Waterfall Hikes Near Santa Barbara, CA

199,023 residents

Los Angeles Time Zone

7 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

Looking for the best waterfalls to hike near Santa Barbara? There are 7 waterfall hiking trails within a 50-mile radius of Santa Barbara. These trails range from easy to moderate difficulty, providing options for both casual hikers and experienced adventurers looking to explore the region's natural beauty.

Located at 34.4285°N, -119.7202°W

Map of Waterfalls Near Santa Barbara

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

7 of 7 gauged

7 waterfalls near Santa Barbara have live flow data today

Jackson Falls Moderate The Punch Bowl Moderate Nojoqui Falls Moderate Rose Valley Falls Barely Flowing Sisquoc Falls Barely Flowing Wellhouse Falls Barely Flowing Tangerine Falls Moderate

Updated 38 minutes ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Monday

Mostly Sunny · 81°F

Thu 73°F Patchy Fog then Mostly Cloudy

Fri 74°F Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny

Sat 76°F Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny

Sun 78°F Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny

Mon 81°F Mostly Sunny Best

Tue 83°F Mostly Sunny

Wed 83°F Mostly Sunny

Flowing best right now near Santa Barbara

Updated 38 minutes ago

Ranked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Santa Barbara hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Find waterfalls to hike near Santa Barbara

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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Santa Barbara (2 waterfalls)

Easy access waterfalls are drive-up or short-walk friendly. Perfect for families, casual visitors, or anyone who loves waterfalls but is "so-so" about hiking.

Nojoqui Falls

40.5 miles away

California

Easy

0.7 miles 100 ft

Rose Valley Falls

24.5 miles away

California

Easy

0.8 miles 200 ft

🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around Santa Barbara (4 waterfalls)

Bring your four-legged friend along! These waterfalls welcome dogs on their trails.

Tangerine Falls

34.3 miles away

California

Moderate

2.5 miles 900 ft

The Punch Bowl

0.2 miles away

California

Moderate

2.4 miles 350 ft

All 7 Waterfalls Near Santa Barbara

Tangerine Falls

34.3 miles away

California

Moderate

2.5 miles 900 ft

Wellhouse Falls

47.7 miles away

California

Moderate

2.4 miles 350 ft

Sisquoc Falls

47.1 miles away

California

Moderate

2.4 miles 350 ft

Nojoqui Falls

40.5 miles away

California

Easy

0.7 miles 100 ft

Rose Valley Falls

24.5 miles away

California

Easy

0.8 miles 200 ft

The Punch Bowl

0.2 miles away

California

Moderate

2.4 miles 350 ft

Jackson Falls

8.2 miles away

California

Moderate

2.5 miles 400 ft

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Santa Barbara

Are there free waterfalls near Santa Barbara?

There are 4 free waterfalls near Santa Barbara, including Nojoqui Falls.

Are there easy waterfall hikes near Santa Barbara?

There are 2 easy waterfall hikes near Santa Barbara, including Nojoqui Falls.

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in Santa Barbara?

There are 4 dog-friendly waterfalls near Santa Barbara, including Nojoqui Falls.

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near Santa Barbara?

There are 5 kid-friendly waterfalls near Santa Barbara, including Jackson Falls.

Can you swim in any waterfalls near Santa Barbara?

There is 1 waterfall that allows swimming near Santa Barbara, including The Punch Bowl.

What is the shortest waterfall hike near Santa Barbara?

The shortest waterfall hike near Santa Barbara is Jackson Falls at 0.7 miles round trip.

How tall are the waterfalls near Santa Barbara?

The tallest waterfall near Santa Barbara is Rose Valley Falls at 300 feet.

Do any waterfalls near Santa Barbara require permits?

Yes, 1 waterfall near Santa Barbara requires a permit. Check individual trail pages for current permit details.

Can I camp near the waterfalls around Santa Barbara?

Yes, 7 waterfalls near Santa Barbara have nearby campgrounds.

What is the closest waterfall to Santa Barbara?

The closest waterfall to Santa Barbara is Tangerine Falls, approximately 4.6 miles away.

🏙️ Other Cities Near Santa Barbara With Waterfalls

Eastern Goleta Valley, CA

29,563 residents

Goleta, CA

32,640 residents

University of California-Santa Barbara, CA

Nearby Hot Springs

Hot springs near Santa Barbara, California

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Montecito Hot Springs

5.1 mi 118°F

Montecito Hot Springs reaches 118°F on steep chaparral slopes 1,594 feet above sea level in the Santa Ynez Mountains, requiring...

Boron Spring

8.0 mi 72°F

Boron Spring seeps forth at 72°F from Santa Barbara County's coastal foothills near Toro Canyon, flowing just 8°F above ambient...

Little Caliente Spring

9.8 mi 90°F

Little Caliente Spring emerges at 90°F in the Los Padres National Forest, where thermal waters rise 28 degrees above ambient in...

San Marcos Hot Spring

12.0 mi 110°F

San Marcos Hot Spring emerges at 110°F on the slopes above Goleta in the Santa Ynez Mountains. The 49-degree temperature differ...

Agua Caliente Spring

12.1 mi 133°F

Agua Caliente Spring emerges at an exceptional 133 degrees Fahrenheit in the Santa Ynez Mountains of Santa Barbara County near ...

Vickers Hot Springs

19.4 mi 124°F

Vickers Hot Springs delivers 124-degree water in Los Padres National Forest near Ventura County, producing water 60 degrees war...

Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Santa Barbara, California on SoakingSprings.

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Where to Stay

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