Smooth Sailing in Santa Barbara

 Arroyo Burro Beach a wide strip of powdery sand, locals call Hendry’s, is my favorite stop in Santa Barbara. The trailhead at the southern tip of the parking lot leads to More Mesa a bluff walk with stunning views of the coast.  Para-sailors glide overhead beneath flashy canopies, pelican’s patrol the bluffs in v-shaped formations while far below the aquamarine Pacific purls into billows of foaming white. Irish spring-green grass dotted with wildflowers carpets the mesa shaded by giant sycamores in the spring. You will likely have this walk to yourself save the occasional local walking dogs off leash. Continue out of the park on to Medcliff Road to Mesa Lane and turn right to Mesa steps. Take the public stairwell down to the sea shore. Enjoy a contemplative stroll on this stretch of hard packed sand backed by craggy cliffs back to the Arroyo Burro parking lot and facilities. Be sure you are not walking this stretch at high tide before embarking.

 After this two- mile loop you will be ready for lunch at the Boat House resting on the sand   Zesty sea food pasta was my choice, but shrimp Louis salad and Lobster rolls are also on the menu among many more taste treats.  Diners enjoy the patio shielded from the wind by glass barriers, or dine inside in casual elegance. Happy Hour offers tasty treats at bargain prices. There is a hamburger stand next to the main restaurant for folks in a hurry. A snooze on the sand after a sumptuous repast is in order.

overlooking the beach.

The ocean is relatively calm here and safe to swim. You can walk for miles up the long strand of sand beneath the cliffs. Locals with blankets and lawn chairs gather here to watch to sun slip into the Pacific in a fiery crescendo to a perfect Santa Barbara Day

Arroyo Burro Beach Park

Arroyo Burro Beach County Park is located 5 miles west of Santa Barbara's city center on Cliff Drive near Hope Ranch. From Highway 101 take Las Positas Road south to Cliff Drive. Turn right and travel 1/2 mile to the park entrance.

Boat House Restaurant 

This day will be included in my next book Lost Angel at Home in Paradise

Adventure travel writer, Linda Ballou, has a host of articles on her site along with information about her novels and articles at www.LindaBallouauthor.com

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