Butterfly Beach

Santa Barbara, California, United States

Description

Butterfly Beach is a beautiful beach with dark golden cliffs and a small boardwalk that's romantic at night. In the morning, it's a joy to walk west along the sand all the way to the cliffs on the far end or even as far as East Beach. Chances are you'll be treated with a visit by dolphins who frequently swim happily along very close to shore! There were so many of them when I was here last! I also saw a photo shoot for an Eddie Bauer catalog! This is a fairly common occurrence in Santa Barbara- teams from LA shoot commercials.
A very pretty walk graced with tropical flowers is to the west above the beach on the path that runs along Channel Drive.
At night it's romantic to walk along the short boardwalk which lines Channel Drive. Listen to the ocean roar and watch the palm trees sway in the moonlight. The views of Santa Barbara's city lights and harbor are lovely. Across the street at the Biltmore, gardens filled with palms, tropical flowers, and pretty lights greet you. It's almost as romantic as Hawaii! The boardwalk is the best place to hang out at night because the beach is dark and a bit sketchy feeling.
There are no restrooms.
Another lovely place to walk at night in this area are the gardens at Music Academy of the West, just uphill on Channel Drive and to the right on Fairway Road after the stop sign. There is a great concert series during the summer and a few concerts the rest of the year. During intermission, stroll among the spectacular, tall trees and the archways strung with lanterns. It's very romantic- bring your lover or renew your desire to find one!
For something to eat, head over to Montecito town and grab a sandwich at one of the many delis- you might bump into someone famous.

Photo Gallery

The view as you approach Butterfly Beach- the lush landscaping of the Biltmore Resort!	The boardwalk and the beach.	What a Californian scene...palm trees, bluffs, and a harbor in the distance!
An idyllic day at Butterfly Beach- even the little birds agree!	A dolphin enjoys the calm waters and abundance of fish at Butterfly Beach!	Wow! A whole bunch of dolphins! And so close to shore!
A team shoots photos for an Eddie Bauer catalog! Notice the model with the typical khaki Eddie Bauer ensemble!!	The boardwalk at Butterfly Beach.	Beautiful entrance to the Biltmore, across from Butterfly Beach.
View from the boardwalk on Channel Drive at night.

Directions

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Butterfly Beach is located across the street from the Four Seasons Biltmore Resort, at 1260 Channel Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93108.
Exit Highway 101 southbound at Olive Mill Rd and turn right at the second street, Channel Drive. Head along Channel Drive and once you see the ocean, park along the road. Cross the street and you are on Butterfly Beach!
Exit Highway 101 northbound at Olive Mill Rd. Turn left and head straight, over the freeway and railroad tracks. The road becomes Channel Drive. Once you see the ocean, park along the road. Cross the street and you are on Butterfly Beach!