Santa Barbara Surfing Vacations

Santa Barbara Surfing Travel Guide

Surfing Destinations Near Santa Barbara

Ventura,CA
(25 mi.)
Oxnard,CA
(34 mi.)
Malibu,CA
(58 mi.)
Pismo Beach,CA
(73 mi.)
San Luis Obispo,CA
(81 mi.)

Skimboarders on the beach in Santa Barbara, California

Skimboarding in Santa Barbara, California (Rene Mesman/courtesy, Santa Barbara Convention & Visitors Bureau)

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Santa Barbara Surfing Travel Tips

By Cameron Walker

Santa Barbara's peak surfing season is fall and winter; the Channel Islands block most of summertime's south swell. Standard winter gear includes a 4/3 wetsuit and booties.
Many Santa Barbara surfers head down the coast to Rincon's legendary point break for winter waves. Rincon can be packed with surfers, checking the break from Highway 101. But if you connect the three sections from Indicators to the Cove, you'll understand why they're here.
The forgiving waves at Leadbetter Beach attract surf schools, novice surfers, and a regular crew of stand-up paddlerboarders.
Another good place to learn is Santa Claus Lane Beach in Carpinteria, where a nearby surf shop rents boards and runs lessons.
Sandspit, at the end of the Santa Barbara breakwater, attracts an expert crew when the waves are big. Bring a pair of binoculars and watch from the end of Stearns Wharf.
About an hour northwest, Jalama Beach draws surfers in search of summertime waves. Wind can be a problem—though not for kiteboarders.
For kiteboarders, beginners launch at East Beach, while more advanced kiters head to Leadbetter Beach. Watch for swimmers and inquire about local restrictions, which include a Wednesday night closure at Leadbetter.

Get Advice About Santa Barbara

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Im looking for a vacation destination thats warm in late april near a beach and airport...
Asked on March 16, 2011 by an anonymous user
Are there any good activities for a family of couple and two infant children under 3 yrs...
Asked on June 11, 2010 by an anonymous user
Are there any beaches in Santa Barbara that allow dogs?
Asked on April 06, 2010 by an anonymous user
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Hotels

Refugio State Beach Campground - Hotel

10 Refugio Beach Road
Goleta93117

Distance: 21.2 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated

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Attractions

Pico Creek Surf Spot

San Simeon, California

Distance: 116.4 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Pico Creek is a popular surfing spot for both beginning and advanced surfers.... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended

San Simeon Beach State Park

Distance: 114.2 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Arroyo Laguna is a sandy beach and a popular windsurfing spot. It features plenty of available parking and access to hiking trails.... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended

Pismo Beach Pier

Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach, California

Distance: 73.0 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Pismo Beach Pier provides good fishing opportunities and relief from the summer heat for those... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended

All Santa Barbara Attractions »

Airports

Major Airports near Santa Barbara

	Distance (mi.)
Burbank Bob Hope Airport	78.5map
Los Angeles International Airport	81.8map
Santa Ana John Wayne Airport	117.1map

Other Smaller Airports near Santa Barbara

	Distance (mi.)
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport	7.8map
Santa Maria Public Airport	54.2map
Bakersfield Meadows Field	79.5map

More Airports

Flight Deals to Santa Barbara

Originating	From
Phoenix (PHX) to Burbank (BUR)	$136
Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to Burbank (BUR)	$288
Houston (HOU) to Burbank (BUR)	$339

Santa Barbara Surfing Advice

Top Ten Getaways to Beat the Winter Blues
The seasons change, and, along with your tan, the sunny chirpiness of your world gives way to winter's chills. Don't let the fight against Mother Nature get you down; instead, get on down to Mexico, or one of our other top picks. Away Top Ten
Pacific Coast
Cruise from Olympic National Park, Washington, to San Diego, California. Gorp Travel
Santa Barbara: Romance on the “American Riviera”
Away Travel
Santa Barbara: Top Attractions
Away Travel
Riding California's Central Coast
Nirvana on Horseback. Gorp Travel
Hiking with Kids in the Santa Monica Mountains
Introduction. Gorp Travel
California's Waterfalls
Viewing the Best in Waterfall Magic. Gorp Travel
An Ocean at Your Doorstep
Julia Pfeiffer BurnsWalk-In Camps. Gorp Travel
Top Ten Los Angeles Adventures
Jalama Beach Campground, Jalama Beach County Park. Gorp Top Ten
Top Ten Scenic Drives in the United States
West: Wild Wild West: California 1, California. Gorp Top Ten
Drunk on Love: Honeymooners Stomp through the Santa Barbara Vineyards
An Intoxicating Exploration of the Santa Ynez Valley. Away Travel
Thar She Blows: A World of Whales
Baja and the California Coast. Away Travel
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