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7 Awesome Dog-Friendly Beaches in Santa Barbara, CA (2026 Update)
Located just up the Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is one of the most popular weekend getaway spots for residents of Angel City. Packed with gorgeous scenery, wineries, shopping, and restaurants, Santa Barbara has no shortage of things to do. It also happens to be a very dog-friendly town, including the beaches. Here are seven amazing dog-friendly beaches in Santa Barbara, CA, for you and your pup to visit.
The 7 Awesome Dog-Friendly Beaches in Santa Barbara, CA
1. Thousand Steps Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 1429 Shoreline Dr., Santa Barbara, CA 93109 |
| Open Times: | 24 hours |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
2. Mesa Lane Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | Edgewater Way and Mesa Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93109 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise–10:00 PM |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
3. Shoreline Park Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 1377 Shoreline Dr., Santa Barbara, CA 93109 |
| Open Times: | 7:00 AM– 7:00 PM |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, in designated areas only |
4. Arroyo Burro Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 2981 Cliff Dr. Santa Barbara, CA 93109 |
| Open Times: | 8:00 AM–sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, in designated areas only |
5. Miramar Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 1500 Miramar Beach, Montecito, CA 93108 |
| Open Times: | 24 hours |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
6. Summerland Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | Evans Ave and Wallace Ave, Summerland, CA 93067 |
| Open Times: | 8:00 AM– Sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
7. West Ellwood Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 7686 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117 |
| Open Times: | 4:00 AM–10:00 PM |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
In Conclusion
Many of these dog-friendly Santa Barbara beaches have limited facilities available. It is best to pack your water, waste bags, shade, and snacks to be safe. Always follow posted signs regarding whether off-leash dogs are allowed. Be aware of the tide schedule as well because several of these spots are underwater at high tide. Santa Barbara is a beautiful destination for those who love to vacation with their dogs and enjoy a day at the beach!
Featured Image Credit: otsphoto, Shutterstock
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A lifelong lover of all creatures great and small, Elizabeth got her first cat at 5 years old and at 14, she started working for her local veterinarian. After spending more than 20 years working as a veterinary nurse, Elizabeth decided to step away to become a stay-at-home parent to her daughter. Now, she is excited to share her knowledge with our pet parents. Elizabeth lives in Iowa with her family, including her two fur kids, Linnard, a husky mix and Algernon, the worldʻs most patient cat. When not writing, she enjoys reading, watching soccer, and spending time outdoors with her family.
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