Arroyo Burro Beach - green palm trees on white sand beach during daytime
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Arroyo Burro Beach

4.7
·3k reviews·Santa Barbara, United States

Arroyo Burro Beach: A dog-friendly haven with stunning ocean views, picnic spots, and a scenic lookout. Perfect for pups and people!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds & find parking

CrowdLow
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Arroyo Burro Beach - green palm trees on white sand beach during daytime

Arroyo Burro Beach

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds & find parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Arroyo Burro Beach: A dog-friendly haven with stunning ocean views, picnic spots, and a scenic lookout. Perfect for pups and people!

4.7
(3k reviews)

"Love this beach! It's a DOG beach Y'all! Off-leash dog heaven where they can play in the surf and chase birds and play with other dogs."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 Dog Wash Stations

Convenient self-service dog wash stations are available to clean up your pup after a day of fun.

🚴 Bike Parking Available

Secure bike racks are provided, making cycling a great alternative to driving.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Off-Leash Dog Zone

Off-Leash Dog Zone

South side of the beach

Let your furry friends roam free and play in the surf at this popular dog beach. Pure joy for pups!

Scenic Lookout Point

Scenic Lookout Point

Top of the stairs

Enjoy breathtaking ocean views and capture stunning photos from this elevated vantage point. Perfect for a quick panorama.

Picnic & Grills

Picnic & Grills

Grassy area

Pack a lunch and enjoy a meal with a view in the designated picnic area, complete with grills for a perfect beach day.

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Planning Your Visit

Dog-Friendly Paradise

Arroyo Burro Beach is a haven for dog owners, with a dedicated off-leash area on the south side. Remember to be mindful of other beachgoers and the open ocean. Self-service dog wash stations are available to rinse off sandy paws! Reddit

Parking Pointers

Parking at Arroyo Burro Beach can be challenging, especially during peak times. Arrive early or consider alternative transportation like biking, as secure bike racks are available. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the crowds & find parking
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Less busy than weekends
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Enjoying a beautiful sunset at Arroyo Burro Beach County Park in Santa Barbara, California. #sunset #beach #santabarbara #california #beautiful
@jamestaylorisme
47 likes • 1.3K views

🐾 Dog Wash Stations

Convenient self-service dog wash stations are available to clean up your pup after a day of fun. Reddit

🚴 Bike Parking Available

Secure bike racks are provided, making cycling a great alternative to driving. Reddit

Hello darling from The Pacific Ocean … 📍#arroyoburrobeach #santabarbara #usa #explore #travelere #سفر #سانتا_باربرا #هاشتاجات
@hadeel.alsafii
202 likes • 7.4K views
Embark on a family expedition at Douglas Family Preserve – 60 acres of coastal bliss above Arroyo Burro Beach. Unleash the adventurer in your kids while enjoying stunning ocean and wildflower views! Our tip: stop at nearby @lazyacressb and grab some snacks to enjoy on your adventure. #SBWithKids
santabarbarawithkids
33 likes • 796 views

🚶‍♀️ Explore South Beach

Walk south for miles to discover beautiful, desolate beaches and hidden caves.

🍽️ Restaurant with a View

The onsite restaurant offers good food with indoor/outdoor seating and great ocean views. Reddit

Hendry’s Beach, officially known as Arroyo Burro Beach Park, is a popular coastal spot located just 10 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara at 2981 Cliff Drive. The beach is famous for its scenic shoreline backed by dramatic cliffs, making it perfect for swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, fishing, and family-friendly activities. It’s also very dog-friendly, with both on-leash and off-leash areas av...
santabarbarahighlights
153 likes • 2.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Dog Wash Stations

Convenient self-service dog wash stations are available to clean up your pup after a day of fun. Reddit

🚴 Bike Parking Available

Secure bike racks are provided, making cycling a great alternative to driving. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore South Beach

Walk south for miles to discover beautiful, desolate beaches and hidden caves.

🍽️ Restaurant with a View

The onsite restaurant offers good food with indoor/outdoor seating and great ocean views. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Arroyo Burro Beach is a beloved spot, especially for dog owners, offering a fantastic off-leash experience and beautiful coastal views. While parking can be a challenge, the amenities like dog wash stations and the scenic lookout point make it a worthwhile destination. Families also find it to be a great place for a day out.

