Beaches:
Arroyo Burro Beach County Park
2981 Cliff Dr
Santa Barbara 93109
805-687-3714 • map
Known locally as Hendry's. Great for sunbathing, whale watching
Butterfly Beach
1230 Channel Dr
Montecito 93108
805-684-2811 • map
Long sandy beach with a gentle slope. Across from the Santa Barbara Biltmore. Great to walk or play in the waves
Carpinteria State Beach
Sixth St
Carpinteria 93013
805-684-2811 • map
Great beach for overnight camping and recreation. Good surf fishing and tide pooling. Excellent claming during minus tides
El Capitan State Beach
El Capitan State Beach Rd
Goleta 93117
805-968-1033 • map
Thriving tide pools. Includes park with nature trials and camp sites. Sea lions and seals offshore
Goleta Beach County Park
5986 Sandspit Rd
Goleta 93117
805-967-1300 • map
Stroll or fish from scenic 1500 ft. pier. Sand volleyball courts, fishing, picnic area, lifeguard
Jalama Beach County Park
Jalama Beach Rd
Lompoc 93436
805-736-6316 • map
Long, sandy beaches, good surfing and bird watching. Camping, general store
Leadbetter Beach
Shoreline and Loma Alta Dr
Santa Barbara 93109 • map
Excellent surfing beach, windsurfing haven. Landscaped picnic area
Lookout Beach County Park
Lookout Park Rd
Summerland 93067
805-969-1720 • map
Panoramic view from bluffs. Great surfing and sunbathing. Barbecue areas and hiking trails
Rincon Beach
U.S. 101 at Bates Rd
Carpinteria 93013 • map
One of the best spots in the area for surfing. Also known as a good place for surf fishing. Harbor seals frolic on the beach
West Beach
Cabrillo Blvd
Santa Barbara 93101 • map
Good swimming beach. Quiet, palm-lined beach. Lifeguard on duty
Parks:
Alameda Park
1400 Santa Barbara St
Santa Barbara 93101
805-564-5418 • map
Big 'KIDS WORLD' play structure for children - Family friendly with gardens and trails
Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens
244 E. Arrellaga St
Santa Barbara 93101 • map
Downtown jewel with desert plants and budding flowers. Peaceful - Beautiful landscaping with birds and butterflies
Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
Hwy 154
Santa Barbara 93105
805-686-5054 • map
Outstanding bird-watching, fishing, swimming pool, boating, over 500 camp sites. Year-round narrated nature cruises
Chase Palm Park
236 East Cabrillo Blvd
Santa Barbara 93101
805-962-8956 • map
10 acre shoreline park. Sports fields, bathhouse. Site of Sunday Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts show
El Presidio State Historic Park
123 East Canon Perdido St
Santa Barbara 93101
805-966-9719 • map
Restored or reconstructed buildings of 18th century Spanish fort. Exhibits, programs and guided tours
Franceschi Park
1510 Mission Ridge Rd
Santa Barbara 93103
805-564-5418 • map
Panoramic views of city, ocean and Channel Islands. Rare botanical collection, walkways and overlooks, picnic area
La Purisima Mission State Park
2295 Purisima Rd
Lompoc 93436
805-733-3713 • map
Mission Life Days, crafts demonstrations. Native American and mission relics. Gardens and 14 miles of hiking trails
Nojoqui Falls Park
3200 S. Alisal Rd
Solvang 93463
805-688-4217 • map
Beautiful 164 foot waterfall. Picnic and barbecue areas, athletic fields and playgrounds. Good spot for bird watching
Rocky Nook Park
610 Mission Canyon Rd
Santa Barbara 93105
805-568-2465 • map
Explore the foothills with beautiful rocks and creeks. Picnic and barbecue areas, limited parking
Shoreline Park
1237 Shoreline Dr
Santa Barbara 93109 • map
Incredible ocean and harbor views. Picnic and barbecue areas, great for families. Good spot for kite flying
Stevens Park
258 Canon Dr
Santa Barbara 93105 • map
Picnic and Barbecue area with kids play structure. Oak trees, rocks and trails
Stow Grove Park
La Patera Rd
Goleta 93117 • map
Large group picnic areas available for reservation. Softball, volleyball and horseshoe courts. Plenty of trees and trails
Tucker's Grove County Park
Cathedral Oaks Rd
Santa Barbara 93111
805-967-1112 • map
Large picnic grounds, good for dogs. Kids play areas with many foothill trails