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52.3 °F
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61.9 °F
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64.2 °F
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61.9 °F
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55.9 °F
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56.3 °F
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55.3 °F
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59.1 °F
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57.5 °F
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57.6 °F
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58.6 °F
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58.8 °F
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58.2 °F
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57.6 °F
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57.5 °F
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57.5 °F
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58.6 °F
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59.1 °F
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59.1 °F
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57.3 °F
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57.9 °F
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57.2 °F
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63.2 °F
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64.7 °F
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64.5 °F
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59.5 °F
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59.0 °F
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59.5 °F
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59.9 °F
7:00 AM
59.8 °F
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66.0 °F
1:00 PM
67.8 °F
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64.4 °F
Overview
Nestled in Santa Barbara, Southern California, Butterfly Beach is a hidden gem with stunning ocean views and a peaceful atmosphere. Visitors are drawn here to enjoy the quiet and beauty away from crowded spots.
Amenities
This beach doesn’t have basic amenities like restrooms, showers, and lifeguards, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.
Activities
With calm waters and pristine sands stretching along the shore, Butterfly Beach is ideal for swimming, wading, and even boogie-boarding. The beach is set in a quiet residential area, so rental options for gear aren’t available nearby.
Visitors enjoy beach walks, building sandcastles, or playing with leashed dogs. 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
Accessing Butterfly Beach is straightforward via Channel Drive, where you’ll find street parking and a staircase leading directly to the beach. Its unique east-west orientation provides one of the rare opportunities to watch the sun set over the ocean in California. Although parking can sometimes be limited, nearby residential areas often have extra spots.
Restaurants
When you’re ready for a bite, an 8-minute walk from Butterfly Beach takes you to Bella Vista, known for its Italian-inspired California cuisine and ocean views. Within a 15-minute walk, you’ll find popular spots like Bree’osh Bakery Cafe Montecito, famous for its fresh brioche bread and French pastries. Health-conscious visitors may want to check out Oliver’s of Montecito for a creative, plant-based menu.
Hotels
For accommodations, options near Butterfly Beach include The Biltmore Santa Barbara, a luxurious Spanish Colonial-style hotel with ocean views, and the Rosewood Miramar Beach, an elegant estate-style resort. The historic Montecito Inn, built in 1928 by Charlie Chaplin, offers boutique charm and comfort.
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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