Description
General information about the beach
Butterfly Beach is a quiet and romantic beach in Montecito, ideal for couples and sunset watching. It features soft sand, calm water, and scenic coastal views, with a bike path running alongside.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
15 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
400 m
Frequently asked questions
Butterfly Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity high, average temperature +15.5°C, warms up to +19.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Butterfly Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — moderate. Average wave height — 0.8 m.
Butterfly Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 15 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Butterfly Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — fine. Beach length — 400 metres.
Butterfly Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in July, August. It ends in September, October. The best month for a holiday is September. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Butterfly Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Butterfly Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: stingrays, jellyfish. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Butterfly Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Butterfly Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Butterfly Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Butterfly Beach Restaurant. Cuisines available: American. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Butterfly Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash.
Butterfly Beach: when is the best time to swim?
In the evening — exceptional sunsets. In the morning there are fewer people.
Butterfly Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Do not leave rubbish. Respect private property.
Butterfly Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: surfing, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Butterfly Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for couples, lovers of romantic sunsets and peaceful walks. Suitable for surfing and marine life watching. Not suitable for families with small children due to the lack of infrastructure and lifeguards.
Butterfly Beach: what makes this beach unique?
The beach-s rare east-west orientation allows visitors to watch both sunrises and sunsets over the ocean. Scenic location at the foot of upscale Montecito estates.
Butterfly Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Rare orientation for sunrises and sunsets, Golden sand, Crystal clear water, Calm atmosphere, Few people, Dolphin watching. Cons: No infrastructure, No lifeguards, Cool water, Limited parking, Beach narrows at high tide.
Butterfly Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Four Seasons Biltmore, Santa Barbara, Douglas Family Preserve. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Butterfly Beach: how do I get to the city of Santa Barbara?
The beach is located near the city of Santa Barbara. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Santa Barbara.