Arroyo Burro Beach
Santa Barbara, CA

Arroyo Burro Beach, known locally as Hendry's Beach, pairs a real restaurant right on the sand with the adjacent Douglas Family Preserve's bluff top trails for anyone who wants a hike alongside the beach day. It's a genuine local favorite in the Mesa neighborhood, popular with dog owners and surfers alike.
The genuine local restaurant and adjacent preserve trails make it a well rounded favorite in the Mesa neighborhood, popular enough with dog owners that it draws a real regular crowd.
How we score beachesWalk up into the Douglas Family Preserve after the beach if you have the energy, the bluff top trail gives a wider view of the coast than the beach alone.
Free parking is available at the beach.
A path leads from parking to the beach; Douglas Family Preserve's trails connect from the bluff top.
Dogs are welcome; check posted signage for specific leash rules.
Fog is common most mornings year round, typical of the Santa Barbara coast.
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