
With that in mind, let’s dive into 8 of the most popular and picturesque running trails in Santa Barbara. Many of these routes are adapted from the Santa Barbara Running Guide by Great Runs, a global resource for the best running spots around the world. Click the links within each route for detailed maps, descriptions, and even more ideas to explore!
1. Downtown Santa Barbara “RunSeeing” Tour
Length: 5 miles • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Explore Santa Barbara’s cultural and architectural beauty on foot. Start at the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara, run along Garden Street, and loop past Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens. Enjoy charming downtown neighborhoods and State Street landmarks with plenty of shade and city charm. This urban running route in Santa Barbara offers a unique way to experience the city’s iconic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, plenty of verdant landscape, and a couple of great city parks.

2. Santa Barbara Waterfront Spectacular
Length: 10 miles • Difficulty: Easy
One of the most scenic running trails in Santa Barbara, this seaside route begins at Shoreline Park and continues past the harbor, Stearns Wharf, and East Beach. Enjoy palm-lined paths, beachfront views, and a scenic out-and-back along Cabrillo Boulevard.
3. San Roque Neighborhood Loop
Length: 4 miles • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Located northwest of downtown, this shaded residential run passes through one of the most peaceful neighborhoods in Santa Barbara. A favorite among locals seeking peaceful running paths in Santa Barbara, this scenic loop is ideal for a sunrise jog or a stress-relieving run after work.
4. Bluffs Overlook Trail (Near Isla Vista)
Length: 3.5 miles • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Just west of UCSB, this flat, scenic trail delivers sweeping views from the ocean cliffs at Goleta. Jog past the enchanting Coronado Butterfly Preserve, where monarchs flutter through eucalyptus groves, and follow the path down to the beach for a golden-hour workout you won’t forget. Perfect for sunset runners and casual joggers alike, this route captures the relaxed, coastal spirit of Goleta and Isla Vista.

5. Goleta Beach & UCSB Lagoon Trail
Length: 4 miles • Difficulty: Easy
This coastal run starts at Goleta Beach Park and loops around UCSB’s serene 31-acre lagoon, offering a unique blend of beachside beauty and tranquil campus landscapes. With ocean breezes on one side and lush university greens on the other, it’s a runner’s dream. When it comes to scenic routes near UCSB—or anywhere, really—it doesn’t get much better than this.
6. Camino Cielo Road (Santa Ynez Mountains)
Length: Varies • Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
If you’re craving epic views, head for East Camino Cielo. This quiet mountain road climbs above Santa Barbara, offering sweeping panoramas of both the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Valley. Starting from Highway 154, the paved route is lightly trafficked and ideal for a long, meditative road run. For those looking to push further, you can branch off to nearby trails like Cathedral Peak or Arroyo Burro for a more rugged, high-altitude adventure.
7. Jesusita Trail to Inspiration Point (and Tunnel Trail Option)
Length: 7 miles RT (+3.5 via Tunnel Trail) • Difficulty:
Moderate to Hard
Begin your ascent at the Cater Water Treatment Plant and follow the rugged path toward Inspiration Point—a favorite among seasoned Santa Barbara trail runners. With steep inclines, rocky switchbacks, and technical terrain, this route ranks among the area’s most challenging. But the payoff is spectacular: panoramic views stretching from the Pacific coastline to the Santa Ynez Mountains. Looking to go the extra mile? Continue onto Tunnel Trail for a grueling extension that winds through chaparral-covered slopes and ends near La Cumbre Peak, one of the region’s highest points.
8. Buena Vista Trail Loop
Length: 4 miles • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Tucked into the foothills of Montecito, this gentle Y-shaped loop offers a welcoming path for both novice joggers and seasoned runners. Shaded by oaks and lined with native plants, the trail provides a peaceful escape just minutes from town. Its well-maintained route connects seamlessly with the Old Pueblo and Wiman Trails, allowing for easy customization depending on your energy level or training goals. Whether you're out for a quick morning jog or a longer endurance run, this versatile loop makes it easy to adjust your distance while enjoying the natural beauty of Montecito.
From serious marathon training to relaxed scenic jogs, Santa Barbara offers running routes for every pace and purpose. With its diverse terrain, including beachfront paths to mountain switchbacks, the area guarantees you’ll find trails that suit your style and challenge your stamina. And let’s be honest: few places on earth can match the natural drama of this region, where ocean views and mountain peaks unfold within just a few miles of each other.
Whether you're moving across town or across the country, Santa Barbara running trails, the area’s active lifestyle in general, and the coastal charm make it one of California’s most desirable places to live. If you're thinking of buying or selling a home in the area, I’d love to help. Contact me at (805) 886-9378 or email Cristal@montecito-estate.com for your complimentary consultation. Let’s find you a home that puts you just steps away from Santa Barbara’s best trails.
Of Related Interest:
- The Art of Backyard Stargazing
- 10 Paths to Earth-Friendly Landscaping for Your Santa Barbara Home
- Santa Barbara Recognized for Its Environmental Stewardship