Santa Barbara sits on one of the most spectacular stretches of California coastline, and the good news is your dog is welcome to enjoy most of it with you. We have spent years tracking down the best dog-friendly spots in this town, and the list runs deep. Here is what we know.
Hit the beach
Arroyo Burro Beach is the crown jewel for dogs in Santa Barbara. This is a legit off-leash beach — your dog can run free on the sand and splash in the surf. Locals call it Hendry’s Beach, and on any given morning you will find dozens of dogs chasing balls into the waves. It is one of the best off-leash beaches on the entire Central Coast. For a quieter option, Santa Claus Beach down in Carpinteria lets leashed dogs join you on the sand.
Trails and parks
The hiking here punches above its weight. Rattlesnake Canyon Trail climbs into the Santa Ynez Mountains through shaded oaks and sandstone boulders. It is a solid workout with creek crossings that dogs love. Seven Falls Trail follows Mission Creek up to a series of waterfalls — a stunner in spring. The Arroyo Burro Trail connects the beach to the hills above for those who want to combine sand and trail in one outing.
Douglas Family Preserve is a 70-acre blufftop open space where dogs roam off-leash through grassy meadows with ocean views. It is wildly popular and for good reason. Elings Park covers 230 acres and includes the Elings Meadow off-leash dog park. Tucker’s Grove County Park is another solid pick with oak-shaded picnic areas and open fields.
Santa Barbara also has a handful of dedicated dog parks, including MacKenzie Park Dog Park, Kiwanis Meadows, and Toro Canyon Off Leash Area.
Where to stay
The range of dog-friendly hotels in Santa Barbara runs from roadside motels to top-tier resorts. At the high end, Four Seasons Resort and Belmond El Encanto roll out the red carpet for four-legged guests. San Ysidro Ranch has a storied history and welcomes dogs on its lush grounds. Hotel Californian and Canary Hotel put you right downtown.
Budget-friendly options include Blue Sands Motel near the beach, Beach House Inn, and the Alamar Motel. For something different, AutoCamp Santa Barbara lets you glamp in Airstream trailers with your dog.
Dog-friendly restaurants and bars
Santa Barbara’s patio dining scene is built for dogs. Tupelo Junction Cafe is a breakfast staple with a dog-friendly patio. Cajun Kitchen serves hearty plates on a shaded patio. Crushcakes & Cafe and Esau’s Cafe are local favorites. For dinner, Los Agaves and Santa Barbara FisHouse both have dog-welcoming outdoor seating.
Thirsty? Lama Dog Tap Room is practically a dog bar — the name says it all. Night Lizard Brewing Company and The Brewhouse also welcome dogs on their patios. For wine tasting, the Funk Zone is loaded with dog-friendly spots including Municipal Winemakers, Carr Vineyards & Winery, and Kunin Wines.
Good to know
Santa Barbara County enforces leash laws on most public beaches and trails. Arroyo Burro and Douglas Family Preserve are the big exceptions where dogs can go off-leash. Always carry bags. The weather here is mild year-round, but summer afternoons can heat up — plan your hikes for morning. If you need a vet in a pinch, CARE Hospital and San Roque Pet Hospital are both in town.
Browse all our Santa Barbara lodging, restaurants, and hikes for the full rundown.