"Very nice dog Beach. You can keep walking south for miles to find beautiful desolate beaches and caves. Dogs are able to be off leash. Parking is limited though so you have to get lucky to find a spot if arriving after the morning. There is a cool look out spot at the top of the stairs. That's where I took my pictures. I would highly recommend this place."

Fernando Rico Jr

"Great place!
Very good for families with kids.
There are bathrooms, beach showers.
The park has picnic area, grills, place for games.
Left side of the beach allows dogs. There is a self service dog wash.
It has a beautiful overview (the stairs to it are behind the restaurant). The restaurant is pretty good with indoor and outdoor seating with good view.
Free parking. During high season might be difficult to find a parking spot."

Kate

"One of our favorite beach spots. Dog friendly, leash free on the south beach, great walking with the occasional hang glider to entertain you. Restaurant is pricy but good. Parking can be tricky."

Faro Prestigiacomo

What People Like

Off-leash dog area
Beautiful ocean views
Dog wash stations

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Arroyo Burro Beach is accessible by car, with parking available onsite. For those looking for a more active approach, the Las Positas bike trail leads directly to the beach, and there are bike racks available. Reddit

While specific bus routes can vary, checking local Santa Barbara transit schedules is recommended for public transport options. Many visitors opt for driving or biking due to the beach's popularity. Reddit

Arroyo Burro Beach offers free parking, but spots are limited and fill up quickly, especially during peak season and weekends. Arriving early is highly recommended. Reddit

Yes, the new Las Positas bike trail provides a scenic route directly to Arroyo Burro Beach. Secure bicycle parking is available. Reddit

While the beach itself is sandy, the main access points and the grassy picnic area are generally accessible. Restrooms are also available. Specific accessibility details may vary.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Arroyo Burro Beach is free to enter. There is no admission fee required to access the beach or the park area. Reddit

Arroyo Burro Beach is generally open from sunrise to sunset. Lifeguard hours are seasonal and may vary. It's always a good idea to check local listings for current lifeguard schedules. Reddit

No permit is required to bring your dog to Arroyo Burro Beach. Dogs are allowed off-leash in the designated southern section of the beach. Reddit

Standard beach rules apply. Dogs must be leashed in non-designated areas. Be mindful of the surf and ocean conditions. Bonfires are typically not permitted on this beach.

Picnic areas and grills are available on a first-come, first-served basis. It's advisable to arrive early if you plan to use these facilities, especially on busy days. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Arroyo Burro Beach offers restrooms, beach showers, a grassy picnic area with grills, and self-service dog wash stations. There's also a restaurant onsite. Reddit

Yes, Arroyo Burro Beach is very good for families with kids. The grassy park area is great for games, and the beach offers space for play. Reddit

Absolutely! The south side of Arroyo Burro Beach is a designated off-leash dog area, allowing dogs to play freely in the surf and sand. Reddit

Arroyo Burro Beach has seasonal lifeguards. It's always wise to check the current lifeguard schedule before your visit, especially if swimming is a priority. Reddit

Besides relaxing and enjoying the ocean, you can walk for miles along the coast, explore nearby caves, picnic, and watch hang gliders. It's also a fantastic spot for dog owners. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a restaurant located at Arroyo Burro Beach that offers both indoor and outdoor seating with good views. While it can be a bit pricey, many find the food to be good. Reddit

Yes, Arroyo Burro Beach has a grassy park area with picnic tables and grills, making it a perfect spot for a picnic. Reddit

While there aren't specific dog food vendors, the beach is very dog-friendly, and owners often bring their own dog treats and water. The dog wash stations are a great amenity. Reddit

The restaurant typically serves a range of casual beachside fare, often including seafood, sandwiches, and salads. It's a convenient option for a meal with a view. Reddit

Yes, the surrounding Santa Barbara area offers a wide variety of dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants, a short drive from the beach. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The lookout point at the top of the stairs offers stunning panoramic ocean views, perfect for capturing the coastline. The beach itself, especially with dogs playing, also makes for great shots. Reddit

Arroyo Burro Beach can offer beautiful sunset views, with the ocean as a backdrop. The golden hour light can create a magical atmosphere. Reddit

