Mesa Steps and Edgewater Way Walk

Santa Barbara, California Print   Leave a comment

Description

There is such a glorious view from the top of the Mesa Lane steps! The ocean stretches out in front of you, in layers of a dozen shades of blue. The vegetation on the cliffs adds even more delightful color. If you're fit, hike down the two hundred stairs to the beach below, a ribbon beach where surfers brave the rocks in search of a good wave. Sometimes you'll see fishing boats or fish nets on shore. Walk along the beach beside the tall cliffs and you know that life is gooood! In the very early morning, it is particularly magical here, with the fog-subdued sunlight casting a silvery glow on the breaking waves. During high tide you can't walk very far but you can explore a little.
For a nice walk, start at La Mesa Park off of Meigs Rd and cross the pedestrian bridge. Walk along Camino de la Luz, and then turn left and follow Edgewater Way along to Mesa steps. There are some pretty houses here with nice gardens, and the views high above the sea are sure to inspire you!
This area reminds me of the northern beaches of Sydney, where I grew up. There's the same vegetation everywhere, and the feeling of being on cliffs way above the sea. I love it!
If you walk west on Medcliff Rd from Mesa steps you will come to Douglas Preserve, a wilderness area on cliffs high above the ocean where dogs run happily free. From there, you have a birdseye view of Hendry's Beach and Hope Ranch. For a nice toddler playground and basketball court with views, drive the short distance to Escondido Park.

Photo Gallery

Palmas grass and a view for miles...	A fishing boat, as seen from the Mesa Lane steps.	An amazing sky- early morning at the Mesa steps.
Nature's hanging baskets at the ribbon beach below the Mesa steps.	Shimmering seascape- the beach below Mesa steps in the early morning light. Aaaah yeh, this is living!	Huge trees that fell down the cliff at Douglas Preserve and met their fate on the Mesa steps beach below.
Eucalyptus on the pathway that leads to Mesa steps. More reminders of Australia...

Directions

For Mesa Steps: Exit Highway 101 at Las Positas and head towards the ocean. At the end there is a large three-way stop. Turn left on Cliff Drive. Then turn right on Mesa Lane. Follow it to the end and park along the road. The steps are in front of you. It is very crowded here on weekends and there isn't any parking so come during the week or very early in the morning.
For the Edgewater Way walk, start at La Mesa Park: Exit Highway 101 northbound at Carrillo St and turn left. If coming southbound, exit at Carrillo St and turn right. Head along Carrillo St up over Santa Barbara Heights. The views are great coming down! At the bottom, the road changes name to Meigs Rd. Go straight through the large intersection and you will pass a set of stores on your right and then a townhouse complex. After that, you will see some grass on your right. Park there along the road or turn in at the La Mesa Park sign on your right. There are some parking spaces.
There are clean restrooms.

This is an interactive map, you can zoom and move it.

Visitor Ratings

Overall Visitor Rating:

Peter 07/21/2010 09:40	Sensational!!! Nice way to start the day...
Kelly 01/29/2010 14:07	this beach is beautiful i really love it
Mandy 10/22/2009 19:29	I think we are going to have to come back.. yeah! :) It's simply so amazing....being by the ocean...the beautiful water and the beautiful beach below.. and the fun California vibe ;)
Carol 10/06/2009 13:55	GO MESA!! Not surprised one bit to see this spot featured. This is an amazing place with an amazing view and the tranquility of no other!!!