Restrooms
Not AvailableNo
Food & Drinks
Not AvailableNo
Parking
AvailableYes (restricted street parking, long walk)
Nudity Policy
OPTIONALClothing optional (commonly practiced north/right of the stairs)
The Good
- Exceptionally secluded and quiet: More Mesa feels untouched compared to nearby Santa Barbara beaches. Long stretches of shoreline often have very few people, making it ideal for solitude, reflection, and nature lovers.
- True clothing-optional experience: Once you reach the bottom of the stairs and head to the right (north), clothing-optional sunbathing is common and long-established. It is widely considered the only consistent nude beach in the Santa Barbara area.
- Spectacular coastal scenery: Dramatic cliffs, kelp beds against rock walls, and sweeping Pacific views define the beach. The walk between More Mesa and Goleta is often described as one of the most serene and uninterrupted shoreline walks in Santa Barbara. It rival's California's Black's Beach when it comes to dramatic vistas.
- Wildlife sightings: Continuing farther right past the main nude area leads to open rocky sections where seals are often seen resting on large offshore rocks, locally referred to as “Seal Island.”
- Peaceful, natural approach: The walk through the mesa and conservation land before reaching the beach is quiet and scenic. Many visitors say the approach itself is one of the highlights.
The Bad
- Difficult access and parking challenges: There is no beach parking. Nearby streets are heavily restricted, and Google Maps frequently routes drivers to private or blocked residential roads.
- Long walk and steep stairs: Reaching the beach requires a lengthy walk followed by steep, narrow stairs down the cliff. There are no handrails, lighting, or maintained paths.
- Narrow beach with rocks: The shoreline is small and constantly changing with the tide. Large sections are covered with boulders, leaving limited sandy space for towels. At higher tide, much of the beach can disappear.
- Tar and petroleum residue: Natural oil seepage is common. Tar can cling to feet, towels, and swimwear, especially after swimming, and can be difficult to remove.
- Bugs and sand critters: Insects are frequently reported and can make longer stays uncomfortable, particularly in warmer weather.
- Comfort and safety concerns for some visitors: People can look down onto the beach from the cliffs above. Some visitors, especially women, report feeling uncomfortable due to unwanted attention or behavior from certain individuals.
The Naked Truth
More Mesa is not an easy beach and not a casual decision; and that’s exactly why people who love it, really love it. If you’re willing to walk, climb down steep stairs, and accept a raw coastline with zero services, you’re rewarded with one of the quietest, most genuinely clothing-optional beaches in Southern California. Once you head right (north) from the stairs, nudity is normal, long-established, and mostly unquestioned. The mood is calm, introspective, and nature-first rather than social or playful.
That said, this is not a beginner-friendly nude beach. Access is demanding, sand space is limited, tar is real, and the crowd skews older and more male. At high tide, the beach can feel squeezed and uncomfortable, and the fact that people can look down from the cliffs bothers some visitors. If you come prepared, know the terrain, and want solitude over comfort, More Mesa delivers a rare, uncompromising experience. If you want ease, facilities, or a balanced social scene, this probably isn’t your beach.
Insider Tip
From the base of the stairs, head right for the quietest water, the clothing-optional area, and the most secluded experience. Head left if you prefer a more traditional beach atmosphere toward Hope Ranch and Goleta.
Who's Here
Mostly locals, long-time regulars, hikers, joggers, and nude sunbathers. The clothing-optional section tends to skew older and male, with some women present.
Beach Surface
A mix of sand and rocks. Roughly half of the beach is covered with boulders, while the remaining sand is narrow and tide-dependent. Kelp commonly washes up near the cliff edges.
Access Difficulty
Difficult: Steep cliffs, narrow stairs, uneven dirt paths, no facilities, no trash cans, and no lifeguards. Best suited for reasonably fit visitors with good balance and comfort navigating rugged terrain.
Photos
Our Visit
Discover the beauty and freedom of More Mesa Nude Beach, a stunning nude beach destination.
Discover the beauty and freedom of More Mesa Nude Beach, a stunning nude beach destination.
Map
Getting There
More Mesa Beach is located on the western edge of Santa Barbara, California, below the More Mesa Open Space preserve.
By Car: There is no parking at the beach itself, and most nearby streets are heavily restricted. The most reliable legal option is Vieja Drive, where street parking is allowed in limited sections. From there, walk through Mockingbird Lane and follow the dirt trail across the open mesa toward the ocean. Google Maps is often inaccurate here and may send you to private or blocked roads, so rely on Vieja Drive as your starting point.
By Foot: From Vieja Drive, expect about a 20-minute walk across flat but exposed mesa land before reaching the cliff edge. At the cliff, steep and narrow stairs descend directly to the beach. There are no handrails, lighting, or maintenance, so sturdy footwear and good balance are essential. At the bottom of the stairs, turn right (north) for the clothing-optional section, or left toward more traditional beaches.
By Public Transport: There is no public transportation that goes directly to More Mesa Beach. Visitors must arrive by car and continue on foot from the nearest legal parking area.
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