Dog parks in Santa Barbara

Donated in 1997, this large, open preserve sits right above Arroyo Burro Beach. With a spanning 70 acres of nature, Douglas Family Preserve is perfect for those who would like to immerse themselves in nature. There are trails, trees for shade, and a few benches for rest. However, there are no restrooms or human water fountains. If you want to visit this spot, make sure to pack everything that you need. Also note that there are plenty of cliffs in the area, so it’s best to keep your dog nearby.

Tabano Open Space is located right off Hwy 101. But nestled within the park, further inland, is a quiet dog park called the Tabano Hollow Dog Park. This secluded area has a well-maintained grassy ground material and is lined by a wall of trees. This park is wonderful for running. It is an acre of flat land with a single tree in the middle. Benches are provided for tired puppy parents, and there are water fountains and poop bags available. Note that this is not an off-leash dog park, but there are off-leash hours.

Opened in 2019, this dog park is located on the east side of MacKenzie Park, at the end of its baseball fields. This half-acre park has a separate area for dogs under 20 pounds. This park is fully fenced-in, with large trees for shade. Outside the park are various amenities, including a barbeque pit, baseball fields, a patio, and a playground. Note that there are various policies in place when using the dog park. These include filling up dug holes, having full license and vaccination tags for dogs, and bringing no more than two dogs per person.

Officially named San Antonio Canyon Park, it is better known as Tucker’s Grove. This park is a large, sunny area, best known as a prime picnic spot. At its upper-most part is Tucker’s Grove Dog Park, an off-leash dog area located in the park’s Kiwanis Meadows section. This large, fully-fenced-in area comes with picnic tables and benches, so dog owners can sit down and relax. A community water bowl is available to the immediate right of the entrance, hidden in the bushes. Be sure to clean up after your pet. Poop bags are available. After playing, hose your dog down in their self-serve dog wash.

Unlike other dog parks, this off-leash dog park encompasses the entirety of Elings Park. As it is a non-profit and community-supported park. Your dog will need an Elings Park Dog Owner Group (EPDOG) membership to enter the park. If you have a membership, you will be allowed to bring your dog and walk it off-leash on the entire 230 acres of the park. Memberships are annual and cost $125. Within the park, you will find various hiking trails, grassy fields for running, poop bag dispensers, and water fountains.

Dog parks can be a fun experience, not just for your dog but for you as well. And there are plenty of dog parks in Santa Barbara for you and your dog. But while they have a lot of benefits, there are cons to a dog park as well. Dogs can get anxious, sick, or even start a fight. Thankfully, you can easily contact a vet by booking a virtual vet appointment through Vetster. Ask about behavioral issues, medical concerns, and tips and tricks—right in the comfort of your own home.