South of Stearn's Wharf, there is a nice public beach, with beach volleyball, and walking/running and biking trails that has picture-perfect scenery of beautiful palm trees lined up perfectly along the waterfront. With the beautiful weather and scenery, people and their pets are out everywhere, on foot, bikes, and rollerblades.

For the skateboarders, there is an amazing skating park south of Stearn's Wharf, with all kinds of ramps and rails situated between the beach with views of the Santa Ynez mountains. You have to have helmets and protective gear to get in, but other than that, it's free.

Along Cabrillo Boulevard on the waterfront south of Stearn's Wharf, there is a huge arts and crafts festival by local artists all day every Sunday.

The Santa Barbara Waterfront north of Stearn's Wharf is also very nice. Santa Barbara Harbor and its Marina, is nice to visit. You can enjoy views of Stearn's Wharf (see other journal entry), Santa Barbara, the Channel Islands, and the Santa Ynez mountains from across the harbor. Further north, there are outstanding public parks with beach access that have walking/running and biking trails. Views of the Pacific Ocean and steep cliffs and rugged beaches are everywhere. My favorite of these is Shoreline Park...don't miss it.

The Santa Barbara Waterfront is located on Cabrillo Boulevard (which parallels the coast) north and south of Stearn's Wharf and State Street. You can't miss it.

But I do remember that the morning was pretty overcast, though we were told that the clouds would burn away by afternoon (the time we were leaving).

But the beach was very pretty, despite the clouds only just disappearing... palm trees and white sand... nice!

Head to http://www.santabarbara.com/activities/beaches/default.asp for more information on the beaches at Santa Barbara.