 | Cabrillo Bike Path |
| Santa Barbara, California Print Leave a comment |
Description
Bike Beside Rows of Tall Palms, Colorful Flowers, and the Sea!
Cabrillo Bike Path is really just a section of the boardwalk and bike path that runs for three miles from Leadbetter Beach all the way to the Andree Clark Bird Refuge, which we call The Lagoon, near Montecito. This particular section of the path, across from Chase Palm Park, is especially pretty because of the tall rows of palms, the views of the sea beside you and the cliffs curving along the beach ahead of you, and the bright beach succulents that bloom like mad in yellows and purples in spring. It's a wonderful place to walk, bike, or rollerblade. Tourists like to rent the surries at Lower State Street and ride along here- it looks like lots of fun! The big resort hotels are across Cabrillo Blvd from here, and they are nice to stroll around too. I like to walk the Doubletree Walk past lovely hibiscus and tropical flowers.
Waterfront Art Show, Drum Circle
On Sundays, the Waterfront Arts and Crafts show is very popular along this stretch of Cabrillo Blvd. You can buy framed photographs, sculptures, beaded jewelry, and paintings. Or you can people-watch in this crowded spot. On Sunday afternoons some funky types gather for a drum circle on the grass across from Chase Palm Park and play until after dark.
The Beach
The beach here, by the lifeguard stand, is a wonderful spot to go at sunset. The banks of sand that the tide forms are fun for kids to jump and roll in while you watch the golden sky and cuddle your spouse. Unfortunately this area has become a major area for homeless people to live, with mattresses and huge collections of belongings scattered all along the beach.
Places to Eat
A nice place to eat around here is El Torito Mexican Grill. Ithas a fantastic view of the pier and the ocean! Rusty's Pizza, in thewhite lighthouse, also has a marvelous view.
There are a few restroom pavilions along the bike path.
Photo Gallery
Click on photo to see large versionThe bike path is right by the sand! |
It's so beautiful around Cabrillo Bike Path! |
The view as you ride happily along! |
Palms, in a perfect row. |
The glorious bike path! |
Springtime, brightly-colored plants line the bike path. |
Springtime at the Cabrillo Bike Path. |
Rusty's Pizza has a super building in a white lighthouse near the base of the pier- enjoy the views from the huge windows inside or out on the patio. |
The palms are so tall it's hard to show in a photo! |
I love the green lawns! |
Directions
From the 101 Freeway, exit at Garden Street. Turn towards the ocean. Park for $1.50 an hour in the parking on your right before you get to Cabrillo Blvd. Or park for the same price in the lot that is straight ahead of you as you come to the end of Garden Street. Or turn left and park for free along Cabrillo Blvd. It can be too crowded to find free parking along the road on the weekend but during the week it is easy.
This is an interactive map, you can zoom and move it.
Visitor Ratings
Overall Visitor Rating: 
Liz from England 11/06/2009 15:14 | Hired a surrey and had a lovely time | |
Joy 11/05/2009 22:45 | I miss California trees. | |
Angie 10/15/2009 14:28 | Lovely sightseeing, excellent restaurants and good people watching. Walking the boardwalk is always a visual feast! | |
Collette 10/01/2009 13:45 | I'd love to go to this! My little sister can't stop talking about it. | |
Adam Crowe 04/01/2008 23:20 | Great!! |