The Famous Miramar Beach

Location:

Eucalyptus Lane and Edgecliff Lane, Montecito, CA 93108

Miramar Beach is a hidden gem located in Santa Barbara, just an hour north of Los Angeles. It is home to the luxurious Rosewood Miramar Beach, formerly known as the Miramar By The Sea Hotel. This five-star resort sits directly on the sandy beach and boasts 161 rooms, including 37 suites, with 26 offering direct beach access. The resort occupies 15.7 acres of prime beachfront real estate in the exclusive Montecito community. In addition to the resort, casual beach homes are available for rent in the area. Miramar Beach is a must-visit destination for those seeking a relaxing coastal retreat in Southern California.

Amenities:

No Facilities, Tide Pools

Activities:

Beach Walking, Beachcombing, Surfing, Stand-Up Paddle boarding

Dog Policy:

Dogs are allowed on a leash

Miramar Beach offers a stunning and tranquil environment for those looking to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. The sandy beach, most accessible during the spring, summer, and fall, boasts stunning views and is perfect for a stroll. Visitors can walk east to Fernald Point Beach and Shark's Cove or west to Hammond's Beach and Butterfly Beach. When the ocean conditions are ideal, surfers can often be seen catching waves at Miramar Point and Hammond's Reef. 

Although there are no facilities on the beach for those not staying at one of the beachfront properties, the natural beauty of the area more than makes up for it.

Brief History

The history of Miramar Beach dates back to 1876, when Josiah and Emmeline Doulton purchased the 20-acre oceanfront property in Montecito. In 1889, the Doultons built a cottage for visiting friends, which eventually began to accommodate outside guests. Originally called Ocean View Farm, a guest suggested changing the name to "Miramar," meaning "behold the sea." Over the years, the hotel was expanded; by 1910, there were 29 structures. However, Miramar faced financial struggles during the Depression, eventually leading to bankruptcy. In 1939, the Doultons sold the hotel to Paul Gawzner

Despite attracting high-profile visitors, the Miramar was also popular among middle-class families who would arrive in station wagons. Over the years, the Miramar welcomed several notable guests, including William Randolph Hearst and Robert Mitchum, who were known to spend a lot of time at the hotel's bar. Jane Russell also made headlines when she crashed her Mercedes outside Miramar. 

Paul Gawzner owned the Miramar until it was sold in 1998. After being shut down in 2000, the property changed hands multiple times before being rebuilt from the ground up and reopening as a new resort in 2019 under developer Rick Caruso. Every May, the hotel would mark the start of summer by deploying a large wooden raft offshore.

Directions

To reach Miramar Beach, take the 101 Freeway and exit onto San Ysidro Road, heading towards the ocean. San Ysidro Road becomes Eucalyptus Lane on the ocean side of the freeway bridge. 

Public parking areas are available in front of Miramar, near San Ysidro Road, and along Eucalyptus Lane. If these spaces are full, you can also try parking on Miramar Avenue or Humphrey Road, which intersects with Eucalyptus Lane near the railroad tracks. Follow Eucalyptus Lane until you reach the ocean, and Miramar Beach will be on your left.

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