What to do and see in Santa Barbara, California (CA): The Best Hiking Trails

January 26, 2022 Deane Carmody

Nestled between the shrub-covered slopes of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the clear blue shores of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is California at its best. Mission Santa Barbara is an example of 18th-century religious architecture, boasting beautiful grounds and a wonderfully detailed interior. Work up an appetite with a walk through Shoreline Park, then dine above the water on Stearns Wharf. Fig trees, parks, waterfalls, and botanical gardens round out Santa Barbara’s natural beauty.
Restaurants in Santa Barbara

1. Jesusita Trail

Santa Barbara, CA http://www.santabarbarahikes.com/hikes/frontcountry/jesusita
Excellent
68%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 22 reviews

Jesusita Trail

This trail leads to the Seven Falls.

Reviewed By NyKaroly - Budapest, Hungary

It's a beautiful trail with a lot of things to see. Amazing scenery, with the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other side. The 500+m climbing and ~7km long trail helped overcome the jetlag.

2. Rattlesnake Canyon Trail

Las Canoas Not A Biking Trail - No Bikes Allowed, Santa Barbara, CA
Excellent
61%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 31 reviews

Rattlesnake Canyon Trail

A popular, moderate rated, multi-use trail, good for hiking, biking and horseback riding, three and a half miles round trip.

Reviewed By bewickswren - California, United States

We recently came through Santa Barbara on a road trip (stayed at the Spanish Garden Inn - excellent!). We are hikers and wanted a good day hike in the Santa Barbara mountains. This trail was fantastic - out and back, we did about 7 or 8 miles. You could go much further if you wanted. Parking was along the street at the trailhead, and the trails was mainly easy to follow. The few side trails that we encountered either linked back up to the main trail, or went to the creek. Totally recommend this hike!

3. Cabrillo Bike Path

Santa Barbara, CA
Excellent
66%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 265 reviews

Cabrillo Bike Path

Reviewed By LisaT503 - King City, United States

This is a great place to walk on a nice day. A lot of restaurants, shops and hotels along the way to explore. The weekend are busy and the Sunday craft market is fun to stroll through. The sunrise was beautiful to see from this area.

4. SOMA Get Fit

903 State St Suite 209, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-2718 +1 805-770-5117 [email protected] http://www.somagetfit.com
Excellent
83%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
17%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6 reviews

SOMA Get Fit

Soma Get Fit is a Multi Layered Brand with the Emphasis of creating Healthy Lifestyles Soma Spa: Luxurious Spa Treatments including Massage and Facials Soma Adventures: Biking, Farmers Market Foray, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Organic Cuisine, Pilates, Polo, Private Training, Sailing, Stand Up Paddle Surfing, Tennis, Trail Running, Wine Tasting, and Yoga

5. Inspiration Point

1498 Tunnel Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105-2139
Excellent
71%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7 reviews

Inspiration Point

Reviewed By X5637MFlisaa

The hike is worth it. The view is amazing at the top. The hike is rocky and steep in places. Wear good shoes with grip. Take pictures when you get to the top

6. Gaviota Peak Trail

Santa Barbara, CA
Excellent
0%
Good
100%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1 reviews

Gaviota Peak Trail

7. Santa Barbara Boardwalk Hiking Trail

Santa Barbara, CA
Excellent
0%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
50%
Overall Ratings

2.5 based on 2 reviews

Santa Barbara Boardwalk Hiking Trail

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