Santa Barbara is a charming coastal city, just a short two-hour drive north from Los Angeles. We spent a day visiting three beautiful dog-friendly spots to enjoy the city’s natural beauty and southern California’s delightful February weather.
MacKenzie Dog Park
Eager to let Toby stretch his legs leash-free after our lengthy drive to Santa Barbara, we first headed to the MacKenzie Dog Park. While dedicated parking wasn’t readily available, luck was on our side as we found street parking on State Street.
Upon entering, we discovered a well-designed space divided into two sections. The larger area catered to medium and large dogs, while the smaller area welcomed our furry friends of smaller stature. This well-maintained park consisted of a mixture of dirt and wood chips, with water fountains and a couple of water bowls available for the dogs. It also had concrete blocks where human companions can rest their legs while the dogs reveled in their play.
Given Toby being 32 lbs, a perfect in-between small and medium dog sizes, I opted for the smaller area since Toby prefers playing with dogs his size or slightly smaller. As soon as I unleashed Toby, his excitement knew no bounds. With boundless energy, he quickly forged a friendship with a poodle, engaging in an enthusiastic game of chase throughout the park.
If you seek a place in Santa Barbara for your furry companion to roam leash-free, mingling with other furry pals, MacKenzie Dog Park is an ideal choice. It offers ample opportunities for your dog to run, play, and form friendships.
Santa Barbara Shores Park
Leaving the vibrant energy of the dog park behind, our adventure continued to the Santa Barbara Shores Park, located in the neighboring city of Goleta.
We arrived in a spacious parking lot equipped with amenities such as portable restrooms and trash cans. Eager to explore, we set foot on the trail that led us southward, towards the beach overlook.
The dirt trail wound its way through a charming forested area with towering trees. While the terrain remained relatively flat, comfortable footwear was still essential for the journey. Venturing deeper into the trail, we ascended a gentle slope, finding ourselves atop the Bluffs Overlook Trail. From this vantage point, perched atop the cliff’s edge, we marveled at the stuning views of the Pacific Ocean and the distinct shores of this remarkable park. The trail stretched wide, offering ample room for Toby to explore and smell, with vibrant wildflowers dotting the landscape. As the sun cast its warm glow upon us, we were grateful for the slight cloud cover that provided respite from the heat, though a hat would be wise on sunnier days. Along our path, we encountered fellow nature enthusiasts accompanied by their furry companions.
As we followed the loop of the Bluffs Overlook Trail, we enjoyed the mesmerizing vistas and even caught glimpses of the beautiful Sandpiper Golf Club. As the loop drew to a close, we retraced our steps along the original trail, guiding us back to the parking lot. For a detailed map of our walk at the Santa Barbara Shores Park, refer to the interactive map section!
Of all the remarkable spots we explored in Santa Barbara, this park holds a special place in our hearts. Without a doubt, I recommend venturing to this park with your beloved furry companion, as its breathtaking beauty and serene ambiance promise an unforgettable experience.
Shoreline Park
Our last stop on the itinerary was the Shoreline Park. The parking lot on the west side of the park was pretty packed, but luckily we managed to snag a spot.
We found a nice picnic table where I dug into my snacks while Toby happily chowed down on his dinner, a can of his favorite wet food I brought from home. With our bellies satisfied, we strolled along the park, taking in the gorgeous coastline. Families and kids were everywhere, adding to the lively atmosphere. We even caught a glimpse of a little league soccer practice happening on the grass nearby.
We ventured all the way to the eastern edge of the park before making a loop and heading back to the car for our journey back to Los Angeles.
It was the perfect way to wind down our day in Santa Barbara, just relaxing and enjoying the park’s laid-back vibes. I would highly recommend Shoreline Park for a leisurely stroll, and it’s great for kids too with plenty of space to run around and enjoy the coastal views.
Interactive Map
View our interactive map on Google Maps. Select the “Santa Barbara Shores Park” layer for a detailed map of our walk there!
