California Coast: All Routes

Santa Barbara Waterfront Run

The classic Santa Barbara Run. A popular route in downtown Santa Barbara, through the most Instagram-worthy spots in the city: Andree Clark Bird Refuge, the Cabrillo bike path, Stearns Wharf Pier, and Butterfly Beach. The layout of Santa Barbara is incredibly friendly toward pedestrians and cyclists, so runners will have no trouble making their own route through spacious sidewalks and bike paths. You can add or subtract miles as you like, but the route we’ve mapped is bookended by the pier and Butterfly Beach — two don’t-miss attractions while you’re at the waterfront. Start out at the bird refuge and head west along the Cabrillo Blvd. bike path until you reach Stearns Wharf. Take a moment to enjoy the view from the pier before doubling back and heading east across the waterfront to Butterfly Beach. On your way back into the refuge, a number of criss-crossing trails offer return options — so you’ll never get bored!

For a longer run or for variety, we recommend continuing along the path from Stearns Wharf to the Santa Barbara Harbor, to Leadbetter Beach and Shoreline Park, about 2 miles one-way. Parallels Shoreline Dr. with a dedicated path most of the way.

 

 

 

 

 

Essentials
  • 6.2 miles. Lots of options for variety. Good add-on is Harbor & Shoreline Dr., 2+ extra miles
  • 260 feet
  • Andree Clark Bird Refuge or other favorite spot downtown
  • Park at Romero Canyon Trailhead, but note space is limited

Comment on this Route/Share a Photo!

Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!

Subscribe
Notify of

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Essentials
  • 6.2 miles. Lots of options for variety. Good add-on is Harbor & Shoreline Dr., 2+ extra miles
  • 260 feet
  • Andree Clark Bird Refuge or other favorite spot downtown
  • Park at Romero Canyon Trailhead, but note space is limited