Afternoon
You’ll quickly learn that life here is all about the beach. The city’s namesake, Summerland Beach, is directly accessible from Lookout Park—a delightful surprise perched atop the city’s cliffs. Trust us when we say that you won’t be able to grasp the park’s full potential until you actually enter it; from the outside, it actually looks quite unassuming. But, once you’re inside, you’ll find this grassy paradise features benches, picnic tables, BBQs, a children’s playground, and a volleyball court within its pristine premises. Another thing the park has going for it is the allure of Summerland Beach, waiting for you a little downhill and ready to reward your anticipation.
Santa Barbara’s Summerland Beach has dazzling waters that invite you in when wandering its wide sandy shores. The beach is actually one of the most popular local and tourist hotspots in Summerland, so expect to share the space with a few other beach bums.
But if you’re dead-set on having the ocean all to yourself, Loon Point is just a stone’s throw away. Offering near-isolation, this beach never stops feeling like you’re in on a secret; it’s a beautiful hidden gem filled with tide pools and surfers riding the waves in the distance.
Fun fact: Summerland is the only city on Santa Barbara’s South Coast where you can actually go on a romantic horseback ride on the beach. And if you ask us, this opportunity is too unique to pass up. Book an appointment with Los Padres Outfitters (who also offer backcountry tours, by the way) and ride off into the sunset with a skilled wrangler by your side. Nothing beats equestrian bliss for a true Californian experience.