Swimming in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA, United States
Best Swim Spots in Santa Barbara
Ranked by community ratings. Check real-time conditions before heading out.
East Beach
East Beach runs east from Stearns Wharf in front of the Cabrillo Pavilion Bathhouse, and it is home water for Santa Barbara's ocean swimmers: Semana Nautica's summer distance races and the Thursday-evening Reef & Run start here. Lifeguards staff three towers in summer. Swim away from the Mission Creek mouth, which has graded poorly in winter dry weather.
Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry's)
Hendry's is a county beach at the mouth of Arroyo Burro Creek, backed by the bluffs of the Douglas Family Preserve, with a restaurant and outdoor showers at the park. Water graded A in Heal the Bay's latest report card, but the creek mouth collects urban runoff, so enter a little away from it. Parking is free; the park opens at 8 a.m. and closes at sunset.
Open Water Swimming in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara offers 2 open water swimming locations across River and Ocean environments. Whether you are a beginner looking for a calm, sheltered swim or an experienced open water swimmer seeking a challenge, there are options for every level.
Before heading out to any swim spot in Santa Barbara, check current water conditions on SwimPass. Our SwimScore combines real-time weather, marine data, tides, and water quality into a single 0-100 rating so you can make an informed decision in seconds.
Ocean swimmers in Santa Barbara should pay attention to tide schedules and swell forecasts. Swimming around slack tide typically offers the calmest conditions. Check our guide to reading water conditions for tips on interpreting local marine forecasts.
New to open water swimming? Start with our safety guide and first swim guide before heading to any new spot.
Swimming Guides
Prepare for your swim in Santa Barbara with these guides.
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