East and West Beaches
East Beach and West Beach spread along the heart of Santa Barbara's waterfront, just east of the harbor. The east and west portions of the beach are separated by Stearns Wharf. West Beach is only a quarter mile long, while East Beach extends 1.6 miles from the wharf to the Andree Clark Bird Refuge. Volleyball tournaments and an array of popular events draw large numbers to East Beach.
East Beach is a busy destination. Located across the highway from some of the major hotels in Santa Barbara, visitors wander down to the beach for a sample of Santa Barbara's famous beach atmosphere. As a Mecca for beach volleyball, sports enthusiasts often gather at the main courts east of the Cabrillo Pavilion.
A steady flow of cyclists and pedestrians are usually seen on the bike trail. Canopied, multi-passenger pedal cycles provided by many of the local hotels can also be spotted rolling along the pavement. Lifeguards are posted on the beach during peak times. A playground is located at the far eastern end of the beach. As with all Santa Barbara beaches, watch out for the natural blobs of tar in the sand.
Restrooms
Restrooms are found in the Cabrillo Pavilion Bathhouse and the Arts Center. They are also located near the foot of Stearns Wharf next to the Dolphin Fountain. They are also found near the Santa Barbara Visitor Center. On West Beach restrooms are located next to the Sea Landing. Two restrooms are situated on Stearns Wharf.
East and West Beaches
Related Facilities
Immediately inland from the beach are a number of facilities: Chase Palm Park, Skater's Point (a skate park), the Cabrillo Pavilion Bathhouse, and its neighbor, the Cabrillo Pavilion Arts Center.
Chase Palm Park
Chase Palm Park is divided by Cabrillo Boulevard. On the inland side are fountains, creeks, a lagoon, a carousel, and snack bar. A playground is fashioned after a 19th century ocean schooner. A large grassy area is often used for summer concerts.
On the ocean side of the park next to East Beach is the bike and walking path that is always busy with cyclers, skaters, joggers, and walkers. The area includes the Chase Palm Park Center, a Spanish-style building that can be rented for events.
Skater's Point
Skater's Point is a 14,600 square foot skateboard park for in-line skaters and roller skaters of all ages. The park features mixed terrain. including a Grand Slam Pyramid and Taco Bowl. It is open from 8:00 AM until a half hour after sunset.
The Cabrillo Pavilion Bathhouse
The historic Cabrillo Pavilion Bathhouse was erected in 1926 to help revitalize Santa Barbara after a devastating earthquake. It originally had a gym, lockers, laundry facility, souvenir stand, tea room, and a soda fountain.
Today the building is shared by the bathhouse, the Cabrillo Pavilion Arts Center, and the East Beach Grill. The city operates the bathhouse portion as a fitness center with a pay-by-the-day option available. It includes showers, a weight room, lockers, and other amenities.
Cabrillo Pavilion Bathhouse
The Cabrillo Pavilion Arts Center
The Cabrillo Pavilion Arts Center can be rented out for wedding receptions, private parties, and of similar functions. Rotating art exhibits are displayed on the Spanish-style building's walls. There are two outdoor patios as well as a conference room.
Butterfly Beach
Butterfly Beach is a favorite with local residents. Located 2 miles east of East Beach in Montecito, Butterfly Beach is a pleasant mile-long stretch of sand. Dogs are allowed to run off-leash here. Gentle waves and a mildly sloping beach make it a popular spot of swimming and playing in the waves.
Reach Butterfly Beach by taking Olive Mill Road off Highway 101 and following it south to Channel Drive, which fronts the beach. Parking is along the roadway. Although there are no surface streets connecting Butterfly Beach directly with East Beach, you can walk or bike along the coastal bike trail.
