To celebrate KORU BEAR’s 3rd Gotcha Day, we decided to take a drive to dog friendly Santa Barbara. We are excited to be on the road again. Our 2020 #MazdaCX-5 Signature AWD car ride was smooth and the two-hour drive seemed very short (so happy there was no traffic in Los Angeles).

Mazda provided Golden Woofs a 2020 #MazdaCX-5 Signature AWD to test drive in exchange for sharing experience about the vehicle. Golden Woofs only shares information we feel is relevant and useful to our readers.

We had a list of dog-friendly Santa Barbara places and things to do but due to the COVID-19 pandemic not all establishments have opened. From my list, we accomplished six. It was actually good since we are only visiting for the day.

2020 Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD offers many safety features that complimented our 140-mile drive to Santa Barbara.

The CX-5 has a beautiful luxury feeling interior design with Nappa leather-trimmed seats and layered wood trim. Plus, the awesome stereo provided musical enjoyment on our long car ride.

Gotcha Day Trip to Dog Friendly Santa Barbara

1.
Chromatic Gate
Our first stop is the must-see multi-colored rainbow arch; Herbert Bayer’s Chromatic Gate. This 21-foot, 12.5 tons rainbow archway was built in 1991 as a memorial to both Herbert Bayer and his wife Joella, by Paul Mills, Art Director at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.

Santa Barbara Herbert Bayer’s Chromatic Gate is located on the corner of East Cabrillo Blvd. and Calle Puerto Vallarta

2.
Mission Park and Rose Garden
A lovely park also known as “The Road Garden,” which is adjacent to Old Mission Santa Barbara. The garden contains over 1,500 rose plants and in bloom between April and November.

This park is a popular place to chill and have picnics on the grass while enjoying the fragrant roses and magnificent views of the Old Mission.

The dog friendly Mission Park and Rose Garden is located at 2201 Laguna Street

KORU BEAR occupied the back seat (good for a large dog or two small/medium dogs). The headroom accommodated his height with enough room to sit or stand up.

3.
Downtown Santa Barbara
Many shops and restaurants were still closed; so we only drove by downtown Santa Barbara to admire the distinctive architecture. We were told that Santa Barbara’s downtown State Street is known as one of America’s most pedestrian-friendly downtowns.

4.
Stearns Wharf
One of Santa Barbara’s most iconic landmarks is Stearns Wharf; named for builder John P. Stearns. Stearns Wharf is California’s oldest working wharf. KORU BEAR loved the salty breezes and the ocean view.

Stearns Wharf located at 217 Stearns Wharf, cross-section of the end of State Street and Cabrillo

5.
Montecito
A short drive from Santa Barbara (about 4 miles), we visited the town Montecito (Spanish for “little mount”). We strolled down the popular Coast Village Drive.

We decided to dine at Lucky’s dog friendly patio. Our meal was delicious and KORU BEAR was able to relax, hydrate, and enjoy a special dog chew.

Lucky’s is located at 1279 Coast Village Rd, Montecito, CA

6.
Arroyo Burro Beach
Ended our Santa Barbara day trip at dog-friendly Arroyo Burro Beach; known to the locals as Hendry’s Beach. A must visit! Dogs are allowed to be off-leash on the beach just east of the creek.

KORU BEAR had a pawtastic time. Best Day Ever! Also, an awesome treat for pawrents, there’s a self-serve dog wash stations avoiding wet dog smell in your car.

Arroyo Burro Beach County Park is located at 2981 Cliff Drive; 5 miles west of Santa Barbara’s city center

Feel Alive 2020 Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD had shown excellent performance on the highway and FUN to Drive!

Mazda’s CX-5 is named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Also, a government five-star ratings from the National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These safety recognitions provide peace of mind.

To learn more about CX-5, call your local Mazda dealership. Many dealerships are now offering no-touch test-drives” and home delivery.

Lots of Golden Thanks to Mazda for providing us to test drive the 2020 Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD and brought us joy celebrating KORU BEAR’s Gotcha Day celebration at dog friendly Santa Barbara.