Beaches and Lakes

Beaches

Arroyo Burro Beach Park

Park Description:The locals call it Hendry's Beach -a place to meet for breakfast or a cocktail at sunset, stroll or jog the sandy shore, watch for whales, surf fish, or ride the wild surf. Known for its sandy beaches, swimming, surfing and surf fishing, this park also offers a cool grassy area for picnics and playing. The MTD bus stops at the park entrance.

Park Features:BBQ Grills, Beach Access, Benches or Picnic Tables, Bird Watching, Equestrian Trails, Fishing, Restaurant or Snacks, Restrooms, Surfing, Swimming.

Location:Arroyo Burro Beach County Park is located 5 miles west of Santa Barbara's city center on Cliff Drive near Hope Ranch. From Highway 101 take Las Positas Road south to Cliff Drive. Turn right and travel 1/2 mile to the park entrance.

Carpinteria State Beach

Twelve miles south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria State Beach offers a mile of beach for swimming, surf fishing, tidepool exploring and camping. Although dogs are not allowed on beach we have a great picnic area where they are allowed to enjoy the outdoors as well. Lifeguards patrol the beach year round while lifeguard towers are staffed roughly from memorial day weekend through labor day weekend. The Spanish named the area Carpinteria because the Chumash tribe, which lived in the area, had a large seagoing canoe-building enterprise, or "carpentry shop" there, because of naturally-occurring surface tar which was used to seal the boats.
Seals and sea lions can be seen in the area December through May, as well as an occasional gray whale. Tidepools contain starfish, sea anemones, crabs, snails, octopi and sea urchins.

Ocean Beach

Another splendid surprise to first-timers, Ocean Beach sits in pristine isolation just steps from some of our most engaging and beautiful shoreline. Bird-watchers and nature photographers flock to this park. Ocean Beach park is closed to the public from March 1st through September 30 due to the Snowy Plover nesting season. Fishing is not allowed at any time.

Jalama Beach

Land near Jalama Creek was once a Chumash Indian settlement named "Halama". In 1943, 23.5 acres of privately owned land was donated to the County of Santa Barbara. Jalama is subject to high winds and rough surf.

Gaviota State Park

Gaviota State Park takes its name from the Spanish word for seagull, given to the area by soldiers of the Portola Expedition who supposedly killed a seagull while camping here in 1769. Marked by a tall Southern Pacific railroad trestle that crosses Gaviota Creek high above the day-use parking lot, the park is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, surf fishing and camping, despite high winds that often blow through the area. A pier on the west end of the beach is used by anglers, and scuba divers and surfers use a boat hoist on the pier to access the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel. Visitors can explore the rugged upland portions of the park from a trailhead in the parking area. Ambitious hikers can climb to Gaviota Peak that offers a spectacular view of the coast and the Channel Islands.

Point Sal State Beach

Lands above the beach and rocky shoreline have extremely steep slopes, and numerous landslides are evident. Prime examples of coastal sage and chaparral communities occur on these slopes. Giant coreopsis is abundant in the area and dominates wildflower displays in the spring.
Views of the coastline, beach and rugged mountain slopes are exceptional. Lion Rock, located offshore, is an important bird-roosting site and is also used by sea lions and other marine mammals.

Goleta Beach Park

Known for its long fishing pier and sunbathing beaches, these 29 acres are often a destination for bicyclists on the area's paved trail system. Between the lively restaurant and BBQ picnic areas are volleyball, horseshoes and children's playgrounds.The 1,500-foot pier in Goleta Beach County Park provides boaters, fishermen, and families out for a stroll, an engaging view of the Pacific coast. The Goleta Pier boat launch is available for public use on weekends and holidays.

El Capitan State Beach

El Capitán State Beach offers visitors a sandy beach, rocky tidepools, and stands of sycamore and oaks along El Capitán Creek. It’s a perfect setting for swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking and camping. A stairway provides access from the bluffs to the beach area.
Beach wheelchairs are available for use by the public with no cost. With this specially designed chair, wheelchair users may access the beach at several locations.

Cachuma Lake

Set amidst acres of wilderness flanked by the picturesque Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains, lies glimmering Cachuma Lake. Here you will find practically everything you need for a relaxing getaway in the great outdoors. Mild temperatures, typically sunny skies, and celebrated fishing conditions make camping here during winter months exceptionally rewarding.

Refugio State Beach

Refugio State Beach offers excellent coastal fishing as well as trails and picnic sites. Palm trees planted near Refugio Creek give a distinctive look to the beach and camping area. Lifeguards patrol the beach year around while lifeguard towers are only staffed roughly from memorial day weekend through labor day weekend. Beach wheelchairs are available for use by the public with no cost. With this specially designed chair, wheelchair users may access the beach at several locations. Contact a ranger or lifeguard for additional information.

Rincon Beach Park

Widely respected for some of the Central Coast's best surfing, every age converges here on any one day. Visitors who want to take in the wonderful ocean views, have a picnic, take photographs, or stroll the beach will want to visit Rincon.