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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & find parking
Arroyo Burro Beach
Best Time
Beat the crowds & find parking

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!
"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."
🐾 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dog-Friendly Paradise
Parking Pointers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 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.
🚶♀️ 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.
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.
🚴 Bike Parking Available
Secure bike racks are provided, making cycling a great alternative to driving.
🚶♀️ 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.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
Yes, the new Las Positas bike trail provides a scenic route directly to Arroyo Burro Beach. Secure bicycle parking is available.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Yes, Arroyo Burro Beach has a grassy park area with picnic tables and grills, making it a perfect spot for a picnic.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Arroyo Burro Beach can offer beautiful sunset views, with the ocean as a backdrop. The golden hour light can create a magical atmosphere.
Dog photography is extremely popular due to the off-leash area. Landscape photography capturing the coastline and ocean is also a favorite.
Don't miss capturing the dogs enjoying the surf, the dramatic coastline to the south, and the view from the lookout point.
Early morning and late afternoon (golden hour) offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer, more appealing look.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🐶 Dog Owners
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.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit