Welcome to the sun-kissed shores of Santa Barbara.
Have you ever dreamed of discovering the best places to paddle board in this coastal gem?
Get ready to embark on a truly memorable experience as we guide you through Santa Barbara’s top paddleboarding spots.
Let the adventure begin!
Table of Contents
🗺️ Map
Where to Paddle Board in Santa Barbara
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Santa Barbara Harbor
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Harbor Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, afternoon winds can pick up
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Sea lions, dolphins, pelicans, cormorants
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Stearns Wharf, Shoreline Park, Santa Ynez Mountains
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect marine life
Santa Barbara Harbor offers paddle boarders a serene and picturesque oceanfront experience.
Glide alongside playful marine life while soaking in the breathtaking views of the Santa Ynez Mountains. With calm waters and stunning scenery, it’s no wonder Santa Barbara Harbor tops the list.
#2 Goleta Beach Park
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Goleta Beach Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate currents, gentle winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Sea lions, dolphins, various seabirds
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Goleta Pier, UCSB Campus Lagoon, Santa Ynez Mountains
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for ocean swimmers, respect wildlife
Goleta Beach Park is a popular spot for paddleboarders offering easy access to the water and a relaxed coastal environment.
Paddling along the shoreline offers sweeping views of the UCSB Campus Lagoon and Goleta Pier, while the backdrop showcases the magnificent Santa Ynez Mountains.
#3 Refugio State Beach
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Refugio State Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate currents, gentle winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Sea lions, dolphins, sanderlings
- 🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Palm trees, coastal cliffs, Gaviota coastline
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local safety regulations, watch for surfers
Refugio State Beach is a serene and picturesque paddleboarding location along the Gaviota coastline. With its lush palm trees and beautiful coastal cliffs, Refugio State Beach is ideal for a peaceful yet enjoyable paddling experience.
Be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins while you explore the scenic coastline.
#4 Leadbetter Beach
- 🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Leadbetter Beach Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, afternoon winds can pick up
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Sea lions, dolphins, seabirds
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Santa Barbara City College, Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Cruz Island
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of local safety regulations, watch for surfers
Leadbetter Beach is a beautiful spot close to downtown Santa Barbara, popular for beginner and intermediate paddleboarders. Its favorable conditions and picturesque surroundings make it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the water.
Keep your eyes open for the playful sea lions and dolphins that inhabit the area.
#5 UCSB Campus Point
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: UCSB Campus Point (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, afternoon winds can pick up
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Sea lions, dolphins, pelicans
- 🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: UCSB Campus Lagoon, Goleta Beach, Santa Ynez Mountains
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for surfers, respect marine life
UCSB Campus Point is an easily accessible paddleboarding spot located at the edge of UCSB campus. It offers a serene environment and stunning views of the Goleta coastline and Santa Ynez Mountains.
Paddleboarders can also look forward to encounters with dolphins and sea lions in this picturesque location.
#6 Summerland Beach
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Summerland Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate currents, afternoon winds can pick up
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Sea lions, dolphins, various seabirds
- 🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Summerland Cliffs, nearby hillside homes
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for other ocean users, respect wildlife
Located just a few miles south of downtown Santa Barbara, Summerland Beach is a charming and serene paddleboarding spot. With picturesque cliffs and beautiful hillside homes, it offers a delightful coastal experience.
Paddlers can enjoy the company of sea lions, dolphins, and a variety of seabirds as they explore the waters.
FAQ
Where can one paddle board in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara Harbor, Butterfly Beach, and Leadbetter Beach are popular paddle boarding locations in Santa Barbara.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Santa Barbara?
In Santa Barbara, there’s no requirement to register paddle boards.
When is the optimal time to paddle board in Santa Barbara?
The ideal time for paddle boarding in Santa Barbara is between May and October when the weather is warmer.
