Parks and Open Spaces
The parks and open spaces within Isla Vista, Goleta, and surrounding areas present all individuals the ability to enjoy the outdoors and soak up California’s natural beauty. From small sunbathing lawns to large beach access these areas provide a variety of environments for relaxation, recreation, and connection with nature.
950 Embarcadero Del Mar, Goleta, CA 93117
Hours
Anisq’Oyo Park, Isla Vista’s first community-created park, showcases a rustic windmill and a serene pond teeming with wildlife. With grassy picnic areas, play equipment for kids, and the historic Anisq’Oyo’ Amphitheater—perfect for events—this central hub combines nature and community spirit in a vibrant setting.
721 Camino Corto, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
Camino Corto Open Space is a 20.5-acre preserve nestled between El Colegio and Camino Corto Roads. Adjacent to Isla Vista Elementary and UCSB Stables, it features restored native plants, vernal pools, Camino Corto Creek, and scenic nature trails. Educational signs enhance the experience for visitors exploring this natural area.
6600 Del Playa Dr, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
Renovated in 2002, Camino Pescadero Park features new walkways and native plantings alongside picnic tables and benches. With a recreational lawn and educational signs highlighting Chumash history, it offers stunning ocean views. An outdoor shower is a popular spot for surfers and beachgoers, enhancing this inviting community space.
6681 Picasso Rd, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
Children’s Park, located in a family-friendly area of Isla Vista, offers a welcoming space for kids and parents. Featuring play equipment surrounded by a sand pit, cozy benches, and a large shaded structure with picnic tables, it’s perfect for gatherings. A covered gazebo on a small hill provides a scenic view, while amenities like a bathroom, small lawn for activities, and a peaceful oak grove enhance the park’s charm. A community bulletin board keeps neighbors connected, making it an ideal spot for families.
6843 Del Playa Dr, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
Del Playa Open Space spans 8.21 acres of both county and District-owned land, originally acquired to preserve the blufftop’s natural landscape. This area now hosts a vernal pool, contributing to local ecological and educational projects. Its preservation offers a vital habitat in the densely populated region, enhancing community appreciation for nature.
6795 El Colegio Rd, Goleta, CA 93117
Hours
Del Sol Vernal Pool Reserve covers approximately 12 acres along El Colegio and Camino Corto Roads, adjacent to Abrego residences. This natural space features native plants, vibrant vernal pools, and winding nature trails, complemented by educational signs that enhance visitor understanding of the ecosystem. It’s a serene spot for exploration and learning in the community.
889 Camino Del Sur, Goleta, CA 93117
Hours
Estero Park, one of Isla Vista’s largest parks, spans between Camino Del Sur and Camino Corto, offering diverse recreational options. Enjoy outdoor basketball courts, a playing field, a disc golf course, a pump track, