Planning a trip to pet-friendly Santa Barbara, or a local snouting out the best spots for your furry pal? From sunny beaches to dog-friendly restaurants, Santa Barbara has plenty to keep you and your four-legged friend busy. Plus, discover how to try house sitting in Santa Barbara, or find the perfect Santa Barbara pet sitter while you’re off on your adventures.
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Dog-friendly restaurants, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara’s got sunshine, sea, and seriously good eats – and your furry friend can come along for the ride! Many restaurants have dog-friendly patios (and some even serve water bowls and treats!), but it’s best to check before you go to avoid any surprises.
The Lark
Located in the heart of The Funk Zone, The Lark serves dinner and brunch dishes (weekends only) made from locally sourced ingredients. Furry friends are welcome in the dog-friendly outdoor area.
Location: 131 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
The Cruisery
Here, four-pawed pals are treated like royalty both inside and out. While you peruse the menu of pub classics, craft beers, and cocktails, furry customers can help themselves to the ‘dog bar’ at the front – a row of water bowls.
Location: 501 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
Brophy Bros.
Seafood with a view? Yes, please! This popular spot has a patio overlooking Santa Barbara Harbor, perfect for enjoying fresh seafood while your pup soaks up the salty air. Be aware it can get busy here, so be sure your pooch pal is comfortable in crowded spaces.
Location: 119 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109, United States
Lucky Penny
Famous for its eye-catching penny-covered exterior, Lucky Penny serves up wood-fired pizzas and other tasty treats. Their outdoor patio is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for a casual meal.
Location: 127 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
Santa Barbara Public Market
This bustling marketplace has a variety of food vendors with outdoor seating areas where pups are welcome. It's a great option for those who want to sample a bit of everything.
Location: 38 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
Santo Mezcal
If you're in the mood for Mexican cuisine, Santo Mezcal has a delicious seafood-centric menu and a dog-friendly patio. Expect delicious tacos, margaritas, and good vibes.
Location: 119 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
Tre Lune
Popular Italian restaurant Tre Lune welcomes four-legged friends on its outdoor patio. Customers rave about the food and service, and it’s the ideal place to take your pooch pal for a cozy date
Location: 1151 Coast Village Rd, Montecito, CA 93108, United States
Loquita
Loquita brings a taste of Spain to Santa Barbara – think tapas, paella, and churros for dessert (of course).
Location: 202 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
Dog-friendly cafes, Santa Barbara
From artisanal pastries to people-watching, Santa Barbara’s dog-friendly cafes have it all.
Helena Avenue Bakery
This is a firm favorite among locals, known for freshly baked sourdough, perfect pastries, and farm-to-table plates. Its dog-friendly patio might be small, but this is still the kind of place you could spend a whole morning.
Location: 131 Anacapa St c, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
Goat Tree
Located in the Hotel Californian, Goat Tree serves ridiculously good pastries and brunch dishes on its sun-drenched patio, where your furry friend is welcome to join you.
Location: 36 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
Scarlett Begonia
Known for its cinnamon rolls but also offering delicious dishes of shrimp and grits, French toast, and lemon ricotta pancakes, this dog-friendly patio is the place to be for brunch.
Location: 21 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
Daily Grind
Get away from the daily grind with your furry friend to enjoy breakfast burritos, baked goods, and great espresso on the dog-friendly patio.
Location: 2001 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States
A dog at the beach in Santa Barbara, CA
Dog-friendly beaches, Santa Barbara
A day at the beach is always better with your furry friend, so here are some of the best dog-friendly beaches in Santa Barbara.
Arroyo Burro Beach County Park
This is the only official Santa Barbara dog beach where furry friends can romp and play off-leash. Parking is available nearby, and you can clean Fido at the dog-washing station at the end of a fun-filled day.
Location: 2981 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109, United States
Butterfly Beach
Looking for a peaceful sunset spot? Leashed pups are welcome to join you for a stroll on the sand as you watch the sun dip below the horizon, or any time of day, in fact!
Location: Montecito, CA 93108, United States
Summerland Beach
Summerland’s got calm waves, a dog-washing station, and a conveniently placed parking lot nearby, making it a great spot for a beach day with your leashed pal.
Douglas Family Preserve
Dog-friendly hikes, Santa Barbara
Are you and your pooch pal ready for an adventure in the great outdoors? Lace up those boots and grab a leash!
Douglas Family Preserve
Located right next to the best dog-friendly beach in Santa Barbara is 70 acres of space to explore. Furry friends are allowed off-leash, and humans can enjoy coastal views and maybe even spot some dolphins!
Location: Santa Barbara, CA 93109, United States
San Antonio Creek Trailhead
If you’d rather be inland, take a stroll from Tucker’s Grove Dog Park to San Antonio Canyon. The trail is mostly covered and takes around an hour there and back, but you could cross over into San Marcos Foothills Preserve if you want a longer walk.
