City of Santa Barbara

These multi-use parks are usually larger than neighborhood parks and where special, pre-arranged activities and single purpose or theme recreational activities and functions occur. These are specialized facilities that serve a concentrated or limited population or specific group from a wide geographic area of the City.

One of City's oldest parks, this two-block park features unique rare trees, a gazebo, and is the home of Kids' World, an 8,000 square foot playground built by local residents containing a castle, swings and slides. Reservable children's party and picnic sites.
For reservation information, click one of the following.
[ Castle Site ][ Gazebo ][ Grassy Area ][ Picnic Area ][ Whale Site ]

Location: 1400 Santa Barbara Street
Hours: Sunrise-10pm

Oceanside: A palm-lined, narrow strip of park adjacent to East Beach with an oceanfront bikepath and walkway from Stearns Wharf to East Beach, home of the Sunday/Holiday Arts and Crafts Show. One soccer field.
Across street: This recent 10-acre addition to Santa Barbara's parks features fountains, creeks, a lagoon, carousel, snack bar and a Shipwreck Playground modeled after an ocean schooner from the turn of the century. Large grassy area site of free Summer Concert series. Indoor and outdoor areas available to rent.
For reservation information, click one of the following.
[ Grassy Area 1 ][ Grassy Area 2 ][ Floral Gateway ][ Great Meadow ][ Pavilion ]
[ Picnic Area 1 ][ Picnic Area 2 ][ Plaza ][ Skate Park ][ Soccer Field ]

Location: Both sides of East Cabrillo Boulevard
Hours: Sunrise-10pm / Skateboard Park 8am-1/2 hr after sunset

Located in the heart of the City, this is a cozy grass plaza with park benches and site of many public celebrations. It is a short distance to local cafes and shops on State Street.
[ De La Guerra Plaza ][ Storke Placita ]

Location: Santa Barbara City Hall
Hours: Sunrise-10pm

The Oak Park area of Mission Creek has been a popular picnic and recreation spot for Santa Barbara since Spanish times and is one of the most visited parks in the city. It is home to a wide variety of annual cultural festivals. Features stately Oak and Sycamore trees, two public tennis courts,2 playgrounds an outdoor wooden-raised dance floor, horseshoe pits, and reservable picnic and barbeque sites. An 18-inch deep wading pool for youth age seven and younger is open May-September with an on-duty lifeguard.
For reservation information, click one of the following.
[ Court 1 ][ Court 2 ][ Friendship Grove ][ Main Area ][ Stage Area ][ Sycamore Area ]

Location:300 West Alamar
Hours: Sunrise-10pm

A family-oriented park on the east side of the city, Ortega Park has 1 youth softball field, outdoor basketball courts, a children's playground, and a 4 foot deep swimming pool with on-duty lifeguard. Reservable picnic and barbecue sites.
For reservation information, click one of the following.
[ Alternate Area ][ Ortega Ball Field ][ Ortega Pool ][ Picnic Area ][ Welcome House ]

Location: 640 Salsipuedes
Hours: Sunrise-10pm

One of the oldest parks in the city located across from the harbor and Los Banos Pool with grassy areas, a band shell, and large shade trees The park has shared use with Santa Barbara City College for sports activities.
[ Band Shell ][ Grassy Area ]

Location: 23 Castillo Street
Hours: Sunrise-10pm

One of Santa Barbara's most popular parks, situated on the bluffs overlooking the beach and harbor. Features include a playground, large grassy areas, walking paths, views of the Channel Islands and whale watching, a sister city Japanese garden and a stairway to the beach. Reservable picnic and barbecue areas.
For reservation information, click one of the following.
[ Alternate Area ][ Picnic Area ]

Location: Shoreline Drive and La Marina
Hours: Sunrise-10pm

43-Skofield Park

Nestled high in the foothills, beyond the Botanical Gardens and adjacent to Rattlesnake Trail, this is the only city park with reservable camping areas for nonprofit youth groups. Large grassy meadows, walking and hiking trails, numerous native shade trees, and reservable picnic and barbecue sites in designated areas.
For reservation information, click one of the following.
[ Area A ][ Area B ][ Area C ][ Area D ]

Location: 1819 Las Canoas Road
Hours: Sunrise-1/2 hour after sunset except by permit