Mesa Lane Beach

Open

Closed

$

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Santa Barbara

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counter-service

4.7
Natural coastal beach with rocky shoreline, perfect for quiet walks and ocean views, famous for a long stair descent and surfing spots.

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counter-service

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πŸ“

Mesa Lane Beach

Santa Barbara

$

Discover Mesa Lane Beach, a serene and scenic coastal spot in Santa Barbara with stairs descent, surfing, tide pools, and stunning ocean vistas.

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About
4.7
(
160
)

Mesa Lane Beach is a remote, rocky coastal spot prized for its stunning ocean views and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors encounter a substantial staircase descent that leads to tide pools and surfing areas, with high tide reducing beach access.

What to Expect:

    🌊 Ocean views with rock and tide pool shorelines
    πŸ„β€β™‚οΈ Popular surf breaks and waves
    πŸšΆβ€β™€οΈ Challenging stair access (248 steps)
    πŸŒ… Ideal for quiet walks and nature photography

Important Information:

    – Beach can be covered by high tide, check tide schedules
    – Not ideal for sunbathing or picnics due to rocky terrain
    – No public restrooms or facilities
    – No reservations or fees required

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πŸ“ Local Insights

πŸšΆβ€β™‚οΈ Stair Challenge: Expect a strenuous climb of 248 wooden steps to reach the beach; wear appropriate footwear and be cautious when wet.

🌊 Tide Awareness: Visit during low tide for ample rocky shoreline and tide pool exploration; high tide can cover much of the beach.

πŸ„β€β™€οΈ Surf Spot: This beach attracts local surfers; the waves and tide conditions can varyβ€”ideal for committed surf enthusiasts.

πŸ“Έ Scenic Views: Perfect for capturing dramatic ocean and Channel Islands panoramas, especially at sunrise or sunset.

⏰ Hours

Monday: Open 24 hours

Tuesday: Open 24 hours

Wednesday: Open 24 hours

Thursday: Open 24 hours

Friday: Open 24 hours

Saturday: Open 24 hours

Sunday: Open 24 hours

πŸ‘‰ Best For

Nature walks, photographers, surfers, quiet escapes

Mesa Lane Beach

Santa Barbara, CA 93109
,
Santa Barbara
,
CA
93109

Review Sentiment

Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Mesa Lane Beach is cherished for its breathtaking ocean vistas, peaceful isolation, and excellent surfing, with many praising its natural beauty and stairway exercise. Some warn about the rugged rocky terrain, the abundance of steps, and beach access limitations at high tide.

Last updated on

January 9th, 2026

From The preserve

Standout Dishes

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The Selection

Accommodations

Course Stats

Angler’s Offerings

What You'll Find

Ocean Access; Surfing; Rocky Shoreline; Stair Access (248 Steps); Tide Pools; Scenic Views; Photography; Nature Walks; No Facilities

πŸ“† Best Times to Visit

Visit during low tide for best beach access and tide pool exploration; mornings and early evenings offer quieter conditions and ideal photography light.
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