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Santa Barbara Shores Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 336 Google reviews · Running trail in Goleta, 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 Santa Barbara Shores Park'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.
Flat and cliff-edged trails leading to beaches and bluffs for hiking and biking with wide-ranging ocean views.
What runners say about Santa Barbara Shores Park
“Beautiful place to walk, jog, picnic, or just hang out and enjoy the ocean sounds and breeze.”
“This our favor place near by our home about 15 minute walk as sometime we need a quiet peaceful time by the beach without the crowd.”
“Relatively easy trails but be careful of damage caused by winter rains.”
Wonderful for dogs (must be on leash) and children. We spent several hours playing on the plentiful eucalyptus trees and making forts and other “make believe” games with the kids. The hike down to the beach was absolutely breathtaking- maybe it was 2 miles there and back to the parking lot.
A great park and hiking area with multiple trails. The trails follow the coastline cliffs and connect down to the beach or wind through the Butterfly Grove with lush flora and trees. A great place to visit if in Goleta or near Santa Barbara and there were a few butterflies in the Grove in the early September heat.
Beautiful sights and views at the end of groomed trails. So many walking/hiking options with gorgeous views of the water and Bluffs at the end. Worth the trek back to the beach to hang out for the day. I could have spent the day here, but was not prepared as thought it was just a hike out and back.
Often visited by locals and nearby residents, this beach park is perfect for walking, jogging, taking the dog out, bird watching, tide pooling, and picnics.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful place to walk, jog, picnic, or just hang out and enjoy the ocean sounds and breeze.”
“Often visited by locals and nearby residents, this beach park is perfect for walking, jogging, taking the dog out, bird watching, tide pooling, and picnics.”
“This our favor place near by our home about 15 minute walk as sometime we need a quiet peaceful time by the beach without the crowd.”
Plan your run at Santa Barbara Shores Park
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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitecityofgoleta.org
- Phone+1 805-968-6769
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 |
Running trails near Goleta
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Ellwood Mesa Coastal Trail
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Evergreen Park
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Girsh Park
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Walking path
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Wells-Elings Marsh Trail
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Coal Oil Point Reserve
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Coastal region with bluffs and slough that's known for protecting snowy plovers.