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Community Gardens
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Learn how the Department is looking to increase access to community gardens HERE
Want to grow fruits, fine herbs, flowers and vegetables? Consider renting a garden plot at Rancheria or Yanonali Community Gardens. These gardens create a sense of community among neighbors and create opportunities to provide healthy food options. Plots are based on availability, vary in sizes and are renewed annually.
Garden Hours: Sunrise to ½ hour after sunset.
For more information call (805) 897-2560 or visit the Westside Neighborhood Center at 423 W. Victoria St.
Sections
The Cabrillo Pavilion offers clean and spacious locker rooms with showers and changing facilities just steps from East Beach.
Kids' World in Alameda Park is Santa Barbara's largest playground and has been a family destination for generations. The 8,000-square-foot wooden playground is designed for children ages 2 to 12 and features a castle, swings, and slides.…
The Cabrillo Pavilion Training Room is located on the beachfront level of the Cabrillo Pavilion. This classroom-style space suits a variety of activities, such as training classes, presentations, breakout sessions, and business meetings.…
The Cabrillo Pavilion Event Center, on the second floor of the Cabrillo Pavilion, is Santa Barbara’s premiere beachfront venue. The building leads out to the sands of East Beach, and panoramic ocean views make the upstairs Event Center an…
Located on the beachfront level of the Cabrillo Pavilion, this quaint conference room features a large table with 10 chairs, a television with full audio/visual connectivity, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Located in downtown Santa Barbara within the Carrillo Recreation Center lies a welcoming meeting room that offers a convenient central location to host your next business meeting, gathering, or presentation.
This upstairs dance studio features hardwood floors, a mirrored wall, three walls with ballet bars, and is temperature controlled to ensure comfort. A sound system with an audio jack is available for renter's use. If Bluetooth is needed,…
This ground floor dance studio features hardwood floors, two mirrored walls, 3 walls with ballet bars, a decorative fireplace, and is temperature controlled to ensure comfort. A sound system with an audio jack is available for renter's use…
This upstairs fitness studio features functional fitness equipment, rubber gym flooring laid over hardwood floors, mirrored walls, and is temperature controlled to ensure comfort.
The Municipal Tennis and Pickleball Center has served the Santa Barbara tennis community with a high quality facility since 1937. The Municipal Tennis and Pickleball Center features 8 tennis courts, 16 pickleball courts, multiple practice…
Lovely, secluded, grassy wedding ceremony site surrounded by palms and overlooking the beach and Leadbetter point. Located at the far West end of the Leadbetter beach Parking Lot, beyond the picnic tables.
This facility is used exclusively for Parks and Recreation youth programming.
The Cabrillo Pavilion offers a state-of-the-art fitness center and the perfect alternative to crowded, noisy gyms.
Located at the north end of Oak Park, these two recently renovated tennis courts offer free drop-in use on a first come, first served basis. The recent restriping of the courts created two blended line pickleball courts. Pickleball players…
Pershing Park offers 8 outdoor lighted tennis courts. Courts are available for free drop-in play on a first come first serve basis weekday evenings from 5:00pm - 10:00pm and weekends from 8:00am - 10:00pm.This is a shared facility with…
Six volleyball courts located at beautiful West Beach, with Stearns Wharf to the East and the Santa Barbara Harbor to the West.
reservation request
Leadbetter Beach is a City beach located between the Santa Barbara Harbor and Shoreline Park, and across from Santa Barbara City College.
