Santa Barbara Parks and Gardens

(Santa Barbara, California - CA, USA)



Santa Barbara has no shortage of breathtaking landscapes, serene parks and botanical gardens. Scattered throughout the city of Santa Barbara and along the coastline are many parks that are host to live music and various community activities.

From Frisbee players to couples strolling hand-in-hand, wedding celebrations and family gatherings, Santa Barbara residents and visitors alike are always enjoying the splendid parklands and grounds the city has to offer. Here are Santa Barbara's main parks and gardens.


Botanic Gardens

Address: 1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara, California CA, 93105, USA
Tel: +1 805 682 4726
The Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens occupy over 65 acres / 26 hectares in the historic Mission Canyon and display 1,000 species of native plants. Scenic trails travel across the historic Mission Dam and through 5.5 miles / 9 km of meadows and canyons providing stunning views of the California Islands. The gardens also feature an impressive library, garden shop and nursery.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and seniors; children under five free

Chase Palm Park

Address: East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, California CA, 93101, USA
Santa Barbara's Chase Palm Park, located across from East Beach, hosts a series of outdoor music pavilions, children's playground and carrousel, and scenic trails. A popular weekend destination for musical acts and picnics, there is also a bike and rollerblading trail, skateboard park and beach access making this a great place for people of all ages.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Mission Rose Garden

Address: Los Olivos Street and Laguna Street, Santa Barbara, California CA, 93101, USA
Mission Rose Garden is situated across from the historic Santa Barbara Mission and houses over 1,000 distinct rose varieties and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and cityscape. Surrounded by Spanish Colonial homes, the garden is beautifully manicured and always extremely fragrant.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Franceschi Park

Address: 1510 Mission Ridge Road, Santa Barbara (CA), USA
Tel: +1 805 564 5418
Encompassing the Franceschi Mansion and breathtaking views of the California coast, this 18-acre / 7-hectare park has both historic and scenic allure. The walking paths in Santa Barbara's Franceschi Park travel through an impressive collection of exotic plants, originally tended by Italian horticulturist Francesco Franceschi.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Lake Los Carneros

Address: Los Carneros and Calle Real, Goleta, California CA, USA
Spread around a 25-acre / 10-hectare lake, this park is home to the Stow House, the Southcoast Railroad Museum as well as beautiful walking trails along the water. A beautiful and quiet respite, Lake Los Carneros is a favorite destination among locals from Santa Barbara.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Shoreline Park

Address: Shoreline Drive and La Marina, Santa Barbara, California CA, USA
Neighboring the ocean, this scenic Santa Barbara park offers striking views of the California Islands, mountains and harbor. With fantastic tide pools and frequent dolphin and whale sightings, the area is teeming with marine life and families enjoying picnics.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free