries. If you’re looking for something healthy, we like Oliver’s of Montecito for its creative plant-based menu that even meat-eaters will love.
Hotels
If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are a few nearby options. The Biltmore Santa Barbara offers luxurious Spanish Colonial-style accommodations with stunning views of the ocean. You can also stay at Rosewood Miramar Beach, an estate-style resort popular with the locals. Another option is the Montecito Inn, an elegant boutique hotel built in 1928 by Charlie Chaplin.
Amenities
Dogs
Hidden
Activities
Bike Paths
Fishing
Surfing
Rentals
Bikes
Kayaking Canoeing
Food
Restaurants
Access
Car Access
Disabled Access
Foot Access
Parking - Street
Stairs to Beach
Features
Sharks
Top Traveler Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!
Does Butterfly 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 Butterfly Beach have lifeguards?
No, this Beach does not have lifeguards monitoring the beach - please be careful when swimming on this beach.
Is Butterfly Beach a family-friendly beach?
No, this Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.
Is Butterfly 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 Butterfly Beach have restrooms?
No, this Beach does not have restrooms on or near the beach.
Is Butterfly Beach a nude beach?
No, this Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.
Is there food near Butterfly Beach?
Yes, this Beach has multiple restaurant options near or on the beach.
What are the activities at Butterfly Beach?
Yes, this Beach is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, offering various activities for everyone to enjoy Bike Paths, Fishing, Surfing.
Does Butterfly Beach have accommodations for people with disabilities?
Yes, this Beach offers accommodations for people with disabilities, allowing everyone to relish the coastal experience.
Is Butterfly Beach a dog-friendly beach?
Yes, bring your dog with you to this Beach!
Is Butterfly Beach good for surfing?
Yes, surfing is an activity that is frequently enjoyed at this Beach.
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