Situated between Stearn's Wharf and the Harbor, West Beach offers a picturesque sandy area for sunbathing, swimming, picnics, kayaking, windsurfing, and beach volleyball. Large palm trees and a wide walkway/bike path make this beachfront…
The Laguna Creek Watershed once included the extensive El Estero estuary and freshwater marsh habitats that extended from the Pacific Ocean northward to Anapamu and Milpas Streets. Filled for development in the early 1900s, the watershed…
The Sycamore Creek Watershed covers about 2,600 acres and, like the Arroyo Burro and Mission Creek watersheds, the headwaters are in the Los Padres National Forest. It is one of the least developed watersheds in the City. Nine miles of…
The Mission Creek Watershed, with headwaters in the Los Padres National Forest, covers about 7,400 acres. Mission Creek extends about 7.5 miles from the mountains, winding through the downtown area, to East Beach just east of Stearns Wharf…
East Beach stretches from Stearns Wharf to the City limits just past the Clark Estate, on the eastern end of the four-mile stretch of City beach parks. East Beach offers picnic facilities, more than a dozen East Beach Volleyball…
With headwaters in the Los Padres National Forest, the Arroyo Burro Watershed covers about 5,600 acres. Its 11 miles of creeks includes tributaries Barger Canyon, San Roque, Las Positas, and Mesa. Arroyo Burro flows into the ocean at…
Once the site of the elegant El Mirasol Hotel, this downtown block is often called the "crown jewel" of City parks. Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden features a large botanical collection of 75 different tree and plant species, pond, sensory…
This open-space park contains a drop-in equestrian riding ring.
The City's largest group picnic site accommodating 150 guests. This site features a large stone BBQ and 35 picnic tables under a shady pergola. Adjacent to a playground, wading pool, public restrooms, 50-space parking lot and plenty of on-…
Stairway from Shoreline Park to the beach below. Shoreline Steps Beach offers dog owners a place to walk their pup off-leash.
The Carousel House is one of the most unique venues in Santa Barbara. Once home to a working carousel, this waterfront property on the western end of Chase Palm Park now serves as a light-filled, greenhouse-style event space with an…
The Jesusita Trail runs through City, County, and private property. It begins just after the Cater Water Treatment plant at the end of San Roque Road. It connects to the Stevens Park Trail, which has a restroom, playground, and…
This nearly 200-acre open space features many of Santa Barbara’s native landscapes, including chaparral, woodlands, grassland, and scrublands. Situated in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Range, Parma Park bridges urban areas to the Los…
This quaint neighborhood park contains a playground for five- to twelve-year-olds, benches, and many colorful plants and trees. It is often used by young families and is popular for its pleasant landscaping.
Learn more about upcoming Douglas Family Preserve Improvements.
The Louise Lowry Davis Center, built in 1923, and renovated in 2024, is located two blocks from State Street in Santa Barbara’s Arts District. The venue has an Activity Lounge adjacent to a private outdoor patio, and a larger Event Room,…
Romero Trail is a good option for those looking for a less travelled trail with options to create a loop. Romero trailhead begins as part of Old Romero Road, splits off into a single track approximately ½ mile from the start, and ends at…
Learn more about the Chumash Cultural Project at Ambassador Park here.
Located across from West Beach, this small park has a scenic view of the harbor, wharf, and islands. Once part of the Chumash village of Syuxtun, the park contains…
Picturesque city vistas, walking paths, a half-size basketball court and playground for two- to five-year-olds are features of this park located on the Mesa. Oak woodlands and wildflowers add to the beauty of this unique site.
The Oak Park Dance Floor is for usage by numerous community dance groups and fitness instructors offering group instruction classes. This space is not available for private gatherings/ events.
This 14,600 square foot skatepark is located along the waterfront. Features include a half-pipe, rails, fun boxes, and other skating elements. Helmets and elbow and knee pads are required at all times. Admission is free.
With its soaring ceilings, vintage charm, and one of the best dance floors in the region, the Carrillo Ballroom is a standout venue. Nestled inside the historic Carrillo Recreation Center in downtown Santa Barbara, this spacious and…
This lush neighborhood park features a playground for five- to twelve-year-olds, reservable picnic sites, towering trees, and a short walk to an ocean view.
Built in 1996, this tiny gem of a neighborhood park features hand-painted tiles by local children, a playground for two- to twelve-year-olds, public fitness equipment, and lawn areas.
A small neighborhood park overlooking the city and a good place for some quiet reading, an informal picnic, or a quick walk with a dog.
This park is closed for the construction of the Dwight Murphy Field Renovation Project.
