Mesa Lane

One of the many beautiful beaches in Santa Barbara, Mesa Lane is located just 3 miles from downtown's State Street. 

Mesa Lane is located just below the mesa neighborhood in Santa Barbra. Because it is located below the tall bluffs of the mesa, this beach is very special in two ways: 241 stairs lead to the beach, and the beach is also a fairly narrow band between the ocean and the mesa cliffs that jut onto the beach. Be sure you don't go during an an abnormally high tide, or there will be no beach at all! If you come at low tide there is plenty of exploring and walking to do at low tide, however, just plan to do it when the tide is going out.

If you are looking to surf Mesa Lane, go when the tide is incoming. There are plenty of rocks hiding under the water, and low tide makes them even more dangerous. The wave tends to do best on wind swell; winter groundswell maxes it out. Wave size is typically waist to chest high, but it can go up to head high with the right swell.