East
Beach in Santa Barbara is one of several beaches that front the
Pacific Ocean. East Beach and West Beach are part of a long stretch of sandy beaches delineated
by a separation at Stearns Wharf at Cabrillo Boulevard and State
Street. (State Street is the primary shopping, dining and tourism
artery
in Santa Barbara.)
East Beach extends south over a mile from the
wharf toward Montecito while West Beach extends north. East Beach sands are
separated by a what appears as a small river tributary or stream
seen in picture above and located
where Mission Creek empties into the Pacific Ocean. Mission Creek,
which flows through
Santa Barbara Botanic
Gardens in Mission Canyon,
approx. four miles northwest of the beach, includes a rock dam which
was constructed in 1806 by Native American Indians. Built under the
direction of Spanish padres from Mission Santa Barbara located
approx. 1.5 miles south of the Botanic Gardens (and 2.5 miles from
East Beach), Mission Creek is a California Historic Landmark. Its
presence at the beach is not noticeable in much of the literature
available to tourists who wander past the creek and stay at hotels
next to it. As a tourist, it is important to note that urban
runoff from the creek has been monitored regularly for water quality
and health issues. In a five year monitoring study, the water
quality has improved and been given a B grade in dry beach
conditions.
On
East Beach you'll see activities such as a weekly artists' show with
quality artwork, crafts and gifts. The handmade products sold by
craftsmen make wonderful, personal art for home decor, collecting or
for gift giving. Running the length of East Beach is a paved path,
constantly in motion with joggers, skaters, bicyclists and colorful
bicycle surreys guests can rent at beach concessions.
Beach
picnic facilities, more than a dozen volleyball courts (available
for rent by reservation) on the beach, and a full service restaurant
at the East Beach Grill are a few of the amenities of this city
operated beach. The City of Santa Barbara actually features an
excellent e-parks function on their website showing availability of
the rental facilities, plus credit card reservations done on the
Internet. At East Beach, the a 1927 structure, Cabrillo Pavilion
Bathhouse, offers showers, lockers, a weight room, beach wheelchair
and volleyball rental. Location: 1119 East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa
Barbara, California.
Two
picnic rental areas with picnic tables include a beach location,
playground, snack stand and volleyball courts. Recommended for uses
such as Dinners, General Rental, Parties and Picnics, you can check
out pricing by calling during business hours, (805) 564-5418.
www.santabarbaraca.gov
While
Santa Barbara temperatures can be a few degrees cooler than Los
Angeles and Orange County beaches, sunbathers can snuggle in the
sand for a suntan, rest and relaxation or sit and watch the parade
of people passing by. In addition to the Sunday art vendors,
visitors may sometimes see drumming circles on Saturday afternoon.
The drumming circle is not a formal organization or group. It
usually includes drummers who bring bongos and a variety of hand
drumming instruments to play in rhythm with others who show up.
It's a communal experience for the drummers who play in sync and
interesting to watch for guests.
Getting there: Exit Highway 101 at Coast Village Road and go north
on Cabrillo Blvd. or exit from Carillo, Castillo and Garden Streets.