The MacKenzie Center, located in midtown Santa Barbara within MacKenzie Park, is a warm and inviting venue ideal for intimate gatherings and special celebrations. Adjacent to open green space and just steps from a playground, the MacKenzie…
The Romero Trail connector connects Romero trail to the Edison Catway which runs along the Santa Barbara front country to Hot Springs trail. The connector is located about a tenth of a mile up the single track portion of Romero Trail. It…
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…
Learn more about the project to reimagine the site of Franceschi House here. Originally the home of famed botanist Francesco Franceschi, the grounds of this park offer unmatched views of the city below and contain a rare botanical…
Shaded by huge sycamore trees, this creek side group picnic area can accommodate up to 55 guests. This site has plenty of picnic tables a large stone barbecue, and is adjacent to restrooms. Electricity is available for an additional fee. 1…
Nestled high in the foothills, this park boasts grassy meadows, walking and hiking trails, numerous native shade trees and reservable picnic and barbecue sites.
Built in 1914, the historic Carrillo Recreation Center is centrally located downtown on the corner of Carrillo and Anacapa Streets. Recently restored, the versatile building is reservable for private events and features event rooms of many…
This tucked-away neighborhood park is a popular site for all kinds of celebrations. The grassy area is the ideal setting for a wedding… complete with a magnificent ocean view.
Two softball fields and one baseball field adjacent to eight lighted hard tennis courts. Courts open to the public weekends and after 5pm weekdays. Eight courts lit until 9pm Monday–Sunday.
Known as the Thousand Steps, 1000 Steps, One Thousand Steps, and (originally) Camino al Mar, this 157-step, multi-tier stairway will take you from the cliffs at the end of Santa Cruz Boulevard to the beach below. The steps included a rigid…
This idyllic beach area is east of Milpas Street and borders the Cabrillo West parking lot. The open beach area allows ample room for a variety of events. Out of consideration for the events at the Cabrillo Pavilion on the weekends,…
Clubhouse building for MacKenzie Park Lawn Bowls Club. Closed to public, operated by tenant.
This open-space park in Las Positas Valley along Arroyo Burro was acquired in 2016. A creek restoration project was completed in 2018, which included improving existing walking trails and providing creek-viewing areas. Phase two of this…
The Franklin Neighborhood Center is located on the eastside of Santa Barbara adjacent to the Eastside Library. The Center has its own parking lot and several options for room rentals. This is a great location for private events such as…
This free pool is open seasonally for children 7 and under. All city pools have lifeguards on duty.
Nestled high in the foothills, this park has 4 reservation areas for day use. Area A is the largest site in the park accommodating up to 100 guests.
Located next door to the Carrillo Recreation Center, the Carrillo Street Gymnasium features an indoor court and a recently remodeled rooftop court that supports basketball, volleyball, futsal, and small-sided soccer activities. Courts…
This neighborhood park, just above Shoreline Drive, is a popular site for family picnics and birthday parties accommodating up to 50 guests. The shady picnic site contains plenty of picnic tables, a large stone barbecue, a sink and a small…
Softball field located at 100 Castillo Street can be reserved for multiple sports including softball, soccer, kickball, lacrosse, etc.
Rattlesnake Canyon Trail starts at a creek crossing off of Las Canoas Road. This is a very popular trail for locals and visitors alike due to its moderate climb, year-round creek, and mostly shaded trail. The trail is adjacent to Skofield…
The Alameda Park Bandstand Repair Project is complete.A designated City Landmark, the Alameda Bandstand was originally built in 1888 after residents petitioned for its creation to provide the public with a place for entertainment.
This fabulous site is right on the beach, flanked by palm trees and the colorful Chromatic Gate on one side and the blue Pacific Ocean on the other. Located at the intersection of Cabrillo Boulevard and Calle Puerto Vallarta, it is the…
A two-level park with lawn bowling greens, a clubhouse, a rentable recreation building with kitchen, fireplace, barbecue pit, and large patio adjacent to open playing fields. There's a playground for two- to five-year-olds, two youth…
San Ysidro Trail begins on East Mountain Road and moves up San Ysidro Canyon to its crest at East Camino Cielo. The trail is a lighter used trail in comparison with other front country trails. The trail moves through riparian habitat along…
Arroyo Burro Trail begins roughly half a mile after you start your hike up the Jesusita Trail, and ends at East Camino Cielo. The trail switches back and forth between dirt trail, paved road, and dirt road. This trail is strenuous and…
This walking trail is in Stevens Park and begins from the parking lot, to the right of the developed parkland. This trail is an easy walk along San Roque Creek. The trail quickly connects to the Jesusita Trail, a moderately strenuous front…
Former Park Superintendent E. O. Orpet established this 4-acre, two parcel (both sides of the street) park as a horticultural showplace in 1921, and used the Olmsted Brothers to draw the plans. The park features distant ocean views, rare…
Area B has a BBQ and picnic tables accommodating up to 45 guests.
