Summerland Beach and Lookout Park

Santa Barbara, California Print   Leave a comment

Description

Driving south toward Summerland Beach on the 101 Freeway, as you round the bend and see the glittering ocean and cove stretched before you, you can't help but be filled with delight! Lookout Park stands on the cliff over the ocean. Here, kids can play on a nice playground with views of the sea. There are a few perfectly-positioned benches and picnic tables overlooking the ocean, on the edges of a large green lawn. You can walk down a steep paved road to the beach below. The beach here is a but mucky-looking, but walk to the east and it improves vastly (You can park nearer to this stretch of beach- see directions below). Little Sanderling birds rush along the shore here- it's amazing how fast their legs can move when they are avoiding a wave. Lovely houses overlooking the beach make you jealous.
If you're brave about the cold water and want to swim, check the water quality before you go.
If you're hungry, head back across the railroad tracks and then right on Ortega Hill Rd to Summerland town where you will find charming cafes and shops set in Victorian houses along the road. I recommend Luna Cafe.
For a panoramic view, drive up to Toro Canyon Park, a huge secluded park with hikes and amazing views from its entrance road. Other nice areas nearby are Manning Park, a peaceful wooded park; and Miramar Beach, a great little beach where people hang out in front of the rickety beachhouses.

Photo Gallery

Bright lawn over the ocean at Lookout Park.	View of the Channel Islands, from gorgeous picnic area at the top of Lookout Park.	Teepee hut at Summerland Beach.
Summerland Beach, looking to the west.	Sanderling birds run away from a wave!	Summerland Beach- the nicest part- looking to the east.
Ooooh, yeah....	Sanderling birds and a nice wave.	The trail down to the east end of the beach.
Playground at Lookout Park.

Directions

Exit the 101 Freeway southbound at Summerland and turn towards the ocean. Drive across the railroad tracks and into the large parking lot for Lookout Park. You can walk down to the beach from here.
From the 101 Freeway northbound, exit at Evans, and turn left on Lillie Ave. Turn left at Evans St and head under the freeway, across the railroad tracks and into the large parking lot for Lookout Park. You can walk down to the beach from here.
There are restrooms at Lookout Park.
A nicer part of the beach is accessible further east. When you exit the 101 freeway southbound, go straight, on the access road, as if you were getting back on the 101 South. Right before the 101 South entrance, turn right, over the train tracks, past the Sanitary District Building. Park along the road and walk down the path to this more pristine stretch of Summerland Beach. This area fills up early.

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

Visitor Ratings

Overall Visitor Rating:

Responsible Dog Owner 07/16/2010 10:59	Sadly, Dave is correct. While horses are allowed to leave feces all over the beach without penalty at any time of day, dogs must legally be kept leashed, despite the fact that dogs have been running free with their mostly responsible owners for decades. Sadly, a few Santa Barbara \"implants\" who believe they are entitled to special rights have begun complaining about others\' rights to be there and law enforcement has been forced for the first time in a long time to waste valuable resources on leash enforcement. (And here I\'m not referring to Animal Control--I\'m talking about sheriff deputies whose time should be spent elsewhere.) And, despite Dave\'s trying to steer you toward Hendry\'s Beach, keep in mind that it is a small sliver of beach at best. Because this is the only legal off-leash beach, you will find it crowded to the point of \"why bother?\" And please beware, dog lovers, that the Douglas Family Preserve is covered in foxtails nine months of the year--informed dog owners recognize this as a potentially lethal plant to our furry friends. Dave may use capital letters to express his stern righteousness, but responsible dog owners, long-time, tax-paying citizens of Santa Barbara County, are in the majority. I suggest there may come a time when Summerland might be a place where ALL citizens, including dog owners and their OFF-LEASH pets (just like the horses) are ENTITLED to share the beach in a state of compromise. God Bless America and our freedoms...
Dave 05/28/2010 11:30	This is a wonderful beach for dogs to play on, and while it is listed here as being a place where "OFF LEASH" dogs are allowed, it is in fact NOT TRUE, dogs are welcome here but they are supposed to be ON LEASH, and they (animal control) do often patrol the beach and in particular, the access points to the beach from parking areas. People do frequently let their dogs run off leash at this beach, but they are risking an "off leash enforcement fine of $166./per dog". Also it is 100% expected that your dog be well socialized and friendly to all people as well as other dogs on the beach, bad behavior will NOT be tolerated by the local's in this beautiful area of the California Coast. If you are concerned about the possibility of getting a ticket, and especially if your dog is less than WELL MANNERED then might I suggest the beach at Hendry's (otherwise known as Arroyo Burro, beach below the Douglas Family Preserve which is another wonderful place to walk and exercise your dog in the Santa Barbara area, without fear of being ticketed for letting your dog off leash. Again, it is expected and well enforced that all dogs on the beach be well socialized and friendly to ALL persons and animals they may encounter. Wherever you choose to let your dog walk and exercise, have a wonderful visit and enjoy all that Santa Barbara has to offer, Have Fun.
Denise 10/01/2009 14:42	if you're in Summerland, soak it all in while you can
Hillary 09/19/2009 20:38	I brought my college girlfriends with me. Nice change from the busier beaches.