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Water Canyon Beach

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Located on Santa Rosa Island, Water Canyon Beach is one-and-a-half-mile-long, wide, and rocky beach situated on the northeast side of the island. Santa Rosa Island is the second largest island in Channel Islands National Park and is home to a very rare species of pine tree named Torrey Pine.

Water Canyon Beach offers a couple of amenities including trails and caves.  If you are looking for additional amenities, the beach has a paid campground called Water Canyon Campground with restrooms and portable water.

There are many activities at Water Canyon Beach including hiking, camping, birdwatching, and wildlife watching.

To access Water Canyon Beach, you will need to take a three-hour-long boat journey from the Ventura Harbor between April and November. For more information about how to get to Santa Rosa Island, you can contact Island Packers Cruises.

If you are looking for attractions near Water Canyon Beach, you must take a boat from Santa Rosa Island 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.

If you get hungry, you will need to take a boat from Water Canyon Beach 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 Room 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.

If you are looking for a hotel near Water Canyon Beach, you must take a boat from Santa Rosa Island to 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.

Beach Information

Amenities

  • Restrooms

  • Access

  • Foot Access

  • EXPLORE TOP DESTINATIONS

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!

    Does Water Canyon Beach have parking? If so, is it free or paid?

    Water Canyon Beach does not have dedicated parking but has street parking near the entrance.

    Does Water Canyon Beach have lifeguards?

    No, Water Canyon Beach does not have lifeguards monitoring the beach – please be careful when swimming on this beach.

    Is Water Canyon Beach a family-friendly beach?

    Water Canyon Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.

    Is Water Canyon Beach good for swimming?

    Water Canyon Beach is not generally considered a good swimming beach.

    Does Water Canyon Beach have restrooms?

    Restrooms are conveniently available on or adjacent to the beach at Water Canyon Beach.

    Is Water Canyon Beach a nude beach?

    No, Water Canyon Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.

    Is there food near Water Canyon Beach?

    Water Canyon Beach does not have nearby food options – please plan your beach day accordingly.

    What are the activities at Water Canyon Beach?

    Water Canyon Beach is not known for any activities in particular.

    Does Water Canyon Beach have accommodations for people with disabilities?

    Water Canyon Beach does not have accommodations for people with disabilities.

    Is Water Canyon Beach a dog-friendly beach?

    Water Canyon Beach is not dog-friendly.

    Is Water Canyon Beach good for surfing?

    Water Canyon Beach is not generally considered to be good for surfing.

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