Top 5 Dog-Friendly Activities You Can Do In Santa Barbara

August 16, 2023

Whether you are a resident of Santa Barbara or visiting the place for a few days, there are plenty of exciting activities that you can enjoy.

From surfing through the waves at Leadbetter Beach to dining at one of the finest restaurants in the city – there is a long list of things people do during their stay in Santa Barbara. The good news is that your dog can also join you in those activities.

Santa Barbara is one of the best places to visit if you love to travel with your four-legged companion. Here, you will find several activities designed specifically for dog parents. For your convenience, we have created a list of the top 5 dog-friendly activities in Santa Barbara.

  1. Hiking:

The 4-mile trail to Inspiration Point is a popular destination for people who love hiking. Dogs can also join their human parents during the trek and enjoy the stunning views from the top. The Coal Oil Point Trail near the coast in Goleta also boasts one of the top dog-friendly hikes Santa Barbara has to offer. In the 1.5-mile hike, dogs can have fun on the bluffs and beach. However, you need to keep them away from the protected dunes.

  1. Taking A Stroll In The Park:

If you keep your pooch on a leash, you can enter all the city parks (except one) in Santa Barbara with them. However, if you like to keep your canine buddy off the leash, you can go to the Douglas Family Preserve for a stroll. You only need to make sure that your dog does not wander off too far. Tucker’s Grove Park is also a great place to go with your mutt. For on-leash dogs, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a lovely place with an authentic Japanese tea garden and more. If you visit Santa Barbara quite often, you can avail of the annual membership at Elings Park, which lets your dog enjoy 230 acres of land without any leash.

  1. Exploring The Winery:

People from different parts of the world come to Santa Barbara to indulge in its award-winning wines. While you can visit famous wineries like Santa Barbara Winery, Kunin Winery, and Municipal Winemakers, you can also take your dog to Jaime Slone Wines at the El Paseo outdoor shopping plaza. There is a tasting room for Grassini Family Vineyards in El Paseo, which keeps water bowls and treats for the four-legged visitors. Taking your dog to new places can keep your dog happy during the holiday season.

  1. Going On Adventures:

If your pooch loves the sea, you can take him on a cruise in Santa Barbara. Sunset Kidd, a private cruise sailing company, lets you board their 41-foot touring yacht with your dog any time of the day. You both can explore the marine wildlife on the cruise, which has a limit of 15 people. If your furry friend does not like the sea, you can take him to The Red Tile Walking Tour for a self-guided stroll. It explores the intricacies of the Spanish architecture in Santa Barbara.


  1. Sipping Beers:

If you are a beer lover, Santa Barbara has several places for you. Funk Zone’s Lama Dog Tap Room, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., Topa Topa, and Brass Bear let you sip suds with your canine buddy. You can also find pooch-friendly breweries on State Street, including The Cruisery, Modern Times Academy of Recreational Sciences, and Night Lizard Brewing Company. Third Window Brewing Co. in the Mill complex also lets you enjoy drinks with your furry friends.

To Sum It Up

The visit to Santa Barbara can be a great experience for both you and your mutt. However, you need to be very careful while taking your dog to these public places. If your canine buddy is not friendly towards strangers or is aggressive towards other canines, you may face some difficulties during your trip. Also, you need to carry around things like dog toys, poop bags, food and bowls, and a crate while traveling to Santa Barbara with your mutt.


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