Your fur baby deserves a vacation, too! Santa Barbara is a dog-friendly city and there are plenty of ways to enjoy this coastal town with your best friend. With our comfy, pet-friendly vacation rental homes in Santa Barbara, there’s no reason Fido should have to stay behind. Check out what Santa Barbara has to offer for pets and owners alike.
The Central Coast offers a variety of on and off the leash adventures for the whole family. You’ll love being able to bring your best friend along during your outdoor activities and you’ll especially enjoy being able to relax together in your pet-friendly* vacation home rental. Whether it’s getting a cup of coffee, patio dining and picnics, or even wine tasting, check out some of the fun things you and your dog can do together in Santa Barbara.
We have several NEW dog-friendly properties. *Click here to view*
Every dog’s favorite beaches and parks in Santa Barbara
Of course, the American Riviera is known for is its coastline and there are loads of beaches and shoreline for you and your dog to enjoy morning walks and evening strolls.
Start the day with a brisk morning walk at Shoreline Park. Shoreline Park is a popular coastal bluff park just west of Leadbetter Beach. Dogs are allowed on-leash in the park, which includes a playground, picnic tables and benches on which you can take a rest and gaze out onto the sweeping views of the Santa Barbara coastline and Santa Ynez Mountains. You can exercise your dog off-leash on the beach from the Shoreline Park Staircase to the eastern edge of the Arroyo Burro Estuary. Remember to pick up after your dog. Mutt mitt bags are provided in most parks.
Dogs and owners love Arroyo Burro Beach Park, known by the locals as “Hendry’s Beach.” There are two sides to this beach, one of which is where dogs can roam free unleased! This beautiful beach offers so much for sunbathers, nature-lovers and dog-lovers. Bring your own lunch or grab some takeaway from the on-site restaurant, The Boathouse. When it’s time to leave, this beach has a dog-wash in the parking lot, complete with shampoo, conditioner and hair blower.
Douglas Family Preserve is a well-loved spot for locals to bring their dogs and enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, bike riding, wildlife viewing and peaceful walks. This 70-acre undeveloped open space has miles of trails and vistas of the ocean. Dogs should be on-leash when entering the park but there are signs alerting you of the off-leash areas.
Dog-friendly restaurants, patio-dining and cafes in Santa Barbara
Having a pet shouldn’t hamper your plans as you dine out and explore Santa Barbara’s food and wine scene. You’ll be in good company walking along State Street where you’ll see owners walking with their canine companions. State Street boasts a number of restaurants and cafes with outdoor patios – almost every restaurant now has an outdoor patio (or parklet) since the pandemic. And some places even offer water bowls and doggie treats, so you pup won’t feel left out while you enjoy your meal.
These are just a few of our favorite pet-friendly restaurants & cafes around town:
Santa Barbara Brewhouse https://www.sbbrewhouse.com/
Opal Restaurant & Bar http://www.opalrestaurantandbar.com/
Crushcakes Café https://www.crushcakes.com/
Breakwater http://sbbreakwater.com/
McConnell’s Ice Cream http://www.mcconnells.com/
Sama Sama Kitchen http://samasamakitchen.com/
Santa Barbara Fishhouse https://fishousesb.com/
For a more extensive list of pet-friendly restaurants and eateries in SB, visit https://www.bringfido.com/restaurant/city/santa_barbara_ca_us/
Dog-friendly wine tasting rooms in Santa Barbara
Feel free to bring your furry pal to one of the many dog-friendly wine-tasting spots around town. Most wine tasting rooms Downtown have outdoor patios where furry friends are welcomed with a bowl of water where they can wet their whistle.
There are also more than a handful of tasting rooms in the Funk Zone that welcome pets either inside or on the patio and even one that houses a resident cat.
After crawling the Funk Zone or Downtown, make your way over to the pier to visit Deep Sea Tasting room, the only tasting room on the Waterfront. Dogs are allowed on the outdoor patio where you can enjoy views of the whole coast.
Make sure to bring a leash, as some wineries have leash policies, while others are more laxed.
To find out more about dog-friendly wine tasting in Santa Barbara and dog-friendly wineries in wine country near Santa Barbara visit https://santabarbaraca.com/itinerary/dog-friendly-wineries-in-santa-barbara/
Where to stay in Santa Barbara with pets
We are pleased to welcome your pet (and you) to Santa Barbara. Our pet-friendly coastal vacation rental homes fill up fast, so book early to secure your stay during your ideal dates. And if you have any questions about a pet-friendly property, feel free to contact us by using the Property Inquiry form located on the property’s description page. Choose a rental within walking or biking distance to pet-friendly restaurants, beaches and activities. Make memories and selfies together the whole family will cherish.
Check out our NEW dog-friendly properties. *Click here to view*
Hint: Look for the white paw print in the top right corner indicating the home is pet friendly.