Dog photography is extremely popular due to the off-leash area. Landscape photography capturing the coastline and ocean is also a favorite. Reddit

Don't miss capturing the dogs enjoying the surf, the dramatic coastline to the south, and the view from the lookout point. Reddit

Early morning and late afternoon (golden hour) offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer, more appealing look. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Arroyo Burro Beach is a fantastic choice for families. The grassy park area provides ample space for children to play games, run around, and enjoy a picnic. The beach itself offers a safe environment for kids to build sandcastles and splash in the gentle waves, especially during calmer periods. Reddit

While the southern end is off-leash for dogs, families can still enjoy the main beach area. The availability of restrooms and beach showers adds to the convenience for families managing sandy children. The on-site restaurant also offers a convenient dining option if you don't want to pack a full picnic. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

This is your paradise! Arroyo Burro Beach is renowned for its off-leash dog area on the south side, where your furry friends can truly let loose and enjoy the ocean. The dog wash stations are a lifesaver for cleaning up after a day of sandy adventures. Reddit

Be prepared for a lively atmosphere with many happy dogs. It's a great place for your dog to socialize and burn off energy. Remember to be a responsible pet owner, supervise your dog, and be mindful of other beachgoers. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Active Explorers

For those who love to explore, Arroyo Burro Beach offers opportunities to walk for miles along the coastline to the south, discovering secluded beaches and interesting geological formations like caves. The Las Positas bike trail provides a scenic and active way to reach the beach. Reddit

Don't miss the lookout point for stunning panoramic views, perfect for a brisk walk and some photo opportunities. The beach itself is great for a long stroll, especially during low tide when more of the shoreline is exposed.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Arroyo Burro Beach with Your Canine Companion

Arroyo Burro Beach, affectionately known as Hendry's Beach by locals, is a premier destination for dog owners in Santa Barbara. The southern section of the beach is a designated off-leash area, allowing dogs to freely roam, play in the surf, and socialize with other canine visitors. This freedom is a major draw for many visitors, creating a lively and happy atmosphere. It's important for owners to remain aware of their dogs' behavior and the surrounding environment, as it is an open ocean beach. Reddit

To enhance the dog-friendly experience, self-service dog wash stations are conveniently located in the parking lot. These stations make it easy to rinse off sand and saltwater after a fun-filled day, ensuring a cleaner ride home. The presence of these amenities underscores the beach's commitment to being a top-tier dog destination. Reddit

While the off-leash area is a highlight, remember that dogs must be leashed in other parts of the beach and the park area. Always be respectful of other beachgoers who may not have dogs. The community at Arroyo Burro Beach is generally very responsible and friendly, contributing to a positive experience for everyone.

Maximizing Your Visit: Parking and Access

One of the most frequently discussed aspects of visiting Arroyo Burro Beach is the parking situation. The beach offers free parking, which is a significant perk, but the lot is relatively small and tends to fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during the summer high season. Visitors often recommend arriving early in the morning to secure a spot. Reddit

For those who prefer to avoid the parking hassle or are looking for a more active way to arrive, biking is an excellent option. The development of the Las Positas bike trail now provides a direct and scenic route to the beach. The county has also increased the availability of secure bicycle racks, making it a convenient and eco-friendly choice. Reddit

If driving and parking proves difficult, consider exploring the possibility of local public transportation or ride-sharing services. However, many visitors find that the effort to secure parking or opt for biking is well worth it for the enjoyable beach experience that awaits.

Beyond the Sand: Amenities and Nearby Attractions

Arroyo Burro Beach offers more than just sand and surf. Adjacent to the beach is a grassy park area that is perfect for picnics, games, and relaxation. This area is equipped with picnic tables and grills, making it an ideal spot for families and groups to spend the day. Reddit

Adding to the convenience is the on-site restaurant, which provides a place to grab a meal or a drink with a view. While some reviews mention it can be a bit pricey, the convenience and the ocean vistas often make it a worthwhile stop. Reddit

For those looking to extend their exploration, walking south from Arroyo Burro Beach can lead to miles of beautiful, often desolate beaches and intriguing caves, offering a sense of discovery and natural beauty. The lookout point at the top of the stairs behind the restaurant also provides a fantastic vantage point for photography and simply taking in the expansive coastal scenery.

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