Take in the sights and sounds of Santa Barbara at your own pace with a relaxing stroll through one of these 10 scenic walking routes — no hiking shoes required. From coastal trails along quintessential California bluffs to paved walking paths that nearly put your toes in the sand, these trails make it easy to get your steps in, and provide a free way to explore Santa Barbara South Coast!
Ready for more of a climb? Check out these popular Santa Barbara hiking trails.
Shoreline Park
A paved, one-mile out-and-back path stretches across this scenic park, offering unobstructed ocean views, whale-watching spots and informative signage. Benches and grassy picnic areas make it a relaxing place for a seaside stroll. Explore a little further and continue down to Leadbetter Beach and Shoreline Cafe for a quick lunch by the sea.
Douglas Family Preserve
A beloved blufftop, this 70-acre open space offers peaceful, dog-friendly trails with panoramic views of the Pacific. Meander through coastal sage scrub and eucalyptus groves, with easy access to nearby Arroyo Burro Beach.
Andree Clark Bird Refuge
Skirt the lagoon on a flat, 1.2-mile loop trail surrounding this 42-acre wildlife refuge. Expect tranquil views of the water, glimpses of native and migratory birds and a peaceful escape just a stone’s throw from East Beach.
Ellwood Mesa
Part of the larger Ellwood Mesa Open Space, this bluffside, 10-mile network of trails winds through coastal grasslands and monarch butterfly habitat. The wide, mostly flat paths are ideal for a peaceful walk with ocean views and beach access.
More Mesa Open Space
More Mesa’s trails crisscross a vast coastal bluff with commanding views of the Pacific. With undeveloped wildlands and open space, it’s a favorite among locals for its quietude, native flora and unspoiled beauty.
Summerland Beach to Lookout Park
Start your walk at Summerland Beach and follow the sand or a short path up to Lookout Park, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping ocean views, shaded picnic spots and a bird’s-eye view of the coastline.
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Stroll through 1.3 miles of well-maintained walking paths that wind through 78 acres of California-native plant landscapes. From redwood groves to canyon trails, each path highlights the diversity of the state’s flora against a backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountain.
Cabrillo Bike Path
Running parallel to the waterfront, the Cabrillo Bike Path is a flat, paved route stretching from Leadbetter Beach to Butterfly Beach. Though designed for cyclists, it’s equally popular with walkers and joggers seeking a scenic stroll along Santa Barbara’s iconic coastline. The route passes major waterfront landmarks including Stearns Wharf, Chase Palm Park and East Beach. If you’re lucky, you might spot one of the resident giraffes poking its neck out from beyond the trees at the Santa Barbara Zoo!
Lake Los Carneros
Located near the historic Rancho La Patera and Stow House in Goleta, this freshwater lake is ringed by wide dirt trails that invite quiet walks and birdwatching. Keep an eye out for herons, turtles and seasonal blooms along the gentle loop.
Free Walking Tours
Since 2017, Free Santa Barbara Walking Tours has invited locals and visitors to explore the city’s character-rich neighborhoods on award-winning, tip-based tours. Choose from the artsy and ever-evolving Funk Zone, the story-filled Waterfront for first-time visitors or Old Town, where architectural gems and historic tales bring Santa Barbara’s past to life. Or, discover the stories behind Santa Barbara’s signature Spanish-style architecture on the self-guided Red Tile Walking Tour, a scenic downtown route featuring 17 stops and 22 historic adobes dating back to the 1700s.
Looking for more ways to get outside? Pick your next place to stay in Santa Barbara from this list of hotels that offer incredible outdoor activities.
