Things to Do in Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County is a region in Southern California characterized by its unique geography, situated between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. This creates a diverse landscape featuring rugged mountain trails, extensive coastlines, and varied terrain suitable for outdoor pursuits. The area offers opportunities for several sports like hiking, jogging, road cycling, touring cycling, and more. Its natural features provide a setting for a wide range of outdoor activities.
Things to Do in Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara…
202
Routes
4.6
(230)
Average rating
8093
People visited
4.8
(4)
60
hikers
14.2km
04:21
480m
480m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
42
hikers
12.7km
03:46
370m
370m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
24
hikers
5.00km
01:37
310m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
19
hikers
20.6km
06:17
720m
720m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4
runners
6.17km
00:38
0m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
342
runners
10.8km
01:07
40m
40m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
244
runners
4.94km
00:30
10m
10m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
230
runners
14.1km
01:27
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(3)
213
riders
103km
04:28
830m
830m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
2.0
(2)
165
riders
64.4km
04:10
1,330m
1,330m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
79
riders
79.9km
03:44
860m
860m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
79
riders
73.2km
03:41
870m
870m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(2)
76
riders
56.1km
04:17
1,390m
1,390m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
60
riders
47.3km
03:48
1,390m
1,390m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
42
riders
48.9km
02:56
360m
360m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(8)
20
riders
30.8km
01:55
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
15
riders
16.1km
02:09
750m
750m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
11
riders
6.59km
00:41
160m
160m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
6
riders
10.6km
01:30
580m
580m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
34.0km
03:38
1,280m
1,280m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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14.3km
02:07
710m
710m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
7.03km
00:46
180m
180m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
11
riders
98.6km
07:53
2,480m
2,480m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Santa Barbara County?
Santa Barbara County offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including hiking, jogging, road cycling, touring cycling, mountain biking, and gravel biking. The region features varied landscapes from the Santa Ynez Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, providing options for different preferences. More than 800 routes are available across these sports.
What are the most popular hiking trails in Santa Barbara County?
Santa Barbara County offers over 230 hiking routes. Popular trails include those in the Santa Ynez Mountains, such as the challenging Gaviota Peak trail, which is 6.5 miles (10.5 km) with nearly 2,000 feet (610 m) of elevation gain. The path to Lizard's Mouth also provides scenic views. For more options, explore Hiking in Santa Barbara County.
Are there easy hiking trails in Santa Barbara County?
Yes, Santa Barbara County has options for easy hikes suitable for various fitness levels. Elings Park offers over 9 miles (14.5 km) of multiuse trails with views of both mountains and the Pacific Ocean. For specific recommendations, refer to the Easy hikes in Santa Barbara County guide.
What cycling routes are available in Santa Barbara County?
Santa Barbara County provides extensive cycling opportunities, including road cycling, touring cycling, and mountain biking. The paved Cabrillo Bike Path offers a scenic route along the ocean, while the Santa Ynez wine region provides touring options. For detailed routes, consult the Road Cycling Routes and Cycling in Santa Barbara County guides.
Are there mountain biking trails in Santa Barbara County?
Yes, the Santa Ynez Mountains are a hub for mountain biking, offering numerous trails within the Los Padres National Forest. Elings Park also features multiuse trails suitable for mountain biking. More information can be found in the MTB Trails in Santa Barbara County guide.
Are there waterfall hikes in Santa Barbara County?
Santa Barbara County features trails that lead to waterfalls, offering unique natural experiences. These routes often traverse diverse habitats within the region's varied landscape. Specific waterfall hikes are detailed in the Waterfall hikes in Santa Barbara County guide.
What is the average rating for outdoor routes in Santa Barbara County on komoot?
Outdoor routes in Santa Barbara County have an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on experiences shared by over 26,000 visitors across more than 800 routes. The high rating reflects the quality and enjoyment of the available outdoor activities.
What are the main natural features for outdoor activities in Santa Barbara County?
The main natural features are the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean coastline. The mountains offer extensive trails and views, while the coastline provides beaches and bluffs for various activities. The Channel Islands National Park, a short boat ride away, also offers unique outdoor opportunities.
Are there running trails in Santa Barbara County?
Yes, Santa Barbara County offers a variety of running trails. Coastal paths like the paved Cabrillo Bike Path are suitable for jogging, and many multiuse trails in parks like Elings Park also accommodate runners. For more details, consult the Running Trails in Santa Barbara County guide.
What is the official website for Santa Barbara County?
The official website for Santa Barbara County, CA, is countyofsb.org. This site provides general information and resources for the county.
How can I contact Santa Barbara County government offices?
The general phone number for Santa Barbara County is 805-681-4200. Specific departmental phone numbers are also available, such as the Public Works permit office at 805-681-4990.
Are there gravel biking routes in Santa Barbara County?
Yes, Santa Barbara County's varied terrain supports gravel biking. The region's diverse landscapes, from coastal areas to mountain foothills, offer suitable routes for this activity. More information can be found in the Gravel biking in Santa Barbara County guide.
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