Though Santa Barbara City limits barely reach into the lower foothills, the need for water more than a century ago led the City to purchase land in many of our local canyons as well as north of the mountain crest along the Santa Ynez River. Surprisingly to many, more than 70% of the front country trails are actually on land owned by the City as well as open space areas like Parma Park, the Douglas Preserve and a host of smaller places to walk, walk the dogs or enjoy an afternoon out — such as Hale and Honda Valley Parks, Sheffield Reservoir, the Modoc Preserve — as well as one the city has trasferred management for, Elings Park.
Along with the mountain trails and their full-on adventures, the smaller parks offer great places for a quick hike, a walk with your dog, or just a place to get away for an hour or so and there are also plenty of walks to enjoy in town or in the neighborhoods where you can learn more about our local history, architectural styles and get some exercize as well.
While we have plenty of town walks here for you to enjoy, look for a selection of urban walks on the site as we are able to add them.
Links
Santa Barbara Historical Museum
Santa Barbara Mission
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
The Courthouse
Events
Earth Day
I Madonnari Chalk Art
Old Spanish Days
Solstice Parade
Douglas Preserve -
