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
- Click to display
- 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.
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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.
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