Leadbetter Beach
801 Shoreline Drive, Santa Barbara, California
A crescent of white and golden sand next to Santa Barbara Harbor, Leadbetter is one of the most popular beaches in Santa Barbara and among the most beautiful in California. The surf makes the beach popular with windsurfers, catamaran sailors, and low-key surfers. Facilities include public showers, grassy picnic areas, barbecue sites, and lifeguard stations.
The beach lies south of downtown Santa Barbara, facing Santa Barbara City College next to Santa Barbara Harbor. Students sun worship on the sands, novice surfers practice on the light surf, picnickers break bread and grill, and families with kids explore the shallow waters and tide pools. The beach is one of the most popular in Santa Barbara and within walking distance of downtown and the harbor—a top destination for easy day trips to the beach.
Dogs are allowed on the beach but must be leashed.
Kayaks, paddleboards, and surfboards can be rented nearby.
The beach has paid on-site parking and a cafe.
Leadbetter Beach is at the base of Santa Barbara City College and next to Santa Barbara Harbor. Drivers on Highway 101 North should take the Garden Street or Castillo Street exit. The beach is about 40 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara on foot; biking down State Street and turning west on the harbor bike path is the better option.
Leadbetter Beach is nearly a year-round destination with a warm southern California climate. For the best beach weather, visit from June to September and skip the high summer months to avoid the crowds. Remember that the beach is popular with college students and likely to be crowded during school holidays.
There’s plenty to do at Leadbetter Beach. The world of water sports is your oyster: shops nearby rent stand-up paddleboards, surfboards, and kayaks. Also, yoga studios often organize beachfront classes. Shoreline Park overlooking the beach is a short walk away and has pretty walking trails, playgrounds, and areas for dogs off-leash.
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