Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Santa Barbara

Before you go

What happens when you get there

City beaches

Dogs aren't allowed on the sand at East Beach, West Beach or Leadbetter Beach. That's three named beaches in the centre, not the whole coast, but they're the ones by the harbour and Stearns Wharf. Leashed dogs can use the paved coastal path along Cabrillo Boulevard beside them.

Off-lead

The city marks off-lead areas west of the steps at Shoreline Park's beach, on the beaches at Thousand Steps and Mesa Lane Steps, and at the MacKenzie Park Off-Leash Dog Area. Douglas Family Preserve allows dogs off the lead in certain areas under sight and voice control, with a lead carried at all times. Arroyo Burro Beach is promoted locally as off-lead, but it's a county park and the exact boundary and hours aren't confirmed, so check the county's page before you unclip.

Montecito and Goleta

Butterfly Beach in Montecito and Summerland Beach take dogs on a lead. In Goleta, Ellwood Mesa, Goleta Beach and Lake Los Carneros are on-lead walks, and the protected dunes at Coal Oil Point are off limits.

Where dogs can't go

Lotusland takes no pets at all, and cars with pets in them are turned away without a refund. Channel Islands National Park doesn't allow pets in the park. The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is promoted as welcoming leashed dogs on its paths, but the Garden's own rule isn't confirmed, so check with it first.

Buses and trains

Santa Barbara MTD buses take small animals in approved carriers, so a dog too big for a carrier can't ride. Amtrak's national rule is 20 lbs for pet and carrier combined, one pet per customer, on trips of up to seven hours on most routes. Check the Pacific Surfliner's own pet page before you book a seat.

Patios and tasting rooms

The local tourism board lists dog-friendly patios and tasting rooms in the Funk Zone, the Presidio neighbourhood and on State Street, and names The Lark, Loquita and The Brewhouse, which has a dog menu, for outdoor tables. It names Fox Wine Co., Pali Wine Company and Melville on State Street as welcoming dogs inside and out. Those are the board's listings, so ring the tasting room before you turn up.

Weight limits

No limit at Kimpton Canary and none stated at The Winston. The Landsby takes 50 lbs (about 22.7 kg) per dog and 80 lbs (about 36.3 kg) combined for two. Palihouse takes one dog under 30 lbs (about 13.6 kg). Simpson House Inn caps at 20 lbs (about 9.1 kg), and The Genevieve at 20 lbs per dog and 40 lbs (about 18.1 kg) for two.

Reserving a dog room

The Landsby and The Genevieve ask you to ring to secure a pet-friendly room. Simpson House Inn needs written approval before arrival, and an unapproved pet brings a USD 500 penalty. Palihouse's fee has been published at two different amounts, so confirm the current figure with the hotel when you book.

Best walks

The paved path along Cabrillo Boulevard for a leashed waterfront walk, Douglas Family Preserve on the bluff above Arroyo Burro for off-lead time in the marked areas, the beaches at Thousand Steps and Mesa Lane Steps, and the beach west of the steps at Shoreline Park. Butterfly Beach in Montecito on a lead. Inspiration Point is a 4-mile trail where dogs are welcome, and Elings Park has off-lead access with an annual membership. In Goleta, Ellwood Mesa and Lake Los Carneros on a lead. In Ojai, Libby Park is straight through the Arcade from Lavender Inn.

When to go

The coast works at any time of year for a dog, and the city beach rule carries no season, so East Beach, West Beach and Leadbetter are out whenever you come. The warning is inland. Ojai and the Santa Ynez Valley run hotter than the coast in summer, so if you're staying at Ojai Valley Inn, Lavender Inn or in Solvang in the hot months, walk early and late and keep the middle of the day for shade.