More Mesa Beach

More Mesa Beach, located along the Santa Barbara County shoreline, is a secluded, narrow beach with light brown sand. This serene spot lies beneath the blufftop More Mesa Open Space, an undeveloped natural area perfect for those seeking a quieter experience.

While visiting More Mesa Beach, keep in mind that it does not have lifeguards or other amenities. Plan accordingly to ensure a safe and comfortable visit. Dogs are welcome on the beach but must remain on a leash.

More Mesa Beach offers a variety of activities, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include sunbathing, beachcombing, and wildlife watching. The water near More Mesa Beach is great for swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, bodysurfing, kayaking, canoeing, and boating. However, swimmers should be cautious of rip currents.

Marine life watchers will enjoy spotting seals, sea lions, and, depending on the season, even migrating whales near More Mesa Beach. Anglers can fish here but should ensure they follow local fishing regulations.

This beach is perfect for those looking for a private, tranquil experience, as it tends to have fewer visitors. The western section of More Mesa Beach is known for being clothing-optional, attracting those seeking this type of environment. In his book California’s Nude Beaches, author Dave Patrick noted that More Mesa Beach is among the most popular nude beaches in Santa Barbara. If visiting for a clothing-optional experience, be aware that public indecency is subject to legal restrictions.

An interesting natural feature near More Mesa Beach includes the tar seepages found in the area. More Mesa Open Space, which spans 300 acres, offers additional activities such as hiking, biking, wildlife watching, and horseback riding. This coastal expanse boasts grasslands and a vernal pool wetland, showcasing local biodiversity. From the blufftop, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Southern California shoreline.

Reaching More Mesa Beach is straightforward. The main entrance to More Mesa Open Space is located near 1095 Mockingbird Lane. From this entrance, a walk leads to the bluff’s edge, where a steep, rocky access trail descends to More Mesa Beach. Note that Mockingbird Lane has no designated parking, so visitors should park along Vieja Drive or Puente Drive and walk to the main entrance.

Another access point is at Patterson Avenue, which features a small, free parking lot. From here, it’s an easy walk to the trail that leads down to More Mesa Beach.

There are many attractions near More Mesa Beach. South Coast Railroad Museum has interesting exhibits related to railway technology and the history of railroad expansion and its contributions to the development of local communities in Southern California. The museum’s centerpiece is the Goleta Depot which was built in 1901 and is listed in the United States National Register of Historic Places. 

El Presidio de Santa Bárbara is an important local historical landmark. This fort was built in 1782 and is a part of a group of four presidios (meaning forts in Spanish) built in the present-day California region during the Spanish Colonial era. This presidio is open for self-guided tours and offers a unique insight into the rich history of California. 

If you are looking for another attraction near More Mesa Beach, Coronado Butterfly Preserve is a nine-acre preserve that has portions of the Devereux Creek, woodlands, coastal scrub habitat, groves of eucalyptus trees, a classroom, and an outdoor gathering area.  The area near this preserve is home to migratory monarch butterflies between late October and early March.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near More Mesa Beach. Lure Fish House is an upscale restaurant that offers amazing seafood. This restaurant is known to serve classic seafood dishes including fish tacos, chowders, ceviches, cioppino stew, and charbroiled oysters. Cody’s Cafe offers amazing breakfast dishes, soups, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, salads, steaks, and seafood. If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near More Mesa Beach, the modestly priced Del Pueblo Cafe offers amazing Mexican dishes.

If you are looking for a hotel near More Mesa Beach, there are many great nearby options. The 4-Star Pacifica Suites offers many amenities including complimentary breakfast and an evening wine reception on weekdays, a pool, and a hot tub. 

A more affordable hotel is the 3-Star Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta that offers many amenities including a rooftop restaurant, a pool, a fitness room, and a 24-hour convenience store. If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near More Mesa Beach, the modestly priced 2-Star Motel 6 Goleta, CA - Santa Barbara offers many amenities including morning coffee, a pool, and a coin-operated laundry.