Stairway to Beach (Butterfly Lane)

Stairway to Beach (Butterfly Lane) is a public ocean beach on the California coast, about 1.6 miles from Montecito. There is no fee to visit, and dogs are allowed. The weather here is mild year-round, based on typical averages from a nearby weather station in Santa Barbara. Summer and early fall are the warmest stretch, with highs around 76 to 78°F from July through October and lows near 60°F. July and August typically see no wet days at all. Winter stays gentle, with December through February highs in the mid-60s and lows in the upper 40s. That is also the rainiest part of the year, with about six or seven wet days a month from December into March. Spring warms gradually, from highs near 68°F in March to 72°F by May, and rain tapers off quickly after March. Trails and climbing are close by if you want to pair a beach visit with time inland. The Peter Bakewell Trail is under a mile away. The Ennisbrook Trail and the QAD Trail are each about 2.1 miles off, and climbers can head to Westmont College Boulder, roughly 2.4 miles away.