Santa Barbara, California, United States of America

Vista del Mar Beach

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.

Explore accommodation options near Vista del Mar Beach and enjoy a tranquil beach experience amidst the tall cliffs.

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.

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.

Find the best nearby activities

What to do near Vista del Mar Beach?

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.

Vista del Mar Beach: Weather Today

📅 Monday, July 14, 2025
Today might not be ideal for sunbathing at Vista del Mar Beach. The air temperature will reach a high of 22 °C. Be aware that there will be fog. The UV index will be high at 7.15, so sun protection is a must. Expect a bit of wind, and the sea will have moderate waves. The sea temperature is 19.6 °C.
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Air

Low / High14.2°C/22°C
Feels Like (High)24.1°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature19.6 °C
Wave Height0.7 m
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Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset05:57/20:11
Sunshine Hours9.8 hrs
UV Index7.15
Cloud Cover65%
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Wind

Speed15.1 km/h
Gusts17.6 km/h
DirectionS

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