West Beach Boardwalk

Because it is situated on a wide beach, and is lined by rows of sky high palms, West Beach boardwalk feels open and expansive. At sunset, the water and sand seem to shimmer for miles in golden light. Rollerskaters, bike-riders, and joggers enjoy the cement path over sand. Volleyball players gather for games at the many nets. You can walk east past the pier and skate park, along the Cabrillo bike path under 1200 Mexican fan palms, to the Andree Clark Bird Refuge lagoon that borders Montecito. Or walk west past the Los Banos del Mar pool (see hours below) and the happening harbor to Leadbetter Beach.

If you're hungry, eat at Chad's Cafe (opened in 1957!) just across the road from West Beach! They are only open for breakfast or lunch, and get busy on weekends so come early. If you can get a table outside, that's the way to go! Try their breakfast burrito, or pancakes. After eating, stroll along the sidewalk enjoying the tropical flowers.
The bike path gets crowded on weekends, especially in the summer, so if you have a wobbly child on a bike or scooter, choose a weekday or stay at the far ends, near Leadbetter Beach or near the Andree Clark Bird Refuge lagoon (avoid areas near Stearns Wharf, the pier).
On July 4th, enjoy the fireworks from West Beach. These are the best fireworks I've seen! Bring a blanket (the sand is freezing!) and a sweater. Come early so you can get a spot to sit. A word of warning- avoid walking back to your parking spot via lower State Street. It is terrifying to cross under the freeway where masses of people work themselves into a frenzy. We almost got pushed into the train tracks as a train went by. People set off fireworks right by your face against the wall under the freeway. It felt like a stampede could happen at any moment. There is no other way to get to the parking garages on State Street, except via Garden Street, but it's worth it to walk out of your way and avoid the freaky experience we had.
In July and August, the West Beach Wading Pool opens, on the west end of the beach beside Los Banos Pool. Kids love to splash around in this large, shallow pool (age 7 and under only, with their parent). It is open daily 12-4 and admission is free. Beside the pool is a small ship playground where kids can play imaginative games while grown-ups watch tourists walk by.
Los Banos del Mar Pool is open year-round for lap swimming. The pool is deep and there are ladders (no stairs) to enter. People are serious lap swimmers here. The views are beautiful with palm trees overhead and the mountains in the distance.

Directions

West Beach Boardwalk is located at W. Cabrillo Blvd and Chapala St, Santa Barbara CA 93101.
From Highway 101 southbound, take the Castillo Street exit. Turn right on Castillo Street. At the end, turn left on Cabrillo Blvd (yes, there's Cabrillo, Castillo, and Carrillo- now that was a brilliant person naming the streets!) and park along the road.
From Highway 101 northbound, take the Garden St exit. Turn towards the ocean, and then turn right on Cabrillo Blvd. Follow Cabrillo Blvd past the pier and then park along the road.
West Beach Wading Pool is located at 401 Shoreline Dr. It is open in June 16-Aug 23, 2014, M-Sa from 12-4. Admission is free. Only young children (age 7 and under) are allowed to swim, plus the adult taking care of them. No floats or toys are allowed. There are lifeguards. The pool is less than 2 ft deep.
Los Banos del Mar Pool is located at 401 Shoreline Dr, Santa Barbara CA 93109. Hours for family swim are Mon-Sat 2:15-3:45 in summer. Cost is $1 for kids and $5 for adults. Closed on swim meet days. Call (805) 966-6110. There are lifeguards. The pool is deep and has ladders (no stairs) to enter.
Chad's Cafe, 216 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

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