Haskell's Beach

Another Goleta beach is Haskell's Beach near the Bacara. This might win an award for cleanest beach because of its proximity to the hotel. 

Directions: If you are headed "north" on 101, exit Winchester Canyon and head straight onto Calle Real, turn left onto Cathedral Oaks over the freeway and a quick right onto Hollister Ave. Follow Hollister until you see a sign that says beach access and points you to a parking lot near the Bacara tennis courts. Follow the footpath down to the beach. More info.

Pros
There are bathrooms (although they might be demolished soon). 
There are mostly calm waves.
It is generally not crowded though we have seen an increase this year.
There are showers (although they might be demolished soon).

There is a snack shop open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Cons
There is a walk to the beach from the parking lot.
This is out of the way for most people.

Parking is limited on a busy day. Parking and walking to the beach it is not easy to socially distance.

Sometimes access is tricky.

Looking west toward the Bacara Hotel.

Looking east toward Santa Barbara.

Beach house with showers and bathrooms

Beach House on the Water

Related Posts:

Summer of the Beaches

Summer of the Beaches II

Ellwood Butterfly Preserve

Santa Barbara Shores Park

Beach Packing List

Goleta Beach

Our family's go-to beach has been the closest one: Goleta Beach. Until recently, we went to the area near the playground, so we could have both the beach and playground as an option, but many friends recommend the area left of the pier for going to the beach only. So we tried it and liked it.

Directions: Turn left onto Fairview and follow it past the airport (it will turn to the right--James Fowler Rd, then left --Moffett Place, then left again--Sandspit Rd before you reach the beach). More info.

Goleta Beach (Left of the Pier)
Pros
It is centrally located for Goletans.
The walk with all of your stuff is short.
Parking is generally good, but it can be crowded on the weekends in summer with restaurant traffic.
There are bathrooms.
It is further away from the group areas. It is easier to social distance in 2020.
The waves are generally calm.

Cons
The beach is non-existent when the tide is in so you might want to check the tide charts.
There are no rinse areas like showers.
It is closer to the slough (if that grosses you out).

East toward More Mesa

West toward the Goleta Pier

Goleta Beach (Right of the pier)
Pros
It is still centrally located for Goletans.
There is plenty of parking.
The playground is there for park and beach play.
There are bathrooms.
The beach is there, even at high tide.
The waves are generally calm.

Cons
There is a longer walk to the beach with your stuff.
It is right next to the group areas which can be rowdy. 
The beach area can be more crowded over here. It is harder to social distance in 2020.

West toward Campus Point

East toward the Goleta Pier

Related Posts:

Summer of the Beaches

Summer of the Beaches II

Campus Point

Goleta Beach Playground