This building is closed for a construction project.
This open space, tucked back in a neighborhood area, is ideal for a walk with a dog (on-leash, please), a hike through the natural chaparral landscape, an informal softball game, or watching the city lights from the secluded peace of the…
Softball field located at 100 Castillo Street can be reserved for multiple sports including softball, soccer, kickball, lacrosse, etc.
Tunnel Trail is one of Santa Barbara's most popular trails for hikers and bikers alike. The trail's popularity comes from its challenge as well its views of waterfalls and ocean vistas. The trailhead begins roughly ¾ a mile up Tunnel Road…
Covering two blocks, Alameda Park is one of the oldest City parks - originally, it was six whole blocks, known as Alameda Plaza. The park features rare trees and a bandstand built in 1888 for local concerts. The park is also home to Kids’…
The park along East Beach's eastern end has more than a dozen beach volleyball courts, multiple picnic sites, shady trees, a playground, angled street parking, and an entrancing view of the waves.
The Mesa Lane Steps provide the only access to the beach from the cliffs for one mile in either direction, and a beautiful view from the top.
Open to the public 365 days a year, Santa Barbara Golf Club is a well-manicured, impeccably maintained 18-hole regulation par-70 golf course with sweeping views of the Santa Ynez foothills and the Pacific Ocean.
The course measures 6,022…
This property is not open to the public, but is available for tours upon request. Please contact the Creeks Division at Creeks@SantaBarbaraCA.gov for more information.
Open-space parkland and a trail head for Cold Spring Trail.
Learn more about the Ortega Park Revitalization Project here.
A family-oriented park with a youth softball field, outdoor basketball courts, multi-use athletic field, playground for five- to twelve-year-olds, and a four-foot-deep…
Area C has picnic tables, BBQs and plenty of shade to accommodating up to 55 guests.
Made up of two areas on either side of Cabrillo Boulevard. Ocean Side: A narrow park adjacent to East Beach with an open grassy area and bike path/walkway from Stearns Wharf to East Beach, and home of the Sunday Arts and Crafts show.…
Located west of Shoreline Cafe, this site is the perfect setting for a wonderful beach wedding with Leadbetter Point in the background providing a dramatic backdrop against the waves of the Pacific Ocean.
Santa Barbara’s first City park, Plaza de Vera Cruz is a Lower State neighborhood park featuring an open lawn area with large eucalyptus trees, palms, and rare Montezuma Cypress trees.In 2021, The Parks and Recreation Department partnered…
Mid-Century municipal charm for neighborhood parties and meetings. The Westside Neighborhood Center is located in the heart of the Westside near downtown Santa Barbara. The building is a fixture of one of Santa Barbara’s oldest…
For anyone with children, the 8,000 square foot playground known as "Kids' World" is a must. The playground, built by local residents, contains a castle, swings, slides, sculptures and picnic tables. The "Castle" picnic area, located…
This busy beach is popular for its volleyball courts, sporting activities and mild ocean currents. It plays host to numerous private wedding ceremonies and public special events throughout the year. The rentable area of this beach is the…
This park contains ruins of Mission Santa Barbara’s old reservoir, aqueduct, tannery vats, filter house, grist mill, and pottery. But it's best known for the southern portion of the park, which is home to the stunning A.C. Postel Memorial…
Clubhouse building for Spencer Adams Lawn Bowls Club. Closed to public, operated by tenant.
An adorably-tiny corner park with benches and a playground for two- to five-year-olds.
An open-space park with trails and eucalyptus woodlands; dogs are allowed off-leash. Hale Park was once part of Solana, Frederick J. Peabody's estate.
This picnic area is at the corner of Salsipuedes and Cota Street. Nearby basketball courts, a children's playground, kiddie pool and playing fields make this a good place for many outdoor activities.
Area D has a BBQ and picnic tables accommodating up to 30 guests.
