ellwood beach in santa barbara is my favorite place. its on the far north side of town. very secluded locals beach. no parking. you have to walk like 15 mins of trails from the street. my first apt in CA was right next to the trail so id go down there, lay out, and read. sometimes early on weekdays i wouldnt see another person til noon. you can see the mountains from the trails on the mesa and theres a monarch butterfly congregation spot. i want to live there again someday