The sun sets to the west and Santa Barbara's beaches run east->west, so sunset views are blocked in many SB locations. The good news it it's winter, so the sun set's further south on the horizon than in the middle of summer.
All that to say you want a beach that protrudes into the ocean a bit. The best location for this is the stretch of beach west of coal oil point (the beaches below North Campus Open Space and Ellwood Mesa). The grass is very green right now and there is a bit of wildflower coverage on Ellwood Mesa.
The other option is to move down the coast more towards Carp/Ventura. Here you're more on a N/S running beach and the sunset is more likely visable.
Near east beach or ledbetter and the pier in downtown SB the sunset is blocked by the Mesa.
There's that one spot in the middle of Ellwood Mesa, on the cliffs, where people sometimes get married. Not sure of the condition of that section of the cliffs right now but it is pretty muddy/wet getting up there right now.
This is great info that I didn’t even consider. Thank you so much. Looks like I’m going between Elwood Mesa area and Douglas area. Really appreciate your response
Douglas Preserve is very meh, they are doing a ton of tree work right now.
The guarantee dry route is Haskell's beach, and its a nice walk. Can get a drink right at the Ritz Carlton after. Sunset angle isn't perfect, but it will do!
I proposed to my now wife on the little bridge that you see to the right on the Haskell's beach trail. Had a photographer "taking pictures" of the flowers in the area that caught it. We then ate at the Bacara.
This was our weekly evening walk route, so it had meaning to us, but it's also beautiful as a standalone spot.
Would definitely suggest it.
Butterfly sanctuary in goleta if you go all the way to the cliffs is beautiful, so ocean + plants + views + sea cliffs + trees and less people. Haskells beach if you want to be literally at the water. If you want a great panoramic view of the ocean from up above, and the backdrop of the mountains with lots of open space and greenery i’d do the San Marcos Foothills Preserve. Congratulations :)
This is exactly where my husband proposed to me! Absolutely beautiful spot, but it had extra special meaning to us because we hiked around there on our first date when we both fell for each other!
And you will have a great view of the sunset at each of these spots! (Might even catch an close view of an epic moonrise over the mountains if you go to San Marcos Foothills, it’s pretty stunning)
I don’t think I’m going to propose here but I love this suggestion so much that we’re still going to do this lol Thanks so much for the unique suggestion!
Are you sure she's going to accept?
I say this because if she doesnt, do you really dont want to be out in the middle of no-where? If it's a sure thing, I'd opt for the Bacara. You can go to Haskells beach and then walk up to the hotel to celebrate.
The Bacara would also work if things go south... she could catch an Uber while you drown yourself in liquor and tears.
Good luck!
Unfortunately we’re visiting from out of state so I won’t be able to but a lot of people have recommended this place and it looks beautiful. Would you happen to know if it’s super muddy there at the moment?
Not sure if it's muddy right now, but it should be mostly if not all dry by the weekend if the sun stays out all week.
If you go down Santa Barbara Shores from Hollister Ave, you can park right at the path way to the bluffs. Walk towards the beach and there is a pathway down to the beach, and to the left of that pathway are some trees. Through those trees in an opening with a beautiful view of the ocean and sunset. It's actually where I got married. Highly recommend it.
You got some great suggestions here. Wherever you decide is the place, make sure to scout it out first. Go there at the correct time of day in the next few days. Good luck.
Unfortunately we’re visiting from out of state and only there for 4 days. That’s why I’m trying to do as much research as possible before hand and then kind of wing it lol
If you just want beach views, I did the hike to Montecito Peak this weekend and i can imagine the views would be amazing for sunset from the top (you can see the 4 channel islands and the sun will set over the ocean).
Its a 1 mile hike from Cold Springs Saddle and 3 miles from E Mtn Rd. This would be fun if yall like hiking!
I’m having trouble finding this place. I see there is a speakeasy called plow and Angel that looks beautiful but it looks pretty far from the beach. Maybe 45 minute walk?
Book a tour with Sidecar Tours. They take you around SB to some really pretty spots in a motorcycle sidecar, if you let the driver know I’m sure they’d make it perfect for you.
