Arroyo Hondo Beach

Arroyo Hondo Beach is a small beach at the mouth of Arroyo Hondo Creek west of Santa Barbara. The beach here has some sand, but is narrow and rocky in most areas. There are unique linear rock formations in the beach that marine life clings to especially in the area that is only exposed at low tides. Above the beach is a high wooden train trestle and an historic concrete arch bridge over Arroyo Hondo. Highway 101 is now much larger and has been re-routed across a large land bridge that parallels the old one. This is a great place to stop and photograph the old structure and to walk out on it too.

Access to the beach is via a path created by the feet of curious folks who have scrambled down from the east end of the old bridge. Look for the steep loose trail and concrete steps that descend between the trestle and the bridge. Parking is at a signed Vista Point along the southbound lanes of Highway 101 between Gaviota State Park and Refugio State Park. Across the highway you’ll find the Arroyo Hondo Preserve, but admission is by reservation only.

Address

El Camino Real
Goleta, CA 93117

Owner

State Lands

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Photography, Tidepooling, Beach Exploration

Amenities

Historic Bridge, Train Trestle, Tide Pools, No Facilities

Links

Aerial View of Arroyo Hondo Beach
Tide Chart
Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps