Santa Barbara is a captivating, inviting community that is located in a beautiful, natural setting along the Pacific coast. The temperate climate and refreshing ocean breezes, very similar to the Mediterranean, have distinguished this area as "the jewel of the American Riviera." The landscape around the city includes mountainous terrain, preserved forests and wilderness areas, and stretches of undeveloped coast, allowing this scenic area to have miles of quiet, secluded hiking trails.

Day Hikes Around Santa Barbara is a comprehensive guide to 82 day hikes within a 50-mile radius of the city. The hikes include an excellent cross section of scenery and difficulty level, ranging from coastal beach walks to steep canyon climbs. Highlights include oceanside bluffs; beaches; tide pools; wetland preserves; sculpted gorges; rock outcroppings with caves; numerous waterfalls and secluded pools in mossy canyons; mountain ridge trails; historical sites; and stunning overlooks of wide mountain valleys, towns, and the Pacific Ocean. All hikes can be completed within a day (although map sources and references are included for extending the hike).

Each hike includes its own map, accurate driving and hiking directions, and a quick overview of distance/time/elevation. The summaries allow the hiker to choose a trail appropriate to their ability and desire. This 184-page book is a comprehensive hiker's guide to the area around Santa Barbara.

Companion hiking guides, also by Stone, include Day Hikes on the California Central Coast, Day Hikes Around San Luis Obispo County, and Day Hikes Around Ventura County.