Ledbetter, the in-town Santa Barbara beach, is one of the most popular beaches in the area and is a favorite for families that like to swim. The beach is lined with a grassy picnic area and has barbeque pits available for grilling. It was recently named one of the Travel Channel’s “Top Ten American Beaches”. Grab some bike rentals at the beach, and bike the coast. Or, hop in your car and drive north on U.S. 101 to some more great beaches — El Capitan, Gaviota and Refugio — just outside of the city.