The future is now set for one of the most iconic oceanfront restaurant locations in Southern California: a multifaceted food, drink, and events concept called Sea Legs Santa Barbara will take over the former Beachside Bar-Café on the shore of Goleta Beach, with an opening expected by the start of next summer. That decision was finalized on Tuesday at the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors hearing, which voted 5-0 to approve the 10-year lease (with three five-year renewals) as part of the administrative agenda.
“We think their concept can be transformational for Goleta Beach and bring a lot more interest there,” said Jeff Lindgren, assistant director of County Parks. “There could be a lot of good reasons to go to Goleta Beach again.”
Sea Legs, which is tied to a successful hospitality brand in Orange County, beat out three competing bids for the county-owned establishment. The county expected more than four applicants when it widely publicized the open bidding process last May, but the persistent pandemic paired with the significant upfront investment required for the property apparently scared off more would-be bidders.