Quick picks
- Easiest ocean views: the bluff-top paths at Douglas Family Preserve and Shoreline Park.
- Best view of the city: Inspiration Point.
- Best with a dog: Douglas Family Preserve, with off-leash areas.
- Biggest challenge: Tunnel Trail, all the way up toward the ridge.
Easy walks with ocean views
Douglas Family Preserve
About 68 acres of open bluff top on the west side of town, right above Arroyo Burro Beach, with walking trails and wide ocean views. It's a favorite with dog owners, because dogs can run off leash in marked areas (keep a leash with you, and keep your pup in sight). There's even a dog water fountain.
Shoreline Park
A grassy park on the bluff above the beach and harbor, with walking paths, restrooms, a playground for little ones, and a stairway down to the sand. The city marks a whale-watching area here, and on clear days you can see the Channel Islands. It's part of the California Coastal Trail, which runs along the city's beaches on paved paths.
Mountain trails with big views
Inspiration Point
The most popular "real" hike in town, and the summit is about 1,800 feet up. Most people start at the top of Tunnel Road in the hills above the Old Mission and take the Inspiration Point connector off Tunnel Trail. You can also come up the Jesusita Trail from the end of San Roque Road, through a creekside canyon and chaparral (the low, tough shrubs that cover these hills). At the top you'll see the whole city and, on a clear day, the Channel Islands. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
Tunnel Trail
For a bigger day, skip the Inspiration Point turnoff and keep climbing. Tunnel Trail climbs for nearly 4 miles to about 3,400 feet, and the city calls out its waterfall and ocean views. It's a favorite of local hikers and mountain bikers, so share the trail.
When to go
Pick a cool part of the day, like early morning, especially for the mountain trails, which have stretches with little shade. Weekday mornings usually mean easier parking at popular trailheads.
Conditions change. Trails can close after storms or during fire season, and trailhead parking rules change. Check the city's Parks & Recreation site or Los Padres National Forest for current notices before you go.
FAQ
What is the best easy hike in Santa Barbara?
The bluff-top paths at Douglas Family Preserve are easy and have wide ocean views. Shoreline Park is even easier, with paved paths and a playground.
How high is Inspiration Point?
The summit is about 1,800 feet. Most hikers start from the top of Tunnel Road and take the Inspiration Point connector off Tunnel Trail, or come up the Jesusita Trail from San Roque Road. Expect a steady climb.
Are there waterfall hikes in Santa Barbara?
Tunnel Trail is known for its waterfall and ocean views. Waterfalls depend on recent rain, so check current trail conditions before you go.
Which Santa Barbara hikes are dog friendly?
Douglas Family Preserve has off-leash areas. Dogs are allowed on a leash on Tunnel Trail and the Jesusita Trail to Inspiration Point, and on leash at Shoreline Park.
When is the best time to hike in Santa Barbara?
Go early in the day, when it's cooler, especially on the mountain trails. Check the city's trail notices first, since trails can close after storms.
Pair it with
Cool off at one of the best beaches, then head to a sunset spot or a tasting room. Building a full day? Try our one-day itinerary.