There are few places in California that combine laid-back beach vibes, beautiful hiking trails, incredible farm to table food, and dog-friendly hospitality quite like Santa Barbara. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, this coastal gem feels like the perfect weekend getaway for both humans and our four-legged travel companions.
We recently spent a long weekend exploring Santa Barbara with Squash and quickly discovered why it’s one of our favorite dog-friendly destinations on the California coast. From off-leash beach adventures to scenic hikes, cozy cafés, and luxurious pet-friendly hotels, Santa Barbara has everything you need for an unforgettable weekend away with your dog.
Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
If you’re looking to stay somewhere that will spoil you and your pup, it’s hard to beat the Ritz-Carlton Bacara.
Perched on 78 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the resort offers the perfect blend of luxury and relaxation while welcoming four-legged guests. They provided dog beds and water bowls upon checking in and the staff really loved seeing dogs around the property – often asking to say hi to Squash. The sprawling property provides plenty of green space for bathroom walks (always pick up after your dog), and the oceanfront setting and access to the beach from the grounds was perfect for midday runs and sunset strolls.
One of our favorite parts of staying here was simply exploring the grounds and various hang out spaces with our pup. The pathways wind through beautifully landscaped gardens and offer endless ocean views. After a day of exploring the grounds and/or Santa Barbara, returning to a comfortable room and watching the sunset from your private balcony was the perfect way to end each evening.
Things to consider: The Ritz is about a 15 minute drive to downtown Santa Barbara, so if you are looking for something more central, I would recommend staying at El Encanto – perched on the hills above downtown. Equally luxurious but closer to all the action. And while the Ritz and El Encanto are both on the higher end, there are plenty of boutique hotels and more affordable lodging options that welcome four-legged friends – the city has no shortage of them. Here is the most comprehensive list we’ve found.
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Santa Barbara
No trip to Santa Barbara is complete without spending time by the water, and fortunately there are several great options for dogs who love sand between their paws and long walks on the beach.
Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry’s Beach)
If you’re traveling with a dog, Hendry’s Beach should be at the top of your list. The western end of the beach offers one of the most popular off-leash dog areas in Santa Barbara, making it a favorite gathering spot for local and visiting pups. Expect plenty of room to run, splash in the waves, and make new furry friends. The beach is also home to a dog wash station, making cleanup easy before heading back into town.
Butterfly Beach
Located in nearby Montecito, Butterfly Beach welcomes dogs and offers stunning ocean views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The beach has an adjacent walking and biking path that is widely used by locals and visitors alike and it’s a short distance to other dog-friendly destinations like The Post Montecito and The Montecito Country Mart. Both outdoor shopping areas have plenty of dog friendly shops, bakeries and restaurants.
Summerland Beach
This is our favorite beach in Santa Barbara. It is just a short drive south of Santa Barbara, in Summerland, and offers a quieter alternative with plenty of space to walk along the sand with your pup. The beach is quite often less crowded than some of the more popular beaches (we see 1 or 2 dogs on our walk). We also love the dog wash and its proximity to all the dog-friendly shops in Summerland – check out Godmother’s bookshop and adjacent food truck.
Bakeries, Cafes, Brunches and Al Fresco Dining in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara ranks, for us, as one of the top 5 best food cities in California. They’ve mastered the art of drawing from the ocean and the valleys nearby and offer innovative takes on California classics. And the best part is that many of the restaurants embrace outdoor dining and take advantage of courtyards, making it easy to bring your pup along.
Mother Dough
Start your morning at Mother Dough, one of Santa Barbara’s newest breakfast hotspots. Be warn, there will be a line as this is one of the cities hottest breakfast destinations. Known for their hand rolled sourdough bagels and creative breakfast sandwiches, it’s become a favorite among locals looking for a great start to the day. The inside is tiny but very cute, with a few chairs and tables for seating. I would recommend grabbing a seat outside on their side patio and enjoying a leisurely breakfast with your pup.
Hook & Press Donuts
A Santa Barbara staple, Hook & Press serves handcrafted donuts made from scratch and offer a variety of rotating flavors throughout the year – don’t skip the everything bagel doughnut. As self proclaimed doughnut connoisseurs, these are the best doughnuts outside of Chicago.
Their outdoor seating makes it easy to stop by with your dog, and their doggy-approved doughnut shaped treats makes this place a must stop for us on every visit.
Little Mountain
Located in Montecito, Little Mountain has quickly become one of the area’s most talked-about restaurants. The restaurant focuses on seasonal ingredients and live-fire cooking, creating dishes that showcase the best of California’s Central Coast. Its inviting atmosphere and beautiful outdoor dining space make it an excellent choice for a dog-friendly lunch or dinner after a day of exploring. This was our favorite meal during our last visit and we ordered the best chocolate mousse I’ve ever had.
Caje
Coffee lovers won’t want to miss Caje. Known for its expertly crafted coffee drinks and stylish atmosphere, this local favorite is a great place to recharge between adventures. Their outdoor seating areas make it easy to bring your dog along while you enjoy everything from a simple espresso to one of their signature specialty drinks.
Other Favorites: some of other favorite dining spots in Santa Barbara include Monte’s, Tamar, Bettina Pizzeria, Merci Bakery, The Lark and Loquita.
Hiking in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara’s coastal setting and proximity to the mountains means you are never too far from incredible hikes. Many of the area’s most scenic hikes welcome dogs, making it easier to bring them on all your outdoor adventures.
Inspiration Point
This is one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic hikes for good reason. The trail climbs through oak trees and chaparral before rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the city, coastline, and Channel Islands. The moderate climb is manageable for most active dogs and offers plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
Douglas Family Preserve
While technically more of a coastal walking area than a traditional hike, Douglas Family Preserve is a must-visit for dog owners. The expansive bluff-top park features numerous trails, ocean views, and designated off-leash areas where dogs can roam freely while enjoying fresh sea air.
Rattlesnake Canyon Trail
For pups who love a bit more adventure, Rattlesnake Canyon offers a beautiful shaded hike with creek crossings and canyon views. It’s a great option on warmer days when you’re looking for a little extra shade.
Things to consider: we tend to hike in the early mornings with Squash as it can get quite hot in Santa Barbara and we try to avoid the midday sun. We also bring lots of water with us, in case it gets hot and she gets thirsty. Plan accordingly.
Add Santa Barbara to your Bucket List
Santa Barbara truly checks every box for a dog-friendly weekend getaway. Between the off-leash beaches, scenic coastal hikes, welcoming restaurants, and luxurious accommodations, it’s a destination that both humans and dogs can enjoy.
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend escape or adding Santa Barbara to a larger California road trip, don’t be surprised if your pup starts pulling you back toward the coast or tries to get adopted by an affluent family before you’ve even left town.
