Here in Santa Barbara, we live in paradise and so do our dogs. Santa Barbara is so very dog friendly.
There reportedly are more than 128 dog-friendly restaurants here with leashed dogs allowed in their outdoor seating areas.
There are abundant dog parks. To name a few, Tucker’s Grove Park has a fenced-off area for dogs to be leash-free called the Off-Leash Kiwanis Meadow; Elings Park allows off-leash dog access on most of its 230 acres with Elings Park Dog Owners Group (EPDOG) membership; and the Douglas Family Preserve has 70 acres for dogs to roam around in off-leash.
The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is dog friendly. Often called a “living museum,” the 78-acre garden welcomes leashed dogs on its more than five miles of paths covering desert fauna to California redwoods.
There is beautiful off-leash fun at Hendry’s Beach, officially called Arroyo Burro County Beach Park. Shoreline Park has a grass blufftop park where dogs need a leash, but below is a designated tidal beach where dogs can run off leash.
There are approximately 144 dog-friendly hotels in Santa Barbara. Many smaller and independent boutiques along State Street and in the Funk Zone permit dogs inside and, of course, service dogs are allowed everywhere.
There are even bars and restaurants — including The Cruisery, The Brewhouse and Brass Bear Brewing — that are dog-friendly, with a human menu and bar and a separate doggy menu.
The Cruisery welcomes well-behaved dogs on leashes on the patio and in highchairs, provides water bowls, gives dogs a complimentary dog cookie, and even has loaner dog beds for your dog to lie on.
The dog menu includes a Fido’s burger, chicken and rice dinner, brunch, and a doggy slider. The restaurant also offers dog birthday packages, with a reservation, that include a mini-cake, portrait, gift and a birthday meal.
A portion of The Cruisery’s doggy menu proceeds are donated to local animal rescues.
The Brewhouse has two locations featuring patios for dogs, dog treats and freshwater bowls. It has a diverse dog menu, including chicken strips, steak bites, frozen marrow bones, hot dogs, vegetarian paddy, and biscuits and gravy.
Brass Bear Brewing also has two locations, with outdoor turf patios, water bowls, dog-lounging beds ad complimentary dog treats.
The dedicated dog menu is a simple, plain-cooked healthy protein diet proportioned for dogs, and includes bacon, chicken breasts, dog patty and dog tri-tip.
Scarlett Begonia restaurant has a custom pup menu featuring scrambled organic eggs and flat iron steak.
Hotels have dog packages, too.
The five-star San Ysidro Ranch has a Pampered Pet Program that starts when you arrive with housemade dog cookies, a welcome card and a special toy.
The program includes pet-friendly cottages with private fenced gardens, plush pet bedding, a dedicated in-room gourmet dog dining menu, and even pet massages.
Treats include Puppuccinos with whipped cream and milk bone crumbles and specialized drinks with goat’s milk and bone broth.
Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners in exploring the 550-acre property and nearby hiking trails.
The five-star Rosewood Miramar Beach has a Pampered Pets program with plush velvet dog beds, custom pet bowls, toys, personalized Miramar dog tags, branded bandanas, a specialized fresh gourmet dog menu at The Revere Room, seasonal dog-friendly beverages, dog-friendly ice cream treats on the property, and direct access to Miramar Beach.
Four-star hotels such as the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort have a dedicated gourmet menu, designated grassy relief areas and a signature “yappy hour” experience.
The four-star Hyatt Mar Monte Hotel has a Paws & Perks package that includes pet fees, take-home collapsible dog bowls and a custom in-room placemat.
Even the two Motel Six properties are dog friendly. You can have two pets with a combined weight of 150 pounds for no additional fee. Both dogs and cats are allowed but cannot be left in the room unattended.
Pets are allowed on all green areas around the property. Dogs must be well behaved and on a leash when out of the room.
Hopefully, after your dog experiences the bar and restaurant scene and elegant accommodations at four- and five-star hotels, it won’t feel let down just sitting on the couch watching TV with you.
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