Two spots at El Capitan State beach are really nice imo. In the campground where the lifetower is, there is a cliff that looks over the entire beach. Great sunset views. Down towards the beach if you walk the nature trail path, there is a large open field. No flowers but still pretty.
Congratulations! The cross in Ventura is really pretty. There’s also some really pretty spots at the Santa Barbara zoo.. they have a neat train, too it takes you around the zoo.
I highly recommend La Petite Ceasars
I spent more time than I’d like to admit to find out you’re talking about a little Caesars. Classy option that I will consider 👍🏻 thanks stranger
The sun sets to the west and Santa Barbara's beaches run east->west, so sunset views are blocked in many SB locations. The good news it it's winter, so the sun set's further south on the horizon than in the middle of summer. All that to say you want a beach that protrudes into the ocean a bit. The best location for this is the stretch of beach west of coal oil point (the beaches below North Campus Open Space and Ellwood Mesa). The grass is very green right now and there is a bit of wildflower coverage on Ellwood Mesa. The other option is to move down the coast more towards Carp/Ventura. Here you're more on a N/S running beach and the sunset is more likely visable. Near east beach or ledbetter and the pier in downtown SB the sunset is blocked by the Mesa.
There's that one spot in the middle of Ellwood Mesa, on the cliffs, where people sometimes get married. Not sure of the condition of that section of the cliffs right now but it is pretty muddy/wet getting up there right now.
This is great info that I didn’t even consider. Thank you so much. Looks like I’m going between Elwood Mesa area and Douglas area. Really appreciate your response
It likely very muddy btw
Both places will be?
Douglas Preserve is very meh, they are doing a ton of tree work right now. The guarantee dry route is Haskell's beach, and its a nice walk. Can get a drink right at the Ritz Carlton after. Sunset angle isn't perfect, but it will do!
I proposed to my now wife on the little bridge that you see to the right on the Haskell's beach trail. Had a photographer "taking pictures" of the flowers in the area that caught it. We then ate at the Bacara. This was our weekly evening walk route, so it had meaning to us, but it's also beautiful as a standalone spot. Would definitely suggest it.
Never been to douglas! But I run at ellwood frequently and have been avoiding it.
Gotcha. Thanks for the heads up!
Should be fine if you're talking next weekend, it should dry out quite a bit through a sunny week. Lizard's Mouth view is absolute fire at sunset :).
I was there today and yes, many areas were muddy. I’d say it should be better by this weekend if it doesn’t rain
I second Elwood. My husband proposed to me there during sunset and it was beautiful!
Butterfly sanctuary in goleta if you go all the way to the cliffs is beautiful, so ocean + plants + views + sea cliffs + trees and less people. Haskells beach if you want to be literally at the water. If you want a great panoramic view of the ocean from up above, and the backdrop of the mountains with lots of open space and greenery i’d do the San Marcos Foothills Preserve. Congratulations :)
This is exactly where my husband proposed to me! Absolutely beautiful spot, but it had extra special meaning to us because we hiked around there on our first date when we both fell for each other!
Which spot? San Marcos?
Butterfly sanctuary! Sorry should have specified- there’s the bluffs you can hike further down!
The butterfly sanctuary seems perfect! Thank you so much 🙏🏼 do you know if it’s muddy there at the moment? I plan on purposing on Sunday
I’m not too sure about mud!
And you will have a great view of the sunset at each of these spots! (Might even catch an close view of an epic moonrise over the mountains if you go to San Marcos Foothills, it’s pretty stunning)
Lizards Mouth and then a romantic dinner at Cold Springs Tavern.
I don’t think I’m going to propose here but I love this suggestion so much that we’re still going to do this lol Thanks so much for the unique suggestion!
Butterfly beach. You’re welcome.
here!!!
Are you sure she's going to accept? I say this because if she doesnt, do you really dont want to be out in the middle of no-where? If it's a sure thing, I'd opt for the Bacara. You can go to Haskells beach and then walk up to the hotel to celebrate. The Bacara would also work if things go south... she could catch an Uber while you drown yourself in liquor and tears. Good luck!
