Its south-facing strands of sand get the full benefit of the sun, from dawn to dusk. To the north, the Santa Ynez Mountains protect the town from winds, and southward across the Santa Barbara Channel, the Channel Islands buffer the beaches from heavy wave action. Santa Barbara s long stretch of sand takes many personalities.
East Beach is the home of volleyballers.
Scads of nets attract beach action all year around, and is the scene of top tourneys. This is where the college age crowd hangs out and sorority girls come for competition. This is where bikers and runners stop for a breather. The open-air East Beach Grill turns out breakfast in the morning and burgers all day. Farther west, past Stearns Wharf, there are rentals of kayaks and parasailing.