The Ultimate Dog-Friendly Guide to Santa Barbara

Also known as the “American Riviera,” Santa Barbara is not only one of California’s most beautiful beach towns, but the nation’s as a whole. Beloved for its Mediterranean-like climate, scrumptious food and beverage scene, and overall high-end aesthetic, Santa Barbara is the ideal destination for travelers yearning for a luxury coastal vacation with their pup(s).

Speaking of, dogs are welcome widely throughout Santa Barbara, with restaurants, bars, shops, parks, and hotels encouraging pooches to stop and stay awhile. For the full rundown of where to go and what to do, keep reading for our comprehensive dog-friendly guide to Santa Barbara. 

Cafes and eateries

Food is fuel, and dogs are family. That’s why various Santa Barbara restaurants allow pups to come along for some of the most important moments of the day: meal time! Ahead, find a sampling of the robust dog-friendly restaurant scene in Santa Barbara. 

Finney’s Crafthouse

35 State St., Ste. A @finneyscrafthouse

At Finney’s — where pups are permitted on the patio — good food is a craft, and the team puts theirs on full display with over 50 from-scratch menu items. Everything from the sauces and marinades to the pizza dough and burger blends is crafted in-house every day. Of course, Finney’s also serves craft beer — over 30 taps worth, to be exact. 

Crushcakes & Café

1315 Anacapa St. @crushcakescafe

The team at Crushcakes & Café is enamored with delicious food. They pour their hearts and souls into making not only cupcakes, but breakfast and lunch items, too. At Crushcakes & Café, patrons can enjoy a diverse menu of pastries, baked goods, scrambles, huevos rancheros, avocado toast, soups, salads, sandwiches, and burritos. Best of all, well-behaved pups are permitted inside and out.

Arigato Sushi Santa Barbara

1225 State St.

Craving sushi for dinner? Arigato Sushi is one of Santa Barbara’s most beloved sushi spots, and they allow dogs on the patio. With dozens of rolls, nigiri and sashimi, and à la carte options, Arigato caters to practically every sushi palette, including those who have never tried it or who prefer veggie options to seafood and raw fish.

On The Alley

117 Harbor Way @on_the_alley

On The Alley is a great spot for a casual breakfast, lunch, or early dinner. Patrons can choose from all-day breakfast options, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, fish and chips, tacos, and salads. OTA also serves coffee, soda, cocktails, wine, and beer. In other words, there’s something for the whole family, a great point of pride for this top-rated spot.

The Brewhouse Santa Barbara

229 W. Montecito St. @sbbrewhouse

The Brewhouse is a fan favorite for its flavorful menu and house-brewed beers. The American bistro serves everything from onion rings and nachos to burgers, tuna melts, salmon, and filet mignon. So, whether you’re starving or looking for a small-plate snack, this dog-friendly Santa Barbara gem has you covered. 

Breweries, wineries, and bars

Hoping to head out for happy hour or for a relaxed weekend hang with friends? These Santa Barbara breweries, wineries, and bars invite pups along for the outing. 

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. 

137 Anacapa St. @figmtnbrew

At Santa Barbara’s Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., nestled in the city’s iconic and eclectic Funk Zone, guests can choose from 32 house-brewed beers, all of which are on tap and in to-go bottles. Pups are permitted on the patio.

Third Window Brewing Co. 

406 E. Haley St., Ste. #3 @thirdwindowbrewing

Third Window Brewing Co. is built on the cornerstones of friendship and the idea that beer can enhance such. The popular dog-friendly brewery sells lagers, farmhouse beers, abbey-style ales, IPAs, and stouts, just to name a few. Available on tap and in to-go bottles and cans, you may very well discover a new favorite at-home bev. 

Brass Bear Brewing

28 Anacapa Street @brassbearbrewing

Brass Bear Brewing is another Funk Zone gem, showcasing locally-sourced ingredients, home-brewed lagers, IPAs, and ales, and a mouth-watering menu to accompany their flavors. It’s worth mentioning that the aesthetic of Brass Bear is truly top-notch, with a cozy interior and spacious courtyard draped with tree-strung bistro lights outside. You’ll be glad you can bring your pup along to experience it. 

Lama Dog 

116 Santa Barbara St. 3435 State Street @lamadogtaproom

Lama Dog is also located in the Funk Zone, as many Santa Barbara breweries are. The quaint tap room and bottle shop sells around 350 hard-to-find brews, along with a revolving tap list of both beer and wine. Dogs are allowed on the patio. 

The Cruisery

501 State St. @thecruisery

If craft cocktails are more your jam, head over to The Cruisery, a dog-friendly restaurant and bar that specializes in delicious concoctions like tangerine aperol spritzes, bourbon-fig blends, and spiked lavender lemonade. All of the menus (and items) have quirky titles, which only adds to the experience. Enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner, and/or drinks. Whatever you do, don’t forget to order your pup something off the dog menu, complete with pup-approved brunch, burgers, and bowls. 

Shops

Santa Barbara is known for its high-end shopping, which stretches from nationally known brands to crazy-talented local artists. Check out some of the best dog-friendly shops and shopping districts in Santa Barbara, below. 

