1000 Steps Beach — Attraction in Santa Barbara

We discovered this Santa Barbara beach as a result of a recommendation from a hotel clerk. It wasn’t the easiest to reach, but it was totally worth it. Located at the end of Santa Cruz Blvd. off of Shoreline Drive, you can park for free on Shoreline Drive and just walk down to the stairs. Don’t let the name fool you though, there are only about 250 steps to get to the bottom, but wear a good soled shoes because it does get slippery on the steps the farther down you go. You should also check the daily tide before you head out because during high tide you can’t even get down there. We went at 11am which was low tide and you could easily bring stuff and enjoy a few hours as high tide was not expected at 4:23 that day.

The beach itself is a bit unique as the photos will show. Not a ton of shells, but loads of unique rocks! And so many lobster and crab shells so clearly it’s a good location for predator food! The sand was ultra soft and its even, making it extremely walkable which is what we did!

Yes it was a bit tiring going back up the stairs, but you can take your time and we thought it was worth it for the stunning views and unique opportunity to walk down the cliffs and check out a gorgeous beach with very few visitors! We will definitely be back and plan to stay...

1000 Steps Beach is an absolute gem tucked away along the beautiful coastline. Despite its name, the journey down to the beach is worth every step. As you descend the staircase, you are greeted by breathtaking panoramic views of the sparkling ocean, rugged cliffs, and pristine sandy shores. The natural beauty of this hidden paradise is simply awe-inspiring. Once you reach the beach, you're welcomed by the rhythmic sound of crashing waves and the soft touch of warm sand beneath your feet. The expansive shoreline offers plenty of space to relax, unwind, and soak up the sun. Whether you're a beachcomber searching for seashells, a surfer ready to catch some waves, or simply looking to enjoy a peaceful stroll along the water's edge, 1000 Steps Beach offers it all. Although the climb back up the staircase can be a bit challenging, the incredible coastal views along the way make it well worth the effort. This hidden gem is a must-visit for beach enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. 1000 Steps Beach is a true paradise that will leave you with lasting memories of its beauty and...

This place was okay to visit because the 1000 Steps Beach title is actually hugely deceiving. My partner is disabled and still urged us to go, and as we looked down the daunting first hundred steps she still wanted to dive in. As we walked down the first "set" of steps, I looked back and counted them. 20 steps. Using rough estimation skills, when we approached the landing halfway down and we could easily see the beach I counted only a little more than 220 steps from the road above. We were quite pleased and happy the steps were wide to accommodate her cane just fine and NOT in fact 1000 steps as described; however, when we approached the end of the staircase we could not make it onto the beach below. The stairs hover at least a foot and a half from the top of a round rock placed just underneath. This meant it was too dangerous of a drop for her to attempt to set foot on the beach after having climbed down these hundreds of stairs. The sadder part was she had to climb back up without having gotten...