16 Aug Your Guide to Dog-Friendly Activities in Santa Barbara
From restaurants with patio seating to dog beaches and everything in between, there’s plenty of pet-friendly things to do and places to visit in Santa Barbara. The best part? Our hotel is ready to treat your family, furry members included, to a relaxing night’s stay while in Santa Barbara!
Take a Walk Through the Douglas Family Preserve
The 70-acre Douglas Family Preserve makes the perfect oasis for dogs that love to explore. Think: ample grassy open space and trails for hiking, dog walking, wildlife viewing and bicycle riding. Dogs are allowed off-leash in designated areas, marked with signage. While at Douglas Family Preserve, make sure to check out their 3+ miles of trails and snap pics of the glistening Pacific below.
Spend the Day at Arroyo Burro Beach
Right next to the Douglas Family Preserve you’ll find Arroyo Burro Beach. Known as “Hendry’s Beach” by the locals, this spot is sandwiched between beautiful cliffs and the sparkling ocean. This beach is a popular spot for dog owners, with plenty of marked off-leash areas available to pups– so be prepared for lots of doggy interactions. Picnic tables, grills and restrooms are all on-site for owners, as well as convenient self-serve dog wash stations.
Stroll Through the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Believe it or not, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is also dog-friendly! Explore the Garden’s 78 acres filled with over 1,000 plant species native to California. Plants are divided into sections, based on where you’d find them in the wild, like the desert or canyon. Adult admission is $14 and admission for children 3-17 is $8. From March through October, the Garden is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Starting in November, the Garden closes at 5 p.m. Along with the displays, there’s also a variety of events and activities hosted at the Garden, so make sure to check out the Botanic Program Calendar.
Grab a Bite to Eat at Dog-Friendly Restaurants
Whether you’re in the mood for burgers, fine dining or something in between, there’s plenty of dog-friendly restaurants in Santa Barbara to choose from. In Santa Barbara, patio seating is abundant and doggie treats make the menu. Here’s a few worth visiting:
- The Brewhouse – serves an array of seafood dishes; dogs welcome on the patio and dog menu is available
- Tupelo Junction – southern-style breakfast and brunch; dogs welcome on the patio
- Convivo – California fine dining that combines Italian and Mediterranean influences
- Scarlett Begonia – fresh and organic breakfast, brunch and lunch with doggie biscuits available for purchase
Sip Wine at Dog-Friendly Wineries
You might think fancy California wineries and elegant tasting rooms wouldn’t be the place for dogs, but it’s actually quite the opposite in Santa Barbara. Use the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail as your guide to select one or two dog-friendly wineries to check out.
- Area 5.1 Winery – expect relaxed leash policies and a hydration station for your pup
- Pali Wine Company – dogs are welcome inside and outside– make sure to ask for a dog treat and use their hashtag #palipaws when sharing pics on Instagram!
- Municipal Winemakers – laidback atmosphere with ample treats and water bowls on deck
Inn at East Beach is Now Dog-Friendly
Yep, you read that right! The Inn at East Beach has officially opened its doors to four-legged guests. Book one of our four designated dog-friendly guest rooms, each equipped with a dog bed, two stainless steel bowls, placemat and waste bags. As our gift to your pup, we also provide toys and locally made treats. For more details about the Inn at East Beach dog policy, visit our website.
You shouldn’t have to leave your furry friend behind when traveling. Instead, visit Santa Barbara’s many dog-friendly spots! Then, book your stay at the now dog-friendly Inn at East Beach.
WHERE TO STAY
Inn at East Beach
Whatever makes your ideal California weekend getaway, the Inn at East Beach Hotel in Santa Barbara is here to help you stay well- and well within your budget! 1029 Orilla Del Mar, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. 805.965.0546
www.innateastbeach.com