Hammond's

Hammond's is a sheltered reef break producing well-defined right-handers with occasional left-hand opportunities. The wave features punchy sections that lines up consistently and responds best to distant west swells paired with north wind, typically peaking at medium tide. The break remains relatively compact, rarely exceeding a few feet overhead even when nearby Rincon reaches double-overhead conditions, making it an accessible option for advancing intermediate to advanced surfers seeking quality over size. It also receives occasional summer south swells, making it less predictable seasonally than its winter west-swell window.

The Hammonds Classic surfing contest has roots in the 1982 inaugural event organized by the local Surf n Wear shop, which became established enough that merchandise from a 1986 iteration now appears in the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum's surfing history collection. The break attracted a dedicated crew of stylistically-minded locals over the decades and remains part of Santa Barbara's surf culture legacy.

Access reaches the break via a trail starting at the bottom of Eucalyptus Lane in the gated Montecito community, or by walking the beach during low tide. The break sits near Miramar Beach in what has historically been an exclusive residential area. Beyond the sharp rocks and sea urchins, the main access barrier is the private nature of the surrounding neighborhood and the strong local presence that enforces unwritten social boundaries.