Leadbetter Point is one of the more consistent surf spots located in Santa Barbara. It's a great place for those looking to enjoy some fun waves in a beautiful setting, especially with the scenic views of the Santa Barbara Harbor and Stearns Wharf. This spot gets pretty busy, especially during the summer months, but it’s still a nice place to surf, particularly for beginners and longboarders who want to ride some gentle waves.
The waves at Leadbetter are generally playful, with swells coming from the West (WSW) and West-Northwest (WNW). On a good day, the surf can range from about 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters), making it manageable for beginners and fun for intermediates. The point break here offers long, right-hand rides that are perfect for longboards. It’s best to hit the water during mid to high tide since the rocky bottom can make things a bit choppy, especially at low tide. Keep in mind that the preferred wind directions are West-Northwest, Northwest, and North-Northwest, which help keep the conditions smooth.
Accessing Leadbetter is fairly easy; you can park along Cliff Drive or La Marina Boulevard, or use the free parking at Shoreline Park. Just take the trail down the bluff to get to the surf. Be prepared for crowds, mainly during the summer on nice days, but compared to other popular spots, localism here isn’t too intense.