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Title

Andrée Clark Bird Refuge

The Andrée Clark Bird Refuge is a 42-acre open space park that includes a 29-acre lake, and an artificially modified estuary that supports brackish  (slightly salty) wetlands. The park provides passive recreation opportunities such as bird watching, hiking, and biking. Boating and fishing are prohibited, as is feeding the wildlife. This park's lake provides a safe haven for migratory and local birds. A multi-modal (walking, running, and biking) path, interpretive self-guided tours, and walking trails make this a popular spot. Outdoor fitness equipment at the adjacent Stretch Station with outdoor fitness equipment allows stretching before or after exercise in the area.

The eastern and southern perimeter of the Bird Refuge includes a Class I bike path around the lake that extends from the Bird Refuge, along the ocean and Harbor, to Shoreline Park. The Bird Refuge includes walking paths along the northern shore and three viewing platforms that provide excellent opportunities for bird and other wildlife observation. Over 200 species of birds have been observed at the Bird Refuge. Native and non-native turtles can be observed basking on floating vegetation and along the perimeter of the islands. Sensitive wildlife resources present at the Bird Refuge include tidewater goby, southwest pond turtle, and several birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Space Details
Amenities

Amenities

  • Dogs On-Leash
  • Hiking Trails/Walking Paths
  • Waterfront Location
  • Stretch Station
  • Wildlife Viewing
Acres
Acres
42.42
Year
Year
1909
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Explore the Coast

Santa Barbara is situated along the California Coastal Trail - a network of trails along California’s coast intended to provide use and enjoyment for walkers, bikers, equestrian riders, and wheelchair users, as well as connect coastal communities. Currently, 60 percent of the trail is complete, covering over 700 miles of California’s coastline. Within Santa Barbara, the trail includes over six miles of paved multi-use paths adjacent to some of Santa Barbara’s most popular beaches, dirt trails through open space parks, and amazing vistas of the Santa Barbara Channel and offshore islands. Users will experience the coastal breeze and enjoy sounds of the waves, while also noticing the bustling and thriving community nearly 90,000 people call home.

Download our free audio tour files and explore the coast like never before. They are provided in MP3 format and are compatible with most devices. The printable Santa Barbara Coastal Trail Map directs you to 11 stops as you listen to the stories that helped transform Santa Barbara's coast. Watch this video to learn more. 

Maps, podcasts and video were funded in part by the California State Coastal Conservancy through the "Explore the Coast" grant program.