Santa Barbara Recreation

With beautiful weather year-round and a unique environment of mountains meeting the sea, Santa Barbara is the perfect place to play outside. Santa Barbara has numerous beaches, parks, hiking trails, mountain biking trails, golf courses, public tennis courts, and the list goes on. Following are a few good suggestions for beaches and parks—all within walking distance. Bicycles, kayaks, surreys, and motorized scooters can also be rented nearby.

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West Beach

Where State Street meets the ocean on either side of Stearns Wharf – Cabrillo Blvd. at Harbor Way. Ideally suited for sailing, fishing, swimming, and picnicking. (East Beach is approximately one mile south and has volleyball courts, a bath house, restaurant, and arts center. A little bit further than easy walking distance).

Stearns Wharf

Where State Street meets the ocean. Although this isn’t a beach or a park, you’ll find it hard to miss if you follow State Street to the ocean in search of beaches or the Santa Barbara Yacht Harbor. An adventure on its own, Stearns Wharf is the oldest operating wharf on the West Coast, complete with shops, some of the most famous restaurants in Santa Barbara, and The Nature Conservancy and Sea Center.

Chase Palm Park

Cabrillo Boulevard, along the Waterfront. The park includes a lagoon and creeks, picnic area, strolling/jogging paths, an antique carousel, a public meeting area, indoor and outdoor youth activity areas, and plenty of places for just relaxing.

Leadbetter Beach

Shoreline Drive at Loma Alta. Next to the Santa Barbara Yacht Harbor. Good surfing, windsurfing, and B-B-Q beach.

Los Banos del Mar Pool

401 Shoreline at Castillo 966-6110 Professional 50-meter pool offering year-round swimming. You’ll also find a large heated wading pool for children 7 years old and under. Children’s pool open from May to September.

Alameda Park

1400 Santa Barbara Street. Shady downtown park with picnic area and amazing children’s play area.

Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens

1500 Santa Barbara Street. Lovely garden park with gazebo overlooking the famous ‘piranha’ pond.