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Douglas Family Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 825 Google reviews · Running trail in Santa Barbara, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Douglas Family Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking paths & ocean views feature at this park with 70 acres of native trees & plants.
What runners say about Douglas Family Preserve
“It has beautiful views of the beach and a great place to picnic as well if you were so inclined to do so.”
“With stunning ocean views, lush greenery, and plenty of trees that make it feel peaceful and immersed in nature.”
“It has several large easy walking trails suitable for walking, running and bicycling.”
“This is a dog-friendly trail where dogs can be off-leash, offering incredible bluff views along the coast.”
Honestly this place is phenomenal. People can bring their dogs on walks up there and everyone is so friendly. Great place to play fetch with your dogs as long as they are socially trained and get along with other dogs. Most dogs are unleashed.
The 70 acre Douglas Family Reserve is located on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It has several large easy walking trails suitable for walking, running and bicycling. There are stunning views of the ocean, Channel Islands, the Santa Ynez Mountains, and Henry’s Beach.
Beautiful spot, with amazing views. I'd budget 45 min to an hour to explore. There are a set of stairs about 400 yards to the south of the main entrance that gets you to the beach. Tides often pretty high, so it can be a bit of a scramble along the beach.
Such a nice place for a walk on a beautiful day. Very family and pet friendly. Great views and places for pictures. The air is fresh with the ocean breeze and aroma of the Eucalyptus trees. Saw the most amazing woodpecker loving tree🐦🌳🌴
Trail conditions & character
“One of the best things about this preserve is that it’s largely off-leash for dogs, making it a bit of a paradise for dog owners.”
“This is a dog-friendly trail where dogs can be off-leash, offering incredible bluff views along the coast.”
“Parking can be a bit limited, mostly on nearby residential streets, but it’s worth the effort once you arrive.”
“With stunning ocean views, lush greenery, and plenty of trees that make it feel peaceful and immersed in nature.”
Plan your run at Douglas Family Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitesbparksandrec.santabarbaraca.gov
- Phone+1 805-897-2524
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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