From the mountains of Colorado to the beaches of Florida, we now venture out to the west coast of California. King and I wanted to find the perfect mix of beaches to mountains, and I think Santa Barbara has captured exactly that! Downtown Santa Barbara has a quant, small-town vibe where the streets are blocked off for the weekends or during events to allow people to roam freely. King loves meeting other people and fellow furry friends along the way, while I enjoy the ambience of it all. State Street is the central heart of Santa Barbara with all your shopping and dining needs. A few of our favorite places to visit are Juice Ranch, Backyard Bowls and Green Table. All of these spots are dog-friendly and serve a cold bowl of agua for King to grab a refreshing lap-slap. Humans, like myself, can get down on a nice vegetable juice, just like my momma used to make, an açaí bowl that's just as good as the ones on Oahu, or a delicious plant-based meal if I am really hungry! If you follow State Street south west, towards the water for the directionally challenged, you will arrive at Stearns Wharf where the two of us took a stroll on a cool and windy day with the sun still peaking out from behind the clouds. The sight of water and smell of salty air was a nice change of pace during our cross-country excursion that was a familiar nod to the home life in Florida.
King: I found where I wanna retire! I've started saving up 40% of all treats and bones for a down payment on my two-story dog house. Been talking with the grayer dogs at the park and they think I can double my investment that in this current market. You just cant let a place like this slip you know? At some point, this good boy eventually needs to get out from under Dad's roof, maybe head off to college to get this "pet-degree" Mimi keeps mentioning. Loving these early morning hikes and beachside sunset walks. I haven't been around long, but I know a special place when I see it. *Marks territory immediately*
From the wharf, you are able to see the peaks of the Santa Ynez Mountains. It's only a short distance but a windy upward climb. During the drive, there are some amazing homes and views of the city below. One of our favorite hikes is the Stevens Park trail. It's a short mile-and-a-half hike with mild elevation changes, so no matter how you or your pup feel, it won't be too daunting. Along the route, there are wild flowers, a small creek that fluctuates size depending on the time of the year, and multiple places to catch your breath and relax under the shade if need be. There are even a few spots that avail a great line of sight to the Santa Barbara coastline. Many of the beachside cities north of Los Angeles have a heavy morning fog that hangs over them, to which a few times on our hikes, we wouldn't have even known that you could typically see the ocean otherwise. The San Roque Creek is a great spot to allow you pup to play in the water and drift off to the sounds of a babbling brook.
King: Boots strapped on, leash off, and the smell of mountain air with an aroma of wild flowers. I am speed... I am strength.... I am lost... Ummm... Pup Pro Tip: Never lose sight of your parent. They start calling you name and it can be scary sometimes. I mean! I don't get scared or lost cause I'm almost two, but you may, so yeah, be careful! Overall though, this mountain hike was so fun! I got to play in the water and even some parts that were muddy.
If you are looking for a beach trail, then look no further than Ellwood Mesa. The trails are nice and wide, and range from paths through forested areas to ones right alongside the ocean. The beach has never been packed when we have gone which allows me to let King explore more than usual. If you are an owner that is just beginning with off-leash walks, then I think this is a great place to start! With the rocky hill and water on either side of you, your little rascal won't be able to go too far, but I recommend bringing some treats and water so they will become accustomed to checking in often. I would recommend starting with a 20 to 50-foot leash and work on calling your dog over, but after that, you'll want to practice somewhere that they can't go too far and won't be distracted by dogs or other people. Another great beach to take your furry friend is the Arroyo Burro Beach County Park. Dogs are allowed off the leash and you will find fellow owners here. It's a great place to let your dog get some energy out and have some positive socialization. There is a small stream that feeds into the ocean which allows dogs that are nervous about the waves to still have fun and get wet! The only downfall to the beaches in this area is the oil drilling off the coast. Depending on the tide and how the current is on the day, small bits of crude oil end up floating onto the beach. This quickly gets stuck in your dog's fur and takes forever to get out!
King: I know, I know, I sound like a broken squeaker. Always telling you how much fun I have at the beach. But have you ever been though? Cause if you did and didn't invite me, I would be a little hurt! You're on the list for my second burthday party, and if you're not nice, I'll uninvite you!
When visiting Santa Barbara and in need of a place to stay, it is not hard to find dog-friendly hotels. Usually, they simply require a small pet fee that typically is a one-time charge, but there are a few spots that charge per-night, which of course quickly becomes expensive. King and I traditionally stay at The Goodlands by Kimpton, a quant hotel with eclectic accommodations like vinyl record players in each room, a yoga mat and beach umbrella. You are able to rent a wide variety of vinyl records from their library and known for hosting community events. These include yoga sessions, lawn game tournaments, trivia nights and live music series! A unique welcoming includes a free glass of beer or wine at check-in and there are wine tasting hours on the weekend. Naturally COVID-19 has affected everything, so make sure to call for an updated list of amenities
King: I give the Goodlands 3 out out 4 paws. Someone brought me a fresh bed and I'm pretty sure it was fluffed every night. Also there is a small grass area that we had a picnic on. I was not allowed to go in the pool area though... The "Poolice" said that not all dogs are Doggie Paddle Certified, but I've been swimming since before I was one! This bark-gument got me nowhere.
Because of the proximity to the ocean and the mountains, Santa Barbara is on the short list for King and I and should be on yours if you live or find yourself in Southern California. As always, tell us if we didn't hit a spot that we should have or if there is a place close by that is your favorite. We wanna hear from you!
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