East Beach

As you drive into Santa Barbara from the east, you will be greeted by a palm tree-lined beach and the sparkling ocean coastline. It is worth spending a few hours here to soak up the California sun or to play a game of volleyball at one of the beachside courts (multiple volleyball tournaments are hosted here each year). As you make your way north, you will find Stearns Wharf, a long pier filled with restaurants, souvenir shops, and ice cream parlors. West Beach and downtown Santa Barbara are also within walking distance, so there are plenty of fun attractions to explore nearby.