butterfly beach

Going here, we thought we'd get to see a lot of butterflies; we had a difficult enough time finding the beach, and didn't see any butterflies. Don't waste your time.

Loved the beach and the views here. We strolled the beach for a good hours walk. It was not a crowded beach. We will go there again for our daily walks.

This is a beautiful beach. It has great views, is free, people are friendly. Great place to think and walk. Lost of people bring dogs, many take them off leash although theoretically that is not allowed.

We really enjoyed this beach right outside of Santa Barbara. Parking is limited available on the street along the beach...and free! There are no facilities here but it is a great beach for walking and enjoying the picturesque California Coastline. We walked to the left from in front of the Four Seasons down the beach a ways to another access point that might have more parking and the water was more calm. Several families with kids seemed to be gathered here to enjoy this more protected area.This also looks like a great spot to view a sunset...unfortunately we didn't make it back to experience it but hope to someday.

close to the Montecito Inn, the sand and views are excellent. There are no real facilities so you get more real estate for yourself.

This beach is absolutely beautiful. My friends got married here on Monday, and it was just perfect! The scenery is beautiful, and it's tucked away in a lovely spot just in front of the Four Seasons. I recommend it!

Let's start off with the good points of Butterfly Beach. The beach is somewhat private and parking is free since it's all residential street parking. The Four Seasons is close by and the beach is located in a very nice neighborhood and it felt safe too. However, I wasn't that impressed by Butterfly Beach. The thing is, the beach is very narrow, but there's tons of seaweed. The seaweed vs beach ratio tips in favor of the seaweed. I felt like the sand had tons of debris in it and dogs are allowed to roam beach. I love dogs, but lying on the beach, reading a book and having to watch dogs pee randomly around you was not that relaxing. There were tons of cute dogs though. There are no restrooms and once high tide rolls in, there isn't anywhere you can go. It's definitely one of those beaches where you can only stay for a few hours. Because parking is so limited, the beach can't get too crowded and that was nice. So if you're in the area and you want to watch dog and people watch, this is the beach for you.

Just love this beach. Easy parking and relaxing beach. Just opposite The Four Seasons Biltmore hotel which is such a beautiful area.

Tough to park and lots of people on the weekend, but a nice place to just relax and people watch many of who come with their dogs.

Clean and private. We felt safe. Very accessible to the Four Seasons Hotel. Too much seaweed but that's mother nature.

It you can get parking, this beach does not disappoint! It's clean, beautiful and perfect for couples and families. Great for swimming and taking a long walk. Not ideal for surfing big waves so please do not expect that.

Not normally a type of beach we are used to on the East Coast. My cousin found this through yelp, and it seems like all locals were there. Be careful; the sun is really hot even if you don't feel that way! I got completely burnt on my thighs, hips and upper back. (I know this would happen probably anywhere, but thought I would mention the sun here specifically!) bugs are around so being sunblock. the tide was very high but we managed to pick a spot and keep dry! Lots of beautiful scenery, however there is NO bathroom. Be warned before you go! See the beach if you have time, but if you are only in Santa Barbara there are other ones out there!

nice little beach,clean and quiet.the worst is you don't have a restroom,the parking is free on the street maybe 50 cars at the best,no stores around. is a good beach to stay only few hours.

Fun, clean, scenic, delightful, friendly, beautiful! We so enjoyed our early evening walk down this perfect beach!

The is an excellent place to take a mile swim, then after, kick back along the sea wall on the beach and soak up the sun. You can just take a beach towel or also bring your fav chair. Oh yes, the bkie/hike begins here into Santa Barbara. There is parking lot, street only and limited. No fee. The SB open water swimmers meet here (west end of beach) for a swim each sunday morning, Its a good group. This is an excellent beach in an excellent location. It a fav of the locals and visitors alike. No surf, just excellent calm for a swim or splashing around. Not a nude beach (thats further east). Close to town. Its one of my favs in the area. Dogs are good to go here too and people take care of them very well including the deed thing. Enjoy! Kennybeal