Just about everything about Santa Barbara, from the beautiful buildings to the beautiful people and the beautiful dogs, is a treat for the senses. The “American Riviera” is the kind of place where you can ditch your car, leash up your dog and wander—finding yourself, perhaps, tasting a selection of pinot noirs along the Urban Wine Trail, admiring Spanish colonial architecture on the podcast-guided Red Roof Walking Tour, or enjoying the plantings at the dog-friendly Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. The Santa Barbara pier and the multi-use path paralleling the beach offer lively perspectives, and at Arroyo Burro Beach you can unclip and let Rover run free.
The non-profit Santa Barbara Dog PAC has played a leading role in securing leash-free recreation rights in several county parks, helping to make Santa Barbara one of the most dog-friendly places on the Central Coast. Other good news: the county health department reversed a rule prohibiting dogs in outdoor dining areas. Canines are now allowed at restaurant owners’ discretion, and dozens of eateries have rolled out the welcome mat.
Last updated on July 1, 2024.
