Leadbetter Beach

Located in the heart of Santa Barbara, Leadbetter Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the area because of its clear waters, consistent winds, and wide sands. Santa Barbara City College is right next to this beach so expect to see lots of students getting some sunshine between classes. 

This beach has many amenities including outdoor showers, restrooms, and lifeguards.

The calm waters here are great for beginner surfers, windsurfers, and paddle boarders. You can take a 12-minute walk from the beach to find the Santa Barbara Sailing Center, which offers sailing lessons, boat rentals, and paddleboard rentals. The sand stretches for half a mile and is perfect for walking, jogging, and sunbathing. If you’re looking for an adventure, head to Sunset Kidd Sailing Cruises and Whale Watching to get a seat on their 16-person boat and enjoy cruising through the water with a full bar on board. You can buy tickets online for whale-watching excursions, wine tastings on the water, and sunset tours starting at $50 per person. Located next to the beach you’ll find a grassy area with barbecue pits and picnic areas that are perfect for a family gathering or party.

To get to this beach, drive along Shoreline Drive, where you will find paid parking lots but these spots fill up quickly so be sure to arrive early.

The calm waters here are great for beginner surfers, windsurfers, and paddle boarders. You can take a 12-minute walk from the beach to find the Santa Barbara Sailing Center, which offers sailing lessons, boat rentals, and paddleboard rentals. The sand stretches for half a mile and is perfect for walking, jogging, and sunbathing. If you’re looking for an adventure, head to Sunset Kidd Sailing Cruises and Whale Watching to get a seat on their 16-person boat and enjoy cruising through the water with a full bar on board. You can buy tickets online for whale-watching excursions, wine tastings on the water, and sunset tours starting at $50 per person. Located next to the beach you’ll find a grassy area with barbecue pits and picnic areas that are perfect for a family gathering or party.

If you get hungry, Shoreline Beach Café is right on the sand and offers seafood-focused Mexican fare. The restaurant is also a certified Green Business and uses only locally grown and harvested ingredients. You’ll also find many restaurants within an 8-minute walk of the beach Leadbetter Beach. Sushi Go Go has budget-friendly Japanese options and has an unbeatable view of the Santa Barbara Harbor from their patio. If you’re looking for a sit-down option, we like Brophy Bros, a casual restaurant that’s famous for its fresh-caught seafood and Bloody Marys. It has been owned and operated by the same family since 1986 and is known for its exceptional service.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, you’ll find many options less than a mile away. The Hideaway Santa Barbara is a nine-room boutique hotel that offers a cozy, yet modern experience. Each room is equipped with cable TV, Bluetooth speakers, and a fireplace, making sure you feel right at home while staying there. You can also stay at the Lavender Inn by the Sea, a romantic hotel surrounded by fragrant lavender gardens. It is known for its complimentary food options including breakfast, cookies with milk, and a bottle of welcome champagne. Another option is the Castillo Inn, a budget-friendly motel with Mediterranean-inspired architecture that is located only a 10-minute walk from the eastern edge of Leadbetter Beach and a half block from the Santa Barbara Marina. It also offers many amenities for the price, including free internet, in-room water purifiers, and free parking.