Arroyo Burro Beach, Public beach in Santa Barbara County, California.
Arroyo Burro Beach is a public beach in Santa Barbara, California, sitting at the base of coastal bluffs with a sandy shore facing the Pacific Ocean. On the grounds you will find picnic tables, outdoor showers, and a restaurant, all close to the Douglas Family Preserve.
Santa Barbara County took ownership of this land in 1947 after acquiring it from the State of California for public recreation. Before that, the area had been farmed privately, most notably by the Hendry family in the 1800s.
Locals often call this beach Hendry's Beach, a name that goes back to the Hendry family who farmed the surrounding land in the 1800s. That older name still comes up in everyday conversation, and many Santa Barbara residents use it without knowing the official name.
Free parking is right at the entrance, so getting there by car is straightforward. The beach has outdoor showers and picnic tables, which makes it easy to stay for a full day without bringing much extra equipment.
A section of the beach east of the main area is set aside for dogs to run off-leash, which draws many pet owners from across Santa Barbara. This dedicated zone is one of the few places along this stretch of coast where dogs are formally allowed off a leash.
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