Find the top rated running trails in Santa Barbara, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We stayed at Ventura Beach RV-pricey but the location is perfect. The trail is outside the front of the RV park-easy to follow signs and find. At the north end of this trail it joins the Ojai Trail. The flowering bushes were breathtaking.
We stayed at Ventura Beach RV and the trail is at the front entrance. If you go left (north) you head down to the trail riding above the beach. This is kind of a wild part of the ocean. According to TrailLink the bike path ends at Emma Woods St Park. But really it doesn’t. It goes forever? We rode several more miles along Hwy 1 (PCH). There is a decent wide marked bike path along both sides of the two lane road. It seemed safe and lots to look at. If you turn right (south) out of the RV Park the trail goes to a more concrete promenade part of the ride on the beach. Lots of surfers. Would definitely do again.
Parking lot was closed when we tried to visit. No signage to explain why.
Parking lot was closed when we tried to visit. No signage to explain why.
This is a great trail. We start in Ventura and head up. As long as you pay attention you are fine. The guy behind us took quite a spill on a section of pavement that lifted due to tree roots. We all stopped to check and minis quite a road rash, he was thankfully OK.
This path sits between, and is connected to, the Ojai Valley Trail as well as the Omer Raines Coastal Path. It is in good condition, and as of June/July 2024 undergoing a very substantial improvement on a fairly lengthy section. The grades are mild, the scenery decent, and only a few rough patches. Safe for kids. Highly recommend extending onto the Omer Raines path, as well as the path up to Ojai, if you're feeling energetic.
Rode the length of the trail from Foster Park, with my wife. We're both in our 70's. While sections of this ride are excellent, what keeps it from being a five star path are a number of factors. In parts, the trail is rough, and needs maintenance. The fairly frequent road crossings as you approach Ojai set this path aside from five star paths that use underpasses or overpasses. Signage is only fair. Not for inexperienced young riders, secondary to the road crossings and rough sections. All that said, for moderately experienced riders, this is a very good ride.
This wide, excellently maintained bike path is a brief but scenic ride. With only a few short semi-steep climbs and descents while riding through the underpasses, riders of even modest ability will not find it difficult. Not for someone seeking any serious training, almost better for a stroll than a bike ride. Either way, wheels or feet, it's a pleasant outing. For maximum distance, start at the Pleasant Valley Fields sporting complex, when the path comes to a T, go left or right, ride the length of the segment along the creek, and return to your parking space.
This short trail is a bit of an engineering marvel. Smooth pavement, beautiful scenery, and because it is within feet (separated by an impressive and artistic barrier) of Highway 101, very LOUD. Good luck if you're trying to have a conversation with a fellow rider.
Nice small capacity parking lot at the southern end. Very safe for a family outing, though a bit of caution will be needed in the one street crossing in La Conchita. At the northern end there is a beautiful park, suitable for picnics, and with nice ocean overlooks.
I ride about 20 miles/day, and found the trail a bit short, and a bit too noisy. One of my brothers, who doesn't ride at all on a regular basis, and who is less sensitive to noise than I am, found the trail "perfect". And there you have it!
Nice trail but when I rode it this summer a large section was still covered in gravel from last winter's rainstorms and mud/rockslides. Not sure if it's been cleaned yet but if you are on skinny tires be prepared.
Easy bike ride and nice walk for families.
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