1000 Steps Beach: A Coastal Stairway to Seclusion
Discover a hidden gem in Santa Barbara: 1000 Steps Beach, offering stunning views, tide pool exploration, and a tranquil escape from the city bustle.
1000 Steps Beach in Santa Barbara offers a unique coastal experience, despite its name suggesting a thousand steps, the actual count is closer to 150. Originally built in 1923 and known as Camino Al Mar, this beach provides access to tide pools, scenic views, and a tranquil atmosphere away from the crowded beaches.
A brief summary to 1000 Steps Beach
- 1429 Shoreline Dr, Santa Barbara, East Mesa, California, 93109, US
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Check the tide charts before visiting, as the beach is best enjoyed during low tide when the tide pools are accessible.
- Arrive early to find parking, as spaces near the stairway entrance are limited.
- Wear sturdy shoes for the steep stairway and rocky beach.
- Bring your dog! 1000 Steps Beach is one of the few in the area where dogs can roam off-leash.
Getting There
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Walking
From Shoreline Park, walk west along Shoreline Drive for about 0.4 miles. Turn right onto Santa Cruz Boulevard, where you'll find the entrance to 1000 Steps Beach at the end of the street. Be prepared for a descent down approximately 150 steep steps. Parking is limited to street parking along Shoreline Drive and Santa Cruz Boulevard. Be sure to read signs carefully to avoid tickets.
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Public Transport
From downtown Santa Barbara, take MTD bus Route 7 or 8 towards the Mesa. Get off at the stop closest to Shoreline Drive and Santa Cruz Boulevard. Walk west on Shoreline Drive, then turn right onto Santa Cruz Boulevard to reach the beach entrance. MTD fares range from $0.85 to $1.75 per ride. A day pass costs $6, offering unlimited rides. Check the MTD website for the most up-to-date schedules and fare information.
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Taxi/Ride-share
From downtown Santa Barbara, a taxi or ride-share to 1000 Steps Beach will cost approximately $15-$25, depending on traffic and the specific service. The drop-off point is at the intersection of Shoreline Drive and Santa Cruz Boulevard. From there, walk to the end of Santa Cruz Boulevard to access the stairway leading down to the beach.
Discover more about 1000 Steps Beach
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mesa Lane Cove
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Discover a hidden coastal gem in Santa Barbara: Mesa Lane Cove offers stunning bluffs, tide pools, and a tranquil escape, perfect for nature lovers and beachcombers seeking serenity.
Hastings Adobe
2.1 km
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Burton Mound State Historical Landmark
2.6 km
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Syuxtun Story Circle
2.6 km
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Veterans' Memorial Building
2.6 km
A historic waterfront landmark honoring veterans and serving as a vibrant community hub in Santa Barbara, hosting events and offering stunning ocean views.
Waterfront Santa Barbara
2.7 km
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Andalucia Building
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Area 5.1 Winery
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Paseo de la Guerra
3.0 km
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Funk Zone Studios
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El Paseo "Street in Spain"
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De La Guerra Plaza
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Fess Parker Funk Zone
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Janssens-Orella-Birk Building
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The Orena Adobe
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Unmissable attractions to see
Shoreline Park
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Leadbetter Beach
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Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center
2.0 km
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Paddle Sports Center
2.0 km
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I Bike Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours
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Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
2.0 km
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Santa Barbara Carriage and Western Art Museum
2.0 km
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Santa Barbara Harbor
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Fernald Mansion
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Old Spanish Days Carriage
2.2 km
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Poet Tree
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Douglas Family Preserve
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Point Castillo
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Ambassador Park
2.6 km
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Moreton Bay Fig Tree
2.7 km
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Essential places to dine
Mesa Verde Restaurant
1.1 km
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Shoreline Beach Cafe
1.6 km
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Breakwater Restaurant
2.0 km
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On The Alley
2.0 km
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Brophy Bros.
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Toma Restaurant & Bar
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Barbareño
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Eureka!
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Cajun Kitchen
2.8 km
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Santo Mezcal
2.8 km
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Finney's Crafthouse - Santa Barbara
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Pascucci
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Loquita Santa Barbara
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The Drunken Crab Santa Barbara
2.9 km
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Holdren's Steaks & Seafood
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Story
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The Vintage Fox, Antiques & Gift Shoppe
2.7 km
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The Lotus Boutique
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Asher Market
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Zitzilin Imports
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The Blue Door
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Arzoo’s woVen
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Only In Santa Barbara
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Paseo Nuevo
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The Grapeseed Company @ Seaside Makers Collective
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Seaside Makers - Santa Barbara
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URBAN FLEA MARKET
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Moon River
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Antique Alley
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Urban Outfitters
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Cliff Room
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Rodeo Room
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Elsies Tavern
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Mel's Lounge
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Santa Barbara Wine Therapy
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Unbearable Skee Lodge
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Whiskey Richards
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The Bobcat Room
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O'Malleys Bar
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Shaker Mill
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Old Kings Road
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Dusk Bar
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Test Pilot
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Pearl Social Santa Barbara
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Dargan's
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Backstage Santa Barbara
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The vip
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MLounge
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Wildcat Lounge
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The Red Piano
2.8 km
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Indochine
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Sandbar
2.9 km
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EOS Lounge
3.0 km
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SOhO Restaurant & Music Club
3.1 km
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La Pachanga
4.3 km
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Emerson Lower Rooms
7.8 km
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The Tower Club, Oxnard
52.9 km
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Ruby's Cafe
53.9 km
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VidaLive!
54.0 km
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Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen's Club Oxnard
56.3 km
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