Santa Barbara County calls

A Labrador Retriever sits quietly on a dirt path at the top of a hill in Santa Barbara County. Around it stretch open views of distant hills under a misty sky. The dog appears content and relaxed, nestled among native shrubs, while soft birdsong carries through the air, enhancing the serene atmosphere.

Kaya at the top of Seven Falls Trail overlooking Santa Barbara. Photo by Dave Kendrick

Known as “The American Riviera,” Santa Barbara offers a stunning coastal escape with countless pet-friendly excursions along the waterfront and Read more.

Fall for these dog-friendly waterfalls

Yes, we had a dry January, but the big storms in late December filled lakes and streams and created a hefty Sierra snowpack. The payoff: Waterfall season! Here are some late winter/early spring hikes with watery rewards at the end. Yosemite Gushers Moving Water in Marin Don’t Pass on Pasadena With Your Dog Santa Barbara’s Waterfall Surprise Read more.

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

A new addition to the Ritz-Carlton brand, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, a 358-room, oceanfront property on 78 acres north of town, enchants with its colonial revival architecture. Multiple buildings are arranged in “village” fashion around a courtyard, and a multi-million-dollar renovation has brought upgrades all around. Dogs are welcome to join you at patio tables at The Bistro restaurant, Read more.