For nearly a century, More Mesa has been one of Santa Barbara’s most cherished open spaces. Its scenic trails, sweeping coastal views, and wildlife-rich habitats offer a rare combination of recreation and tranquility. Visitors come to walk, run, cycle, birdwatch, ride horses, and access the beach — activities that connect people to nature and each other. Tens of thousands now enjoy the mesa’s roughly ten miles of informal trails each year, reflecting the community’s deep attachment to More Mesa as a place of health, recreation, and inspiration.
Photo credit: Mark Bright
In October 2025, the More Mesa Preservation Coalition (MMPC) published Recreational Use and Values of More Mesa, a comprehensive report documenting how the public uses and values this extraordinary coastal open space. Download the full report (PDF).
The study revealed that visitors come to More Mesa frequently—many weekly or even daily—most often for walking, running, dog walking, and cycling. Seventy-six percent of respondents said More Mesa is very important to their personal fitness routine, showing its essential role in supporting community health and everyday recreation. Beyond recreation, visitors consistently value its open space, wildlife habitat, scenic beauty, and access to the coast. Mockingbird Lane emerged as the most common entry point, reflecting both neighborhood proximity and direct access to the beach. Despite its popularity, most people were unaware that the majority of More Mesa remains privately owned and therefore vulnerable to future development.
Photo credit: Gisela Kommerell
More Mesa is not just a place to play—it’s part of the community’s identity. The survey results underscore how vital this landscape is for health, recreation, and well-being. With increasing development pressures along the South Coast, the need to preserve More Mesa for public recreation and wildlife habitat has never been greater. MMPC’s ongoing goal is to secure the permanent protection of all 325 acres of More Mesa, ensuring that future generations can experience the same freedom, beauty, and connection to nature that the community enjoys today.
Photo credit: Meredith Klassen
To learn more about recreation, stewardship, and conservation at More Mesa, explore the full report: Recreational Use and Values of More Mesa (MMPC, October 2025).