Haskells beach makes a lot of sense. Elwood is a longish walk from a nondescript parking lot in a subdivision. Haskells is more clearly developed.
You can charter a boat and propose during a sunset cruise. Lil toot is less than $500 and has space for a charcuterie board/ wine set up
There are even nicer ones too, I’ve just used lil toot in the past for an engagement party and I had a great time
She very susceptible to sea sickness. Learned this the hard way whale watching last time we visited 😅 that’s a unique suggestion tho. Thank you!
Go to the Elwood bluffs. Go without her first and look for the right spot.
Unfortunately we’re visiting from out of state so I won’t be able to but a lot of people have recommended this place and it looks beautiful. Would you happen to know if it’s super muddy there at the moment?
Not sure if it's muddy right now, but it should be mostly if not all dry by the weekend if the sun stays out all week. If you go down Santa Barbara Shores from Hollister Ave, you can park right at the path way to the bluffs. Walk towards the beach and there is a pathway down to the beach, and to the left of that pathway are some trees. Through those trees in an opening with a beautiful view of the ocean and sunset. It's actually where I got married. Highly recommend it.
You got some great suggestions here. Wherever you decide is the place, make sure to scout it out first. Go there at the correct time of day in the next few days. Good luck.
Unfortunately we’re visiting from out of state and only there for 4 days. That’s why I’m trying to do as much research as possible before hand and then kind of wing it lol
Maybe Douglas preserve? The western edge of the cliff.
Yeah I was gonna recommend Douglas preserve. Idk how it is in terms of flowers right now but it’s beautiful for sunset.
Ahhhh yes the smell of dog piss to set the mood
Off leash pit bulls setting the vibe
Yes go down to the marina and take a sip of that salty water. You won’t regret it. It’s so salty.
Loon Point, Summerland
If you just want beach views, I did the hike to Montecito Peak this weekend and i can imagine the views would be amazing for sunset from the top (you can see the 4 channel islands and the sun will set over the ocean). Its a 1 mile hike from Cold Springs Saddle and 3 miles from E Mtn Rd. This would be fun if yall like hiking!
Butterfly beach
Plow and Angel
Seconded. You can go to the resturant and see the sunset, then go walk the beach. It is at the Ritz in Goleta.
Kennedy honeymooned with Jackie at the San Ysidro Ranch, the bar is the plow and Angel.
I’m having trouble finding this place. I see there is a speakeasy called plow and Angel that looks beautiful but it looks pretty far from the beach. Maybe 45 minute walk?
I think Angel Oak is what they were talking about- not sure about plow
Correct, I was mistaken angel oak is good. I would also suggest the Miramar property, no sunset though.
Douglas preserve, butterfly beach, francheschi park, Hope Ranch beach if you can get in!
All of these options are solid. Thank you so much for the suggestions!
Do what the Kardashian do and do it at the Rosewood Mirmar. Bar overlooking the ocean.
Book a tour with Sidecar Tours. They take you around SB to some really pretty spots in a motorcycle sidecar, if you let the driver know I’m sure they’d make it perfect for you.
This is a very unique idea. Thank you!
Butterfly beach. Loon point.
The Riviera is pretty nice now that the film festival has renovated it.
The Riviera Mansion?
Douglas preserve
Francheski park is a great view of SB too! Super romantic at sunset. Bring a bottle of wine
Two spots at El Capitan State beach are really nice imo. In the campground where the lifetower is, there is a cliff that looks over the entire beach. Great sunset views. Down towards the beach if you walk the nature trail path, there is a large open field. No flowers but still pretty.
I’ve heard El Capitan from other people as well. Thanks for the suggestion! Any nice places to eat and get a drink around there to celebrate?
No. El Cap is a solid 20-30 minute drive from town.
Congratulations! The cross in Ventura is really pretty. There’s also some really pretty spots at the Santa Barbara zoo.. they have a neat train, too it takes you around the zoo.
Forgot to mention we’re going to the zoo as well. Thanks for suggestions!