Santa Barbara, CA — September 11, 2025 — After nearly 15 years of searching, dreaming, and finally building, The Pad Climbing is officially opening its doors in Santa Barbara on Friday, September 19. Located in the Magnolia Shopping Center, the brand-new facility marks the region’s first full-scale climbing gym, with over 14,000 square feet of terrain, top-rope walls reaching 37 feet high, dedicated bouldering areas, a yoga studio, coworking lounge, showers, and all-gender restrooms.
“While we started in San Luis Obispo over two decades ago, it has been clear for a long time that Santa Barbara wanted what we had up north,” said Kristin Horowitz, CEO of The Pad Climbing. “We faced every obstacle imaginable: zoning, real estate, recessions, pandemics…but we never let go of the vision. It’s deeply personal. Santa Barbara has always felt like home—my family lives and is buried here.”
Founded in 2002, The Pad has grown into a nationally recognized, employee-owned climbing gym collective with locations in California, Nevada, and New York. Known for its inclusive, equity-driven approach to climbing, The Pad offers:
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24/7 member access
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Free rental gear for all climbers
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Included intro classes to help new climbers get started
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Discounted memberships for students, educators, healthcare workers, and families
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Scholarships through the Climb4Community fund
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Youth and adaptive programs for all abilities
The new Santa Barbara location adds 30+ jobs to the local economy and underscores The Pad’s commitment to building gyms by and for the communities they serve. While the facility opens for regular use on September 19, the team is planning a free Grand Opening celebration later this month, featuring vendor booths, activities, and climbing for everyone—no gear or experience required.
“This gym is a love letter to the Central Coast,” Horowitz added. “It’s bold, accessible, and rooted in local ownership. And it’s just the beginning.”
Media Contact:
Madison Milton-Smith
madison.miltonsmith@thepadclimbing.org
About The Pad Climbing
Founded in 2002, The Pad is a multi-location climbing gym brand committed to building community through movement. With facilities in San Luis Obispo, Las Vegas, Binghamton (NY), and Santa Barbara, The Pad is an industry leader in equity, employee ownership, and values-based growth. It has been recognized by Pacific Coast Business Times as one of the Best Places to Work and was named one of six national businesses “Leading on Leave” by the National Partnership for Women & Families.
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