If you look forward to your runs the same way we do, half of the fun is deciding where to get out and explore the stunning scenery Santa Barbara has to offer. So why not make it a two-for-one adventure and keep tabs of the best local eateries to pair with your route? We have the inside scoop on what makes an all-around enjoyable run, from start to finish.
Best Beach Run: Hendry’s
Arroyo Burro Beach County Park, or Hendry’s Beach, features a long stretch of beach ideal for running. Located only a 10 minute drive north of downtown Santa Barbara, you can make your way towards UCSB for a great up-and-back route. Some days there’s nothing better than turning up your headphones and knowing you can hit your stride without having to dodge any people or cars.
You can run here anytime, but heading out at low tide offers the best sand conditions. You won’t have to worry about soft sand either, it’s all hard and flat. If you want to tackle an obstacle or add on some extra miles, you can climb the steep staircase up the dunes to Mesa Lane, then follow the paved roads to the Douglas Family Preserve paths. Top off the beautiful run with a delicious burrito from Los Agaves, a family-owned award winning Mexican restaurant. Bonus points that the owner, Carlos, is an avid runner!
Best Track: Santa Barbara Community College
La Playa Stadium at Santa Barbara Community College overlooks the ocean, offering ideal open-air conditions for hitting the track. It’s open to the public, but make sure to check their website for open hours before you head out, because they change daily. Running the bleachers is always a fun way to switch up your run and get some incline work in. Getting to take in the view from the top is solid motivation for the extra effort. Stop by Handlebar Coffee Roasters afterward to grab a coffee and recharge. Bonus, again, for the owners being fellow athletes who used to cycle professionally - woohoo!
Best Trail Run: Romero
Romero Canyon is a favorite with Santa Barbara trail runners, but it isn’t too intimidating for newbies or someone visiting from out town. For a less difficult but still challenging run, take the fire road. Lined with oaks and sycamores, the footing is gentler and it’s a 6 mile loop starting from the fire road then going down the main singletrack trail. If you want a longer run, just go out and back on the fire road, which is approximately 14 miles roundtrip. You can also venture further into the backcountry for as long as you want to.
Owner, Monica DeVreese, loves a good trail run at Romero - click here to see which route she likes to take!
Let the dramatic ocean views from the summit and the vastness of the mountains take your breath away - that is, if the climbs and drops already haven’t! Locals love that even though Romero is close to town, it feels remote, and the incredible valley views never get old. Visit the Juice Ranch afterward for an organic cold pressed juice to replenish some electrolytes.
