The SB Post

Five Stellar Santa Barbara Beaches

Santa Barbara has 100 miles of coastline and plentiful options for beach-going. Here's a short list of five stellar beaches to help you simplify choosing which beach to hit for soaking up sun and fun this summer.

Butterfly Beach:  Travel+Leisure magazine named this one of the nation's best beaches for people watching a few years ago, and for good reason. Butterfly is in Montecito (home to many a celebrity) and sits across from the luxurious Four Seasons Biltmore Resort. It's a narrow but lovely stretch of sand, offering views of the Santa Barbara Harbor, popular for sunning, swimming, surfing (when there's a swell) and walking. In the summer time, it's quite the social scene for the local 20- and 30-something set.

East Beach:  A Santa Barbara icon, East Beach is one of the area's broadest beaches. It's a top choice for families, with kid-friendly waters and facilities including East Beach Grill, a playground, kayak rentals, two parking lots and restrooms. East Beach has a thriving beach volleyball scene, too. East Beach is on the east end of Cabrillo Boulevard, so easily accessible from waterfront hotels by foot, bike and the electric shuttle.

Hendry's (Arroyo Burro Beach):  This is a fantastic walking beach-you can go in either direction for miles at low tide. Dogs are allowed on leash to the right and off leash to the left. So, if you're looking to sit and stay awhile, I suggest going to the right for a more peaceful experience. This isn't the ideal swimming beach because it's rocky in areas and seaweed prone. But kids can definitely get a good splash in. The Boathouse is a popular restaurant here, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. The beachfront setting can't be beat, and if you're more interested in enjoying the view than eating, you can sip on a drink at the bar. Fabulous at sunset.

Leadbetter Beach:  On the opposite side of Cabrillo Boulevard, to the west of the Harbor, Leadbetter is another family fave with waters that tend to be tranquil and very swimmable. Barbecue pits with picnic tables line a grassy area just above the beach, and you can sit with your feet in the sand at the Shoreline Beach Café. Leadbetter is an ideal Stand Up Paddle Surfing location, and rentals and lessons are available from Paddle Sports at the Harbor nearby. Leadbetter is easily accessible from downtown and also on the bike path and electric shuttle route.

Refugio State Beach:   Refugio is an idyllic beach, about 20 miles north of Santa Barbara off of Highway 101. The crescent shaped beach almost looks tropical with the many palm trees lining it. If you can get a reservation in advance, camp and stay a while. For daytrippers, it's absolutely worth the drive to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. There is a camp store, but bringing your own food for a picnic or barbecue is ideal. A trail connects Refugio to El Capitan State Beach for walkers and bikers.

Summerland Beach:  About 5 miles south of Santa Barbara, Summerland Beach is a gem right off of Highway 101. There is not a great deal of parking and the beach can get crowded on summer weekends, so arrive early or be prepared to park on the street nearby. You'll have to walk down a paved path to reach the beach, which offers a fantastic sandy expanse and easy-going waters. There are no food facilities, but a couple of barbecue pits are available at the park above the beach. The tiny town of Summerland has a few casual burger joints or you can pick up food to-go at the Summerland Market.