1000 Steps Beach, Santa Barbara Travel Guide

4.5 (616)

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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring 1000 Steps Beach.

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.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

Santa Barbara Museum Of Art

Explore 1000 Steps Beach on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near 1000 Steps Beach, mapped for you.

Getting There

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.
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.
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

Nestled in Santa Barbara's East Mesa neighborhood, 1000 Steps Beach, also known as One Thousand Steps Beach or Camino Al Mar, presents a rewarding, if slightly challenging, path to a beautiful and relatively secluded shoreline. The name is a bit of a misnomer; the actual number of steps is closer to 150, but the steep descent can still feel like a workout. The concrete stairway, dating back to 1923, has been renovated over the years, but still retains a rustic charm.At the bottom of the stairs lies a narrow beach, characterized by a mix of sand and rocks. This east-west facing beach is ideal for exploring tide pools during low tide, beach walking, and enjoying the sunset. When the tide is high, the sand may be completely underwater. To the east, a short walk along the beach leads to Shoreline Park Beach, while Mesa Lane Beach is to the west.1000 Steps Beach is one of the few beaches in Santa Barbara where dogs are allowed off-leash, making it a popular spot for dog owners. The beach's relative seclusion and stunning coastal views make it a favorite among locals and visitors seeking a peaceful escape. Keep in mind that the beach has no facilities, so it's best to come prepared.