Santa Barbara’s Classic Beachfront Playground
Stretching along the sparkling shoreline east of Stearns Wharf, East Beach is one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic coastal destinations. With its wide sandy beach, towering palm trees, volleyball courts, scenic bike path, and breathtaking views of the Santa Ynez Mountains, East Beach offers the classic Southern California beach experience that has drawn visitors for generations. It is one of the city’s most active recreation areas, welcoming everyone from sunbathers and families to cyclists, paddleboarders, runners, and world-class beach volleyball players.
Whether you’re spending an afternoon relaxing on the sand, enjoying a beachfront meal, or taking a leisurely walk along Cabrillo Boulevard, East Beach is a destination that captures the relaxed coastal lifestyle Santa Barbara is famous for.
A Beach for Everyone
Unlike some of Santa Barbara’s smaller beaches, East Beach offers expansive stretches of soft sand, making it ideal for families, beach games, and long walks along the shoreline.
The calm surf is often suitable for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and beginning surfers, while the broad beachfront provides plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the sunshine.
The paved beachfront promenade is one of the most popular walking and cycling routes in the city, connecting East Beach with Stearns Wharf, the Harbor, Chase Palm Park, and Leadbetter Beach.
World-Famous Beach Volleyball
East Beach is internationally recognized as one of California’s premier beach volleyball destinations.
More than a dozen volleyball courts line the sand and host everything from casual pickup games to organized leagues and tournaments throughout the year. The beach has a long history in the sport and continues to attract players of all skill levels from around the world.
Even if you’re not playing, it’s fun to watch highly skilled athletes compete just steps from the Pacific Ocean.
Cabrillo Pavilion
Located directly on East Beach, the historic Cabrillo Pavilion has been a Santa Barbara landmark since the late 1920s.
Originally built in 1927 and extensively renovated in 2020, the Pavilion continues to serve as one of the city’s premier beachfront gathering places. The upper level features an elegant oceanfront event center frequently used for weddings, receptions, nonprofit events, and community celebrations, while the lower level provides public amenities including a fitness center, locker rooms, showers, meeting spaces, and direct beach access.
Its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and panoramic ocean views make it one of Santa Barbara’s most recognizable waterfront buildings.
Beachfront Dining
Inside the Cabrillo Pavilion, visitors can enjoy waterfront dining at Reunion Kitchen + Drink, where indoor and outdoor seating overlook East Beach and the Pacific Ocean.
Whether stopping for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a refreshing drink after a day on the sand, the restaurant provides one of the area’s most scenic dining experiences.
Recreation and Fitness
East Beach is much more than a place to swim.
Popular activities include:
- Beach volleyball
- Swimming
- Walking
- Jogging
- Cycling
- Rollerblading
- Paddleboarding
- Kayaking
- Picnicking
- Photography
- Bird watching
- Sunset viewing
The nearby Cabrillo Pavilion Fitness Center, locker rooms, and showers make it convenient for both visitors and local residents to enjoy an active day by the ocean.
Scenic Views
Few locations in Santa Barbara combine mountain and ocean scenery quite like East Beach.
On clear days, visitors are treated to spectacular views of:
- The Santa Ynez Mountains
- Stearns Wharf
- Santa Barbara Harbor
- The Pacific Ocean
- Palm-lined Cabrillo Boulevard
- Channel Islands (on exceptionally clear days)
Sunrise brings soft pastel colors across the water, while evenings often produce brilliant orange, pink, and purple sunsets that make East Beach one of Santa Barbara’s favorite photography locations.
Family Friendly
Families appreciate East Beach for its wide-open spaces and convenient amenities.
Nearby you’ll find:
- Children’s playground
- Large grassy park areas
- Picnic tables
- Bike path
- Restrooms
- Outdoor showers
- Easy beach access
- Nearby parking
The open layout allows children plenty of room to play while parents enjoy views of the ocean.
East Beach Park
The adjoining East Beach Park extends the recreational opportunities beyond the sand with shaded picnic areas, mature trees, playground equipment, open green spaces, and additional volleyball courts.
Throughout the year the park hosts community events, recreational programs, and beach tournaments that contribute to its lively atmosphere.
Visitor Tips
- Visit early during summer weekends for easier parking.
- Bring sunscreen—the open beach offers limited natural shade.
- Walk or bike the Cabrillo Boulevard waterfront path.
- Watch a beach volleyball match.
- Enjoy dinner while watching the sunset over the Pacific.
- Bring a camera—East Beach offers some of Santa Barbara’s most beautiful coastal views.
Amenities
Beach Amenities
- ✔ Public Beach Access
- ✔ Lifeguards (seasonal)
- ✔ Public Restrooms
- ✔ Outdoor Showers
- ✔ Wheelchair Accessible Pathways
- ✔ Beach Wheelchair Access (availability may vary)
- ✔ Volleyball Courts
- ✔ Children’s Playground
- ✔ Picnic Tables
- ✔ Large Grassy Areas
- ✔ Paved Walking & Bike Path
- ✔ Ocean Swimming
- ✔ Paddleboarding
- ✔ Kayaking
- ✔ Fitness Center (Cabrillo Pavilion)
- ✔ Locker Rooms & Showers (Cabrillo Pavilion)
- ✔ Beachfront Restaurant
- ✔ Wedding & Event Venue
- ✔ Paid Parking Nearby
- ✔ Family Friendly
- ✔ Photography Friendly
Location
East Cabrillo Boulevard
Santa Barbara, California 93103
Parking
Paid parking is available along Cabrillo Boulevard and in nearby public parking areas. Additional parking may be available within walking distance, though spaces can fill quickly during weekends, holidays, and special events.
Santa Barbara Local Tip
If you’re looking for the perfect Santa Barbara beach experience, arrive in the late afternoon. Spend some time exploring the shoreline, watch a beach volleyball match, enjoy dinner at the Cabrillo Pavilion, and stay for sunset as the Santa Ynez Mountains glow in warm golden light. It’s one of the city’s most memorable coastal experiences.
Learn More
For information about the East Beach Pavilion, Cabrillo Pavilion, recreation programs, rentals, and current amenities, visit the City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department:
