Vista del Mar Beach, United States of America - Beach Guide, Info, Photos

Vista del Mar Beach is a beach located in Santa Barbara County, USA, which is part of the Gaviota State Park property. It is located below an old oil tank farm property and next to the Gaviota Gas Plant along Highway 101.

Despite its proximity to the highway, the beach feels remote due to the presence of tall cliffs. However, the parking area is small and not easily noticeable on the southern lanes of Highway 101. Visitors must hike down a trail and cross railroad tracks to reach the beach.

During low tides, visitors can walk west to Gaviota State Beach or east to San Onofre Beach. If you seek a tranquil beach experience, Vista del Mar Beach is definitely worth a visit.

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Vista del Mar Beach Photos Visitor Reviews Where to Stay near Vista del Mar Beach? Where is Vista del Mar Beach? Vista del Mar Beach: Weather Today Beaches near Vista del Mar Beach

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight that East Beach is a great beach for families and dog owners with soft sand, warm water, and plenty of space to hang out without feeling crowded. Visitors appreciate the free street parking and the short walk from the parking lot to the beach. However, some visitors note that the beach can be dirty closer to the parking lot and that the public restrooms are typical beach restrooms.

Where to Stay near Vista del Mar Beach?

If you're planning a trip to Vista del Mar Beach, consider staying in the nearby city of Santa Barbara, known for its charming downtown area and wide range of accommodation options. For those looking to stay closer to nature, the Gaviota State Park offers camping facilities that provide a rustic experience and are just a short drive from the beach.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Vista del Mar Beach?

Latitude: 34.415256 / Longitude: -119.6763529

Vista del Mar Beach is located in Santa Barbara. The following map of Vista del Mar Beach shows the exact location.

Nearby destinations:

Vista del Mar Beach: Weather Today

📅 Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Summary
Full Forecast

Today offers a beautiful, warm day at Vista del Mar Beach, making it a great time to head to the coast for some relaxation. You can expect plenty of sunshine throughout your visit, though some light clouds will occasionally drift by. With a maximum air temperature of 38.8 °C, it is quite hot, so please remember to seek shade and stay hydrated. The sea temperature is a comfortable 22.3 °C, perfect for a refreshing dip, while the waves remain gentle and inviting. Since the UV Index is 7.3, be sure to apply high-SPF sunscreen and wear protective gear to stay safe under the sun. The breeze remains light and pleasant, creating near-perfect conditions for a relaxing day on the sand.

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Air

Low / High	18°C/38.8°C
Feels Like (High)	39.9°C

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Sea

Sea Temperature	22.3 °C
Wave Height	0.8 m

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Rain

Rain Chance	4%
Rainfall	0 mm
Rain Duration	0 h

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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset	06:37/19:13
Sunshine Hours	11.0 hrs
UV Index	7.3
Cloud Cover	17%

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Wind

Speed	14.4 km/h
Gusts	18.7 km/h
Direction	SW