The Great Meadow in Chase Palm Park is a large, rolling grassy meadow popular for community events, large-corporate gatherings or day-time private events with live or amplified music.
Capacity for Community Events: 2,000 maximum…
Large beach and park adjacent to the Santa Barbara Harbor and Shoreline Park. Many catamaran sailors and wind surfers use this beach. Reservable grassy picnic and barbecue sites.
Dogs are not allowed on the sand at Leadbetter Beach.
Established as a City park in 1899, Plaza del Mar was long a favorite location for strolling and outdoor gatherings along the waterfront.
In the autumn, this neighborhood park is one of the most colorful in the area as the leaves on the deciduous Liquidambar styraciflua trees change color to a fiery orange before falling. The park has a playground for two- to five-year-olds…
The Harriet Miller site at Alameda Park is located on the western side of the "Kids' World" playground. This shady picnic site is close to restrooms and can accommodate up to 40 guests.
Have a day at the beach! Picnic #1 is next to the volleyball courts and is the closest table to the public parking lot. The site capacity is 20 people but since there's only one picnic table onsite, we encourage you to bring in additional…
This stunning, all-American Rose Garden, sometimes referred to as "Mission Rose Garden," sits just across from the Santa Barbara Mission in Mission Historical Park. Reservations for private gatherings can be accommodated within the last…
What used to be an open-air potable water reservoir is now a walker's delight, hosting several trails among native landscaping, boulders, and views of the foothills. The 2003 Sheffield Reservoir Water Quality Project undergrounded the…
Adjacent to a playground, this picnic area can accommodate up to 25 guests.
This partially-developed, open-space park offers a lawn, barbecue facilities, playground for two- to five-year-olds, and creekside walking path.
This free, heated pool is open seasonally for children 13 and under and their caregivers. All city pools have lifeguards on duty.
This downtown park features lawn bowling greens and a clubhouse. The park is next to the Louise Lowry Davis Center and the Twelve35 Teen Center.
Located in Chase Palm Park, this picnic area is on the West side of the Shipwreck Playground. This site accommodates up to 15 guests and is adjacent to restrooms.
Located at the West end of the parking lot, this beachfront group picnic site accommodates up to 65 guests. Plenty of tables and a BBQ are located within the site. Beer and Wine are allowed with a reservation.Important Information:Please…
Established as a City park in 1899, Plaza del Mar was a favorite location for strolling and outdoor gatherings. The Plaza del Mar Band Shell, a designated City of Santa Barbara landmark, was constructed in 1919 to provide a venue…
Want to grow fruits, fine herbs, flowers and vegetables? Consider renting a garden plot at Yanonali Community Garden. These gardens create a sense of community among neighbors and create opportunities to provide healthy food options. Plots…
This mid-town park is one of the City's oldest parks, dating back to 1902, and is home to "Kids' World," an 8,000 square foot playground built by local residents. This large picnic area is located outside the "Kids' World" playground,…
Bring your friends and family to the beach! Picnic #2 is next to the volleyball courts and is adjacent to Picnic #1 but slightly farther from the public parking lot. The site capacity is 20 people but since there's only two picnic tables…
Planted in 1876, this tree is one of the largest of its kind in the nation, with a trunk measuring 38 feet in circumference
One of our most popular parks overlooking the beach and harbor, Shoreline Park features a playground for two- to five-year-olds, large grassy areas, walking paths, views of the Channel Islands, whale watching area, a stairway to the beach…
A neighborhood park with large shady trees, room for informal soccer games, picnic areas, native plants, and a playground for five- to twelve-year-olds. Across the creek, facing San Andres Street, is a charming pocket park with a house…
This small neighborhood park is a pure gem with stunning views of the city and the Santa Ynez mountains. Picnic area is located under a shady Oak accommodating up to 20 guests.
One hundred years of Spanish-style charm at this Santa Barbara wedding and event venue in Ortega Park. The Ortega Welcome House, built in 1917, is located at the corner of Ortega and Salsipuedes Streets on the east side of Santa…
A canyon park reaching up San Roque Canyon to Jesusita Trail; contains a playground for two- to five-year-olds, creekside and hiking trails through San Roque Canyon. Picnic sites allow reservations.
