Douglas Family Preserve

A popular go-to attraction in Santa Barbara is the Douglas Family Preserve. The 68-acre expanse blends natural beauty with ties to Hollywood.

Initially, the acreage was the Wilcox Nursery from 1949 until it closed in 1972. Developers sought to build a development on the land but met stiff opposition from conservationists. In 1996, Hollywood star Michael Douglas donated a generous sum to continue protecting and preserving the land. In his honor, the park was named the Douglas Family Preserve.

Visitors and locals flock to the park to enjoy the wildlife habitats, picturesque cliff views, and meandering trails. The towering cliffs attract hang gliders, paragliders, and those seeking sunset views over the Pacific Ocean. Additionally, Hendry’s Beach is next to the preserve, making combining beach activities with hikes easy.

The preserve features winding paths that traverse coastal sage scrub and shaded groves. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot various birds, such as hawks and coastal wrens, while seals can often bask on the nearby beaches. The cliffs are ideal for whale watching and spotting dolphins cruising the Pacific waters. 

When your Central Coast getaway needs a spot with scenic overlooks and trails, look no further than the Douglas Family Preserve. 

Fun Facts & Cool Features

One of the biggest reasons people flock to the Douglas Family Preserve is to walk their dogs off-leash. Dog owners enjoy the freedom of hiking the trails with their pets and taking in the views. Add the dog water fountain, and it’s easy to see why the preserve is so popular.

The coastal bluffs are a photographer’s dream come true! The scenic overlook provides spectacular views of the Channel Islands on clear days and is one of the Central Coast’s best spots to watch sunsets. 

As mentioned, the preserve is adjacent to Hendry’s Beach, also known as Arroyo Burro Beach. Its restrooms, beachfront, and picnic tables make for an exciting day of activities on your getaway. And with the Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach steps from the surf, you can celebrate your adventures with a meal or a cocktail at sunset. 

Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the Douglas Family Preserve to enjoy the trails and cliffs for sport. Cyclists frequent the trails to enjoy riding the terrain while taking in the wondrous views. At a dedicated section of the preserve, hang gliders can launch themselves from the cliffs and soar over the Pacific and beach.  

A fun fact is that the preserve promotes sustainability with various programs. These include community-led volunteer efforts to maintain the trails and restore native plant species. This community stewardship encourages visitors to engage in the preservation process and become active participants.

Visiting Douglas Family Preserve is an essential experience when exploring Santa Barbara. Its blend of scenic beauty, trails, conservancy, and proximity to other landmarks make it a must-see for anyone looking to appreciate the natural landscape.

Getting There 

Here are step-by-step driving directions to Douglas Family Preserve from Santa Barbara: 

• Head west on W Cabrillo Blvd. 
• Turn left onto S Milpas St and continue for approximately 0.5 miles. 
• At the intersection, turn right onto E Montecito St. 
• Follow E Montecito St as it becomes Shoreline Dr. 
• Take a left onto Las Positas Rd and continue straight until you reach the preserve. 
• Turn right onto the access road leading to the parking area. 
• Address: 1212 Shoreline Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93108 

Cost 

Visiting and parking at the Douglas Family Preserve is free!