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Arroyo Burro Beach Overlook

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Arroyo Burro Beach Overlook

Easy

4.7

(5394)

8,199

hikers

Arroyo Burro Beach Overlook

Q: Where can I park for the Arroyo Burro Beach Overlook trail?

Parking is available at the Douglas Family Preserve, which is where the Arroyo Burro Beach Overlook trail is located. There are multiple trailheads, some without an initial uphill climb, offering convenient access.

Q: Is the Arroyo Burro Beach Overlook trail dog-friendly?

Yes, this trail is exceptionally dog-friendly! The Douglas Family Preserve is a very popular spot for dog owners, featuring designated off-leash areas. Free dog baggies and trash cans are often provided at the entrance, making it easy to enjoy a hike with your canine companion.

Q: When is the best time to hike the Arroyo Burro Beach Overlook trail?

The trail offers beautiful scenery year-round. Springtime is particularly vibrant, as wildflowers often blanket the paths. For whale-watching, visit during migration seasons. To avoid crowds, consider visiting on weekdays or earlier in the morning.

Q: Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for the Douglas Family Preserve?

No, you do not need a permit, and there are no entrance fees to access the Douglas Family Preserve or its trails, including the Arroyo Burro Beach Overlook route.

Q: Is the trail suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, the trails within the Douglas Family Preserve, including this route, are considered easy to medium in difficulty. They feature wide, dirt paths and minimal elevation gain, making them suitable for all skill levels, families, and beginners.

Q: What kind of views and scenery can I expect along the route?

The trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Channel Islands, and spectacular sunsets. You'll traverse coastal bluffs, pass through oak groves, and open grasslands. In spring, wildflowers add a vibrant touch against the distant Santa Ynez Mountains. Don't miss the Douglass Family Preserve and Coastal View at Douglas Family Preserve viewpoints.

Q: What wildlife might I encounter on the trail?

The preserve is an excellent location for nature observation. You might spot various birds, including hawks and coastal wrens. During migration seasons, it's possible to see migrating monarch butterflies and even whales offshore.

Q: Does the trail connect with other paths?

Yes, the route intersects with several other paths within the Douglas Family Preserve. You'll find sections that are part of the Coast Bicycle Route, Cliff Hanger Trail, Las Positas Trail, and Cliff Dive Trail.

Q: Are there any specific considerations for hiking after rain?

Be aware that some sections of the path contain adobe clay soil. This can become sticky and slippery when wet, so exercise caution and wear appropriate footwear if hiking after rainfall.

Q: Are there places to eat or drink near the trailhead?

Yes, the trail offers easy access to Arroyo Burro Beach (also known as Hendry's Beach), where you can find the popular Boathouse restaurant right on the sand, perfect for a post-hike meal or drink.

00:21

1.22km

40m

Hiking

Hike the Arroyo Burro Beach Overlook for an easy 0.8 miles (1.2 km) route that takes about 20 minutes. You will gain 123 feet (38 metres) in elevation as you traverse coastal bluffs. The trail offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands. As you walk, you'll pass through peaceful oak groves within the Douglas Family Preserve. Look out for the Coastal View at Douglas Family Preserve, a prime spot to enjoy the scenery.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with parking generally available near the trailheads. Some access points allow you to start without an initial uphill climb. This area is very popular with dog owners, offering designated off-leash areas. You can also find free dog baggies at the entrance, making it convenient for a walk with your furry friend.

The trail is perched above the Pacific Ocean, providing a unique coastal experience. It's part of the larger Douglas Family Preserve, known for its natural beauty and wildlife. Keep an eye out for migrating monarch butterflies or even whales during their migration seasons. You can also easily access Arroyo Burro Beach, often called Hendry's Beach, directly from the preserve.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Get Directions

360 m

Douglass Family Preserve

Highlight • Viewpoint

Gifted to the City in 1997, this expansive open-space park overlooks Arroyo Burro Beach and features picturesque walking trails with stunning ocean vistas.

Tip by

915 m

Arroyo Burro Beach County Park Trails

Highlight • Trail

Arroyo Burro Beach County Park is home to Arroyo Burro Beach (called Hendry's Beach by the locals of Santa Barbara) backs up to the Douglas Family Preserve and is most popularly used as a dog beach. The trails within the preserve are great for running and offer solitude with views out onto the water.

Tip by

1.17 km

Arroyo Burro Beach

Highlight • Beach

Arroyo Burro Beach is known for its sandy coastline, excellent swimming, and surfing. This is a great place to go at sunset.

Tip by

1.22 km

Coastal View at Douglas Family Preserve

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Douglas Family Preserve is a 70-acre public park on the mesa above Arroyo Burro Beach. It is Santa Barbara’s largest piece of undeveloped coastal open space and was named after the Douglas Family Preserve. However, many locals still refer to it by its former name, the Wilcox Property.

Tip by

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

1.18 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

1.19 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Friday 10 July

21°C

14°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I park for the Arroyo Burro Beach Overlook trail?

Parking is available at the Douglas Family Preserve, which is where the Arroyo Burro Beach Overlook trail is located. There are multiple trailheads, some without an initial uphill climb, offering convenient access.

Is the Arroyo Burro Beach Overlook trail dog-friendly?

Yes, this trail is exceptionally dog-friendly! The Douglas Family Preserve is a very popular spot for dog owners, featuring designated off-leash areas. Free dog baggies and trash cans are often provided at the entrance, making it easy to enjoy a hike with your canine companion.

When is the best time to hike the Arroyo Burro Beach Overlook trail?

The trail offers beautiful scenery year-round. Springtime is particularly vibrant, as wildflowers often blanket the paths. For whale-watching, visit during migration seasons. To avoid crowds, consider visiting on weekdays or earlier in the morning.

Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for the Douglas Family Preserve?

No, you do not need a permit, and there are no entrance fees to access the Douglas Family Preserve or its trails, including the Arroyo Burro Beach Overlook route.

Is the trail suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, the trails within the Douglas Family Preserve, including this route, are considered easy to medium in difficulty. They feature wide, dirt paths and minimal elevation gain, making them suitable for all skill levels, families, and beginners.

What kind of views and scenery can I expect along the route?

The trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Channel Islands, and spectacular sunsets. You'll traverse coastal bluffs, pass through oak groves, and open grasslands. In spring, wildflowers add a vibrant touch against the distant Santa Ynez Mountains. Don't miss the Douglass Family Preserve and Coastal View at Douglas Family Preserve viewpoints.

What wildlife might I encounter on the trail?

The preserve is an excellent location for nature observation. You might spot various birds, including hawks and coastal wrens. During migration seasons, it's possible to see migrating monarch butterflies and even whales offshore.

Does the trail connect with other paths?

Yes, the route intersects with several other paths within the Douglas Family Preserve. You'll find sections that are part of the Coast Bicycle Route, Cliff Hanger Trail, Las Positas Trail, and Cliff Dive Trail.

Are there any specific considerations for hiking after rain?

Be aware that some sections of the path contain adobe clay soil. This can become sticky and slippery when wet, so exercise caution and wear appropriate footwear if hiking after rainfall.

Are there places to eat or drink near the trailhead?

Yes, the trail offers easy access to Arroyo Burro Beach (also known as Hendry's Beach), where you can find the popular Boathouse restaurant right on the sand, perfect for a post-hike meal or drink.

What other activities can be done in the Douglas Family Preserve?

Beyond hiking and dog walking, the preserve is also popular for mountain biking and trail running. You might also see hang-gliders or paragliders overhead, as there are launch sites nearby.