The Funk Zone

137 Anacapa St. @thefunkzone

Remember those mentions of the Funk Zone? It’s Santa Barbara’s most eclectic district, dotted with breweries, tasting rooms, restaurants, galleries, and shops — most of which pups are permitted to stroll through. 

La Arcada Plaza

1114 State St. @la_arcada_plaza_official

For more traditional shopping, check out La Arcada Plaza, where fashion, beauty, and interiors shops are situated among restaurants and galleries. As long as your pup is leashed, they’re permitted to join in on the shopping fun. 

Montecito Pet Shop

2020 Cliff Dr. @montecitopetshop 

Looking to treat your pup to something extra special? Monteceito Pet Shop is stocked with treats, toys, and accessories to wow them. The shop stocks brands like Bocce’s Bakery, Cloud Star, Earth Animal, Bark, Benebone, and more. 

Paseo Nuevo

651 Paseo Nuevo @paseonuevosb

To shop a wide selection of nationally-known brands, make a stop at Paseo Nuevo, where well-behaved pups are allowed to stroll on leash. There, you’ll find shops like Gap, Bath & Body Works, and Victoria’s Secret, along with the Santa Barbara Urban Flea Market and Viva Santa Barbara, a locally-owned shop specializing in women’s and children's clothing, accessories, and gifts. 

Stearns Wharf

217 Stearns Wharf @stearnswharf

For waterfront, pet-friendly shopping, stroll over to Stearns Wharf. Well-behaved dogs are allowed to enjoy the pier and a few of its patio restaurants on leash.

Parks and trails

As nice as a stroll on a pier is, you’ll probably want to get out and stretch your (and your pup’s) legs while vacationing in Santa Barbara. The dog-friendly parks and trails below are a great place to start. 

Douglas Family Preserve

620 Laguna St. @sbparksandrec

Nestled above Arroyo Burro Beach, the Douglas Family Preserve allows pups to romp and run off-leash as long as they’re under sight and sound control. 

Arroyo Burro Beach

2981 Cliff Dr.

Arroyo Burro Beach itself also welcomes pups to explore and play. While leashes are required at Arroyo Burro Beach Park, pups can ditch the tether east of the creek. Just be sure to keep a close eye on them if they like to play in the waves. 

MacKenzie Park

3111 State St.

For a more traditional bark park vibe, MacKenzie Park delivers with a fenced, woodchip-filled area for pups of all sizes to play off-leash. 

Tabano Hollow

5100 University Dr.

Tabano Hollow is another classic fenced, off-leash dog park. According to the park’s website, off-leash hours are from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to sunset.

Shoreline Park

1299 Shoreline Dr. @visitsantabarbara

Take your pup to Shoreline Park for on- and off-leash fun for them and spectacular views of Santa Barbara Harbor for you. They can even run free on the beach (just be sure to maintain sight and sound control.

Hotels

Think you might want to stay and soak up all the Santa Barbara sun and fun that you can? The hotels below are beautiful and dog-friendly. 

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

633 East Cabrillo Blvd. @hiltonsantabarbararesort

Enjoy an authentic Santa Barbara stay at Hilton’s Spanish Colonial Revival resort. The Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort features patio and pool-walkout rooms, as well as an on-site spa, pickleball courts, and direct beach access. 

Know before you go:

• Pet fee: $75 per stay 

• Number/size restrictions: Two dogs up to 75 pounds 

• In room: Pets shouldn’t be left unattended.

El Encanto Santa Barbara

800 Alvarado Pl. @elencanto.sb

El Encanto Santa Barbara is a luxury hillside retreat nestled above the city. With a picture-perfect pool overlooking the ocean and an on-site spa and dining, you may feel inclined to stay on the charming property for much of your SB stay. 

Know before you go:

• Pet fee: $175 per pet, per night

• Number/size restrictions: Two dogs of any size

• In room: Dogs shouldn’t be left unattended, but it’s not strictly prohibited.

Kimpton Canary Santa Barbara

31 W. Carrillo  @canaryhotel

When it comes to dog-friendly lodging, you can always count on Kimpton. In Santa Barbara, the Kimpton Canary brings a California cool vibe to the brand’s generally modern-minimalist aesthetic. 

Know before you go:

• Pet fee: $0 — pets stay free

• Number/size restrictions: No restrictions

• In room: Dogs shouldn’t be left unattended, but it’s not strictly prohibited.

Palihouse Santa Barbara

915 Garden St. @palisociety

To really harness Santa Barbara’s American Riviera vibe, book a room at Palihouse Santa Barbara. Dripping with chic, vintage-prep flair, the property is a picture-perfect, pup-friendly dream — especially because pooches are greeted with gourmet treats, plush beds, toys, and food bowls upon arrival. 

Know before you go:

• Pet fee: $125 per stay

• Number/size restrictions: One dog up to 30 pounds

• In room: Dogs shouldn’t be left unattended.

The Milo Hotel by the Sea

202 W. Cabrillo Blvd. @themilosb

The Milo Hotel by the Sea is another Santa Barbara gem offering retreat-like vibes with a timeless, preppy allure. It’s charming, whimsical, and convenient, as the property offers direct beach access, beach gear, bike rentals, and more. 

Know before you go:

• Pet fee: $35 per night

• Number/size restrictions: Two dogs of any size

• In room: Pets shouldn’t be left unattended.