Thousand Steps to Mesa Lane

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Features Swimming · Views

This short, beach-side hike allows for a calm coastal experience with great views of the Pacific.

Hike to the sea-side end of Santa Cruz Boulevard and down the "Thousand Steps" staircase, which has far less than one thousand steps in actuality. Turn right at the bottom of the stairs to hike up the coast and enjoy the beach that has a mix of sandy and cobbled sections.

About one mile into the hike you'll come across the Mesa Lane Stairway, which can take you up the bluffs. From here, turn around and return to the Thousand Steps Stairway along the beach.

Parking is limited to what can be found along Shoreline Drive, near its intersection with Santa Cruz Boulevard.

Thanks to John McKinney, The Trailmaster, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about trails in California, check out his guides at The Trailmaster Store.

The Santa Barbara Lighthouse, which you'll see as you hike up the coast, was first operated in 1856, but was destroyed in the Santa Barbara earthquake of 1925. After being destroyed, it was replaced with an automated light.