1000 Steps Beach
Discover the Serenity of 1000 Steps Beach
1000 Steps Beach: A Coastal Escape
Discover a secluded Santa Barbara beach with stunning views, tide pools, and a stairway to coastal bliss in the Mesa neighborhood.
1000 Steps Beach, nestled in Santa Barbara's East Mesa neighborhood, offers a secluded and scenic retreat. Despite its name, the beach is accessed via approximately 150 steps, leading to a narrow, rocky shoreline ideal for tide pool exploration and stunning sunset views.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to 1000 Steps Beach
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
1429 Shoreline Dr, Santa Barbara, East Mesa, California, 93109, US
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Getting There
Walking
From Shoreline Park, walk west along Shoreline Drive for about half a mile. Turn right onto Santa Cruz Boulevard. The entrance to 1000 Steps Beach is at the end of the street. Be prepared to descend the staircase to reach the beach.
Public Transport
From downtown Santa Barbara, take MTD bus route 1 or 2. Get off at the 'Shoreline Dr. & Santa Barbara Zoo' stop. Walk east along Shoreline Drive for about 0.5 miles. Turn left onto Santa Cruz Boulevard. The entrance to 1000 Steps Beach will be on your left at the end of the street. Bus fare is around $1.75.
Taxi/Ride-Share
From downtown Santa Barbara, a taxi or ride-share to 1000 Steps Beach will cost approximately $15-25 and take around 10-15 minutes. Request a drop-off at the intersection of Shoreline Drive and Santa Cruz Boulevard.
Driving
From Highway 101, exit onto Carrillo Street towards CA-192. Turn left onto State Street, then continue onto Shoreline Drive. Turn right onto Santa Cruz Boulevard. Limited free parking is available at the end of Santa Cruz Boulevard. Additional street parking can be found along Shoreline Drive and on Santa Cruz Boulevard.
Local tips
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Check the tide schedule before visiting, as the beach is best enjoyed during low tide.
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Wear sturdy shoes for the stairway and exploring the rocky beach.
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Bring your dog to enjoy the off-leash area, but be mindful of other beachgoers.
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Arrive early to find parking, especially on weekends and during peak season.
Discover more about 1000 Steps Beach
1000 Steps Beach, also known as One Thousand Steps Beach or originally Camino al Mar (Spanish for "Way to the Ocean"), is a captivating coastal spot in Santa Barbara's Mesa neighborhood. The Mesa, a Spanish word for table, describes the flat elevated land along Santa Barbara's southwestern border. This beach provides a tranquil escape with its unique east-west orientation and rocky terrain.
While the name suggests a daunting climb, the stairway consists of roughly 150 steps. Originally built in 1923, the concrete stairs have been renovated over the years. The beach itself is narrow, especially during high tide, revealing a world of tide pools teeming with marine life during low tide.
1000 Steps Beach is a haven for those seeking serenity and natural beauty. It's a prime location for beach walking, tide pool exploration, and sunset viewing. The beach is also dog-friendly, allowing off-leash play in a designated area. Keep in mind that the beach has no facilities, so it's best to come prepared.
A brief summary to 1000 Steps Beach
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