58.4
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4:00 PM
58.4 °F
7:00 PM
56.7 °F
10:00 PM
55.6 °F
1:00 AM
56.1 °F
4:00 AM
56.0 °F
7:00 AM
56.8 °F
10:00 AM
57.8 °F
1:00 PM
58.2 °F
4:00 PM
57.6 °F
7:00 PM
57.6 °F
10:00 PM
58.3 °F
1:00 AM
58.2 °F
4:00 AM
58.2 °F
7:00 AM
58.2 °F
10:00 AM
59.0 °F
1:00 PM
58.8 °F
4:00 PM
58.0 °F
7:00 PM
58.6 °F
10:00 PM
58.4 °F
1:00 AM
58.1 °F
4:00 AM
58.6 °F
7:00 AM
58.7 °F
10:00 AM
60.0 °F
1:00 PM
60.1 °F
4:00 PM
59.5 °F
7:00 PM
59.0 °F
10:00 PM
59.0 °F
1:00 AM
58.7 °F
4:00 AM
58.7 °F
7:00 AM
58.8 °F
10:00 AM
59.6 °F
1:00 PM
60.1 °F
4:00 PM
60.3 °F
7:00 PM
59.4 °F
10:00 PM
58.7 °F
1:00 AM
58.0 °F
4:00 AM
58.2 °F
7:00 AM
58.1 °F
10:00 AM
59.1 °F
1:00 PM
59.9 °F
Overview
Located on Santa Cruz Island, Smugglers Cove has a one-mile-long, wide, and rarely crowded beach situated on the east side of the island. Santa Cruz Island is the largest island in California and is a part of Channel Islands National Park.
Amenities
Smugglers Cove offers a couple of amenities including a pit toilet, trails, and benches. If you are looking for additional amenities, you can walk five minutes to an old ranch known as Smugglers Ranch which is an incredible spot for photography.
Activities
Hiking is the only activity available at Smugglers Cove.
Parking
To access Smugglers Cove, you will need to take a one-hour-long boat journey from the small town of Ventura to Scorpion Beach on Santa Cruz Island. There is an eight-mile-long trail that leads from Scorpion Beach to Smugglers Cove. Please note that this hike can take almost four to five hours.
Attractions
If you are looking for attractions near Smugglers Cove, you must take a boat to Ventura and drive 30 minutes to Santa Barbara Zoo that has been ranked among the best small zoos in the US many times and features a Zoo Train, pair of old locomotives – and is home to many animals and birds including giraffes, gorillas, African lions, foxes, vultures, and Humboldt penguins. If you like hiking, Lake Los Carneros has many trails and is a great spot to watch birds, coyotes, and bobcats. Rancho La Patera & Stow House displays historic photographs and furniture related to the nearby area. Another great attraction is Stearns Wharf, a fun tourist attraction site that offers souvenir shops, restaurants, and a small aquarium named the Sea Center.
Restaurants
tIf you get hungry, you will need to take a boat from Smugglers Cove to Ventura to find many restaurants within a 15-minute drive. The Club & Guest House At UC Santa Barbara is an upscale waterfront fine dining restaurant that serves appetizers, salads, entrees, beverages, and desserts. The organic restaurant Root 217 offers chicken sandwiches, cheese bread, wraps, rolls, and fries. Another good restaurant is Woodstock's Pizza Isla Vista, a pizza restaurant featuring homemade pizza, breadsticks, and chicken wings.
Hotels
If you are looking for a hotel near Smugglers Cove, you must take a boat from Ventura and drive 25 minutes to many nearby hotels. The 5-Star pet-friendly hotel El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara features an infinity pool, lounge, poolside bar, spa, sauna, restaurant, and fitness center. Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is a 4-Star pet-friendly hotel that is spread across 24 acres and has many amenities including a pool, bar, spa, café, and three tennis courts. If you are looking for affordable hotels, the 3-Star Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta offers a pool and fitness center – and the 2-Star Best Western Plus South Coast Inn has a pool, gym, and ping pong table.
Restroom Available
Amenities
Boat Ramp
Restrooms
Activities
Hiking
Rentals
Food
Access
Features
Top Traveler Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!
Does Smugglers Cove 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 Smugglers Cove have lifeguards?
No, this Beach does not have lifeguards monitoring the beach - please be careful when swimming on this beach.
Is Smugglers Cove a family-friendly beach?
No, this Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.
Is Smugglers Cove good for swimming?
No, this Beach is not generally considered a good swimming beach.
Does Smugglers Cove have restrooms?
Yes, Restrooms are conveniently available on or adjacent to the beach at this Beach.
Is Smugglers Cove a nude beach?
No, this Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.
Is there food near Smugglers Cove?
No, this Beach does not have nearby food options - please plan your beach day accordingly.
What are the activities at Smugglers Cove?
Yes, this Beach is a good place to Hiking
Does Smugglers Cove have accommodations for people with disabilities?
No, this Beach does not have accommodations for people with disabilities.
Is Smugglers Cove a dog-friendly beach?
No, this Beach is not dog-friendly.
Is Smugglers Cove good for surfing?
No, this Beach is not generally considered to be good for surfing.
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