Location: San Antonio Creek Trail, Santa Barbara, CA 93111, United States
Inspiration Point Trailhead
This four-mile trail takes you to Inspiration Point for a great view of the city and the surrounding area. Be prepared to walk uphill for the first half of the hike, then retrace your steps back down.
Location: Spyglass Ridge Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States
Shoreline Park
This park stretches around 1.5 miles along the Santa Barbara coastline. There are plenty of places to stop and take in the view, plus a nearby parking lot and clean restrooms.
Location: Shoreline Dr & Santa Rosa Place, Santa Barbara, CA 93109, United States
Rattlesnake Canyon Trailhead
It’s easy to get to this riverside trail from downtown Santa Barbara. Be ready for a short but steep climb – you and Fido can reward yourselves with a wash in the creek afterward!
Location: 1899, 1783 Las Canoas Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States
Santa Barbara Harbor
Other dog-friendly places, Santa Barbara
We’re not done yet! Here are a few more favorite dog-friendly places in Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara Harbor
A stroll around the harbor is a classic Santa Barbara experience. Leashed dogs are welcome, and you can enjoy watching the boats, seals, and pelicans. Some of the harbor-side restaurants also have dog-friendly patios.
Location: Point Castillo, Santa Barbara, CA 93109, United States
Elings Park
There’s plenty of space for off-leash adventures at Elings Park. At the top, you can enjoy 180-degree views stretching all the way from the mountains behind the city to the islands out to sea.
Location: 1298 Las Positas Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Furry friends are allowed on the leash at this 78-acre garden, where 5.5 miles of paths weave through an authentic Japanese tea garden, a redwood grove, and a desert garden.
Cost: $20 for adults, $12 for youth.
Date & time: Daily 10 am – 5 pm.
Location: 1212 Mission Canyon Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States
Chase Palm Park
Walk with Fido on the leash along the sandy beach, or take the trails inside the park. Events are often hosted at this beachside park.
Location: 323 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
State Street
Santa Barbara’s main thoroughfare, State Street, is a pedestrian-friendly zone with many shops and outdoor cafes. Leashed furries are welcome to join you as you explore the boutiques and art galleries.
Location: California, USA
Mission Rose Garden
This beautiful garden, located near the Old Mission Santa Barbara, is a lovely place to walk a leashed pup.
Location: 420 Plaza Rubio, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, United States
Old Mission, Santa Barbara
Dog-friendly activities, Santa Barbara
Looking for more than the usual dog-friendly things to do in Santa Barbara? These activities will keep you both busy.
Go sailing
Test your furry friend’s sea legs aboard this beautiful sailing yacht, and spot dolphins, sea lions, and maybe even whales (if you’re lucky!).
Cost: $65 for adults, $30 for children. No charge for dogs.
Date & time: Check website for bookings.
Location: 125 Harbor Way #13, Santa Barbara, CA 93109, United States
Go wine tasting
There are plenty of dog-friendly bars, breweries, and wineries to choose from. Here are just a few:
- Kunin Winery: 831 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Grassini Family Vineyards: 24 El Paseo, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Jamie Slone Wines: 23 E De La Guerra St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Third Window Brewing Co: 406 E Haley St #3, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company: 137 Anacapa St F, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Lama Dog Tap Room & Bottle: 116 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
Take in the sights
Visit places like Old Mission Santa Barbara to see the impressive facade from the outside or go to Stearns Wharf for views of the water and shopping. There’s plenty to see just by strolling around Santa Barbara, CA.
View of the mountains behind Santa Barbara
Tips for pet parents
Beware of tar on beaches
While Santa Barbara’s dog-friendly beaches might be a paradise for pups, be aware of potential hazards like tar on the sand, especially after storms.
Bring home comforts
If you’re planning to stay in one of the many pet-friendly hotels in Santa Barbara, your furry friend will appreciate a little slice of home! Packing their bed, a beloved toy, and even their food bowl can make all the difference to their stay.
Even better… find an in-home pet sitter
Your idea of the perfect vacation probably isn’t the same as your pooch pal’s – vets agree they’re much happier at home! Our loving sitters exchange pet care for a place to stay on their travels, so you’re free to enjoy your trip away knowing your furry family members are in the best of hands.
Tips for pet sitters
Beat the midday heat
Santa Barbara sunshine can be intense, so schedule walks for cooler mornings or evenings, and always pack plenty of water.
Watch out for big cats
Keep an eye out for big cats if you’re following one of the dog-friendly walking trails outside the city, especially if you’ve got a smaller pup.
Avoid busy areas
Funk Zone and State Street can get crowded, especially on weekends. Keep furry friends on a short leash, be mindful of other pedestrians, and find somewhere quieter if it seems a bit much for your pooch pal.
Try house sitting
Want to experience Santa Barbara like a true local, while exchanging loving pet care for a place to stay on your travels? Find out more about how house and pet sitting works below.
