The best walks and hikes around Santa Barbara
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2,277
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Hikes around Santa Barbara explore the terrain between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The region is characterized by chaparral-clad hillsides, shaded canyons, and trails that ascend to viewpoints over the city and coastline. The network of routes includes both front country paths close to the city and more remote backcountry hikes in the Los Padres National Forest.
Best hiking trails around Santa Barbara
- The most popular hiking route is Jesusita Trail to Inspiration Point — Los Padres National Forest, a 7.0 mile (11.3 km) trail that takes around 3 hours 30 minutes to complete. The route climbs through the foothills to a viewpoint with expansive ocean views.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Rattlesnake Canyon Loop – Los Padres National Forest, a moderate 7.2 mile (11.6 km) path. This route follows a creek through a wooded canyon before looping back with views over the mountains.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Arroyo Burro Beach & Douglass Family Preserve loop — Santa Barbara, a 1.8 mile (2.9 km) trail leading through a coastal preserve, often completed in about 50 minutes.
- Hiking around Santa Barbara is defined by coastal bluffs, mountain canyons, and chaparral-covered ridgelines. The trail system offers a range of options, from easy coastal walks to strenuous front country hikes with significant elevation gain.
- The routes in Santa Barbara are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 70 reviews. More than 1,900 hikers have used komoot to explore Santa Barbara's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
13
hikers
1.22km
00:18
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
10
hikers
11.8km
04:16
760m
630m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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6
hikers
4.69km
01:11
10m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
4
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20.9km
07:26
1,300m
920m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
3
hikers
1.88km
00:29
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Stearns Wharf is located in the port of Santa Barbara, California, USA. After its completion in 1872, it became the longest deep-water wharf between San Pedro and San Francisco. Named after its builder, local lumberjack John P. Stearns, the wharf served passenger and cargo shipping on California's south coast for over a quarter of a century.
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The harbor area is a great place to take a stroll, even in the evening. Here you can watch the boats in the harbor, go to the beach, have something to eat or just enjoy the sea. There are also plenty of parking spaces here.
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Take a ride on the water taxi. Spend some time with marine life at the Sea Center. See what your future holds at Madame Rosinka's. Visit Stearns Wharf Bait & Tackle and cast your line to fish from the edge of the wharf.
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It's a tough trail run through Rattlesnake Canyon with many switchbacks and elevation gain to get your blood pumping, but boy does the scenery make it all worthwhile. Don't be too put off by the name, it's very unlikely you'll see a rattlesnake here.
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Stearns Wharf is a storied, wooden wharf that extends from the Santa Barbara coastline. You can run along the wharf for excellent water views up and down the water.
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Shoreline Park is a coastal bluff park overlooking one of Santa Barbara's lovely beaches, Leadbetter. It features a long, grassy stretch with paved trails and toilets.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails around Santa Barbara?
Yes, many trails in the Santa Barbara area are dog-friendly, but policies can vary. The Arroyo Burro Beach & Douglass Family Preserve loop is a popular off-leash area with great ocean views. For most other trails, especially in the Los Padres National Forest, dogs are generally required to be on a leash. Always check specific park regulations before you go.
What are some good family-friendly or easy hikes?
For an easy walk with rewarding views, the Parma Park Trail is a great choice. It's a relatively short loop that offers a good introduction to the local landscape without a strenuous climb. Another excellent spot is the Douglas Family Preserve, known for its gentle paths along coastal bluffs.
Are there any challenging hikes for experienced hikers?
Yes, the Santa Ynez Mountains offer plenty of strenuous routes. For a significant challenge, consider the Rattlesnake Canyon to White Mountain trail. This demanding hike involves substantial elevation gain, rewarding determined hikers with expansive backcountry views.
Where can I find hikes with waterfalls?
The Seven Falls Trail is the classic Santa Barbara waterfall hike, located within the Los Padres National Forest. The trail involves some boulder hopping and creek crossings to reach a series of cascades and rock pools. For the best experience, go in the spring or after recent rainfall when the water flow is strongest.
Which trail is best for watching the sunset?
Lizard's Mouth Rock is a fantastic spot for sunset. It's a very short walk from the road to a collection of unique sandstone formations. The main rock, which resembles a lizard's head, creates a dramatic silhouette against the evening sky with panoramic views over Goleta and the Pacific Ocean.
What are some popular places for hiking in Santa Barbara?
Locals and visitors enjoy a variety of spots.
Rattlesnake Canyon Park is a highly-regarded starting point for wooded canyon trails that follow a creek. For stunning coastal scenery, the Douglas Family Preserve offers bluff-top paths with ocean vistas. For a unique geological experience, Lizards Mouth Rock is a favorite for its wind-carved sandstone formations and panoramic views.
How many hiking trails are there in the Santa Barbara area?
There are over 50 designated hiking routes around Santa Barbara, ranging from easy coastal walks to difficult mountain climbs. This network of trails explores the diverse landscapes of the Santa Ynez Mountains, Los Padres National Forest, and the Pacific coastline.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Santa Barbara?
The trails here are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers frequently praise the incredible variety, from shaded canyon treks to exposed ridgelines with sweeping ocean panoramas. The dramatic views of the coastline, the city, and the Channel Islands are a consistently highlighted feature.
What is the best time of year to hike in Santa Barbara?
Hiking is possible year-round, but spring is particularly beautiful when the hills are green and wildflowers are in bloom. Autumn and winter offer cooler temperatures and clearer skies. Summer can be very hot, especially on exposed trails, so it's best to start early in the morning and bring plenty of water.
Are there any circular or loop hikes available?
Yes, there are several excellent loop trails. The Rattlesnake Canyon Loop is a popular moderate option that takes you through a shaded canyon and then back along a ridge with great views. This allows you to experience different scenery without backtracking.
Where can I find hikes with the best ocean views?
Many trails offer coastal vistas, but for a truly iconic panorama, the Jesusita Trail to Inspiration Point is hard to beat. The climb rewards you with sweeping 180-degree views of the Santa Barbara coastline, the city, and the Channel Islands on a clear day.
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