Located in Chase Palm Park, this picnic site is on the East side of the Shipwreck Playground. This site accommodates up to 15 guests and is adjacent to restrooms.
Want to grow fruits, fine herbs, flowers and vegetables? Consider renting a garden plot at Rancheria Community Garden. These gardens create a sense of community among neighbors and create opportunities to provide healthy food options.…
For anyone with children, the 8,000 square foot playground known as Kids' World is a must. The playground, built by local residents, contains a castle, swings, slides, sculptures and picnic tables. The "Whale" picnic area, located inside…
Beautiful beach volleyball courts overlooking the Pacific Ocean. 20-30 courts depending on season, tides, and sand on the beach. Tournaments, leagues, high schools, and local colleges all use these courts.reservation request
A popular picnic and recreation site. Home to a variety of cultural festivals. Playgrounds for two- to twelve-year-olds, two public tennis courts, an outdoor raised wooden dance floor, horseshoe pits, and reservable picnic and barbecue…
This is the site on the eastern end of Shoreline Park near La Marina Drive. Providing a view of the Santa Barbara coastline, it's a stunning location for wedding ceremonies and special events.
This softball field has a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean and is the site of Herbert Bayer’s Chromatic Gate sculpture. A ⅓-mile walking path around the perimeter of the park contains 13 outdoor fitness equipment stations, offering…
A small park with beautiful views of the city and Santa Ynez mountains that can be enjoyed from the picnic tables or the playground area, which is for two- to five-year-olds.
This 5.3 acre open-space park was acquired by the City in 2019, with plans for a creek restoration project along Arroyo Burro.
Located in the San Roque area, this neighborhood park has a playground, a creek and hiking trails. The picnic site has picnic tables and a BBQ grill accommodating up to 30 guests.
Cold Spring Trailhead is located off Cold Springs Road in Montecito, California. It is known for its many pools and perennial streams that move through coldwater and Matilija sandstone. Visitors are likely to encounter hikers/joggers, dogs…
Los Baños del Mar, our historic 50-meter beachside pool, is heated to 80° and open year-round with lifeguards on duty. The facility is open for public lap swim and swim lessons. It is also home to Santa Barbara Swim Club, Santa…
Rattlesnake Canyon includes Rattlesnake Trail, a popular hiking and equestrian destination that connects with other front country trails. Mountain biking is not allowed.
Often called the "crown jewel" of city parks, this downtown garden features a diverse botanical collection, koi pond, sensory garden, and lovely areas to sit and get away from the city bustle and noise. The "arbor area" is close to…
Close to the Franklin Neighborhood Center, this neighborhood park is a popular location for barbecues and birthday parties. The playground children ages 2-5, with Santa Barbara's first public nest swing for parents and children to enjoy…
Friendship Grove is nestled away in a quiet corner of Oak Park and has a woodsy feel. This tree-studded picnic site is located next to the tennis courts and parking lot. Capacity is 40 people, with seating for 30 people. Note that…
Shoreline Park is situated high on the bluffs overlooking the Santa Barbara coastline. This picnic area can accommodate up to 50 guests and is adjacent to both restrooms and a playground. 2 small parking lots are nearby. Amplified and live…
The Cabrillo Pavilion is Santa Barbara's premier beachfront venue with options to host large events, small meetings, training seminars, and more! Looking for a place to get a workout in or rinse off after a day at the beach? The Cabrillo…
Open-space parkland with hiking trails through large shade trees and California Coast Live Oaks.
Tucked just steps from the sand, the Palm Park Beach House is a coastal gem on the ocean side of Cabrillo Boulevard in Chase Palm Park. This picturesque beach villa features a Spanish-style entryway that opens into a contemporary main room…
Pedestrian alley between De La Guerra Plaza and State Street.
Located in the heart of downtown, close to State Street’s Paseo Nuevo shopping mall and right next to City Hall, this grass plaza is the site of many public celebrations.
A small open area with one paved path and a creek bed along the back edge.
The Ridge Trail makes a 3 mile loop around Parma Park and is moderately strenuous. This trail is mostly visited by neighbors and offers a quieter walking area. Visitors are likely to encounter: hikers/joggers, dogs, and poison oak.…