1000 Steps Beach - Santa Barbara (CA)

4 /5 Aitana Blose: Same name as the one in Laguna. But not as same good as the one in Laguna. It was not bad though If you are just tried of the familiar environment, and want get-away in not a far distance. 1000 Steps Beach in Santa Barbara is a secluded and picturesque spot perfect for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Despite its name, the beach is accessed via a steep staircase with fewer than a thousand steps, but the descent adds to its charm and sense of adventure. The beach itself is a serene stretch of sand, bordered by dramatic cliffs and the soothing sound of crashing waves. It’s ideal for relaxing, beachcombing, or catching a quiet sunset. Low tide reveals tide pools teeming with marine life, making it a favorite for nature lovers. Keep in mind, amenities are minimal, and the steep climb back up requires some effort. However, the peaceful atmosphere and stunning scenery make it well worth the trip for those who appreciate a more private coastal experience.

5 /5 J P: Perfect for a walk on the beach. Tips: Go at low tide. Not a great place to camp out for the day. Too rocky and beach is very narrow. Parking at the steps is nonexistent. Park off of main road.

5 /5 SoCalTraveler: We discovered this Santa Barbara beach as a result of a recommendation from a hotel clerk. It wasn’t the easiest to reach, but it was totally worth it. Located at the end of Santa Cruz Blvd. off of Shoreline Drive, you can park for free on Shoreline Drive and just walk down to the stairs. Don’t let the name fool you though, there are only about 250 steps to get to the bottom, but wear a good soled shoes because it does get slippery on the steps the farther down you go. You should also check the daily tide before you head out because during high tide you can’t even get down there. We went at 11am which was low tide and you could easily bring stuff and enjoy a few hours as high tide was not expected at 4:23 that day. The beach itself is a bit unique as the photos will show. Not a ton of shells, but loads of unique rocks! And so many lobster and crab shells so clearly it’s a good location for predator food! The sand was ultra soft and its even, making it extremely walkable which is what we did! Yes it was a bit tiring going back up the stairs, but you can take your time and we thought it was worth it for the stunning views and unique opportunity to walk down the cliffs and check out a gorgeous beach with very few visitors! We will definitely be back and plan to stay longer next time!

5 /5 Joseph Wycoff: Great destination for a run! Off of a nondescript road with little signage, difficult to find without a map app but also then few people when you get there. If you run the ups, be prepared to run up a seaside rise for 1.5 miles before reaching the entrance.