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Photo: Leadbetter Beach at sunrise, Santa Barbara by mliu92 (CC BY-SA 2.0) License

Leadbetter Beach

Public beach · Santa Barbara, California

Great conditions todayBarbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroomPublic shower

City beach offering both white sand & a grass lawn, plus picnic areas, showers & restrooms.

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Current water conditions

Water temp
70°F
21°C
Comfortable for a swim today. The water's in a comfortable range. Still check depth, currents, and the forecast, and follow any posted advisories before getting in.

Live data from NOAA buoy 46053 (13.5 mi away), as of Aug 20, 10:50 PM UTC. Conditions are for general information only and can change quickly — always judge the water in person and follow posted advisories before swimming.

Weather at Leadbetter Beach

H: 84° L: 63°
Sunny
Sunny
82°
|
Feels like 84°
Precipitation
10%
Humidity
57%
Wind
5 mph
UV Index
4.8
Water Conditions:
🏊Perfect for swimming
12 AM
Clear
66°
3 AM
Clear
64°
6 AM
Clear
63°
9 AM
Sunny
71°
12 PM
Sunny
84°
3 PM
Sunny
82°
6 PM
Cloudy
78°
9 PM
Fog
67°

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Frequently asked questions

Where is Leadbetter Beach?
Leadbetter Beach is a public beach in Santa Barbara, California.
What is the water temperature at Leadbetter Beach?
As of August 20, 2026, the water temperature at Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara, California is 70°F (21°C), measured by NOAA buoy 46053, 13.5 miles away.
Can you swim at Leadbetter Beach?
There is no fixed answer for Leadbetter Beach: whether it is safe to swim there on a given day depends on the water temperature, recent rainfall, and any advisories posted at Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara, California. Check current water conditions before you go, and follow posted signs and local guidance.
How is Leadbetter Beach rated?
Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara, California has an average visitor rating of 4.6 out of 5, based on 1879 reviews.

Visitor Reviews

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Been here? A quick note helps the next visitor plan their day. Handy things to mention:

Water temperatureCrowds & parkingBest time to goSafety & access

Best Times to Visit

Right Now
Perfect conditions right now!
🏖️ Swimming Beaches Tips:
  • Arrive early for best parking and beach spot selection
  • Check for lifeguard schedules and swim only in designated areas
  • Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life
  • Watch for beach flags indicating water conditions
Best Seasons:
☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug)🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov)🌸 Spring (Mar-May)

Location & Contact

801 Shoreline Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109

Santa Barbara, California 93109

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Highlights

Picnics

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entranceWheelchair accessible parking lot

Amenities

🍖 Barbecue grill🧺 Picnic tables🚻 Public restroom🚿 Public shower

Family & Children

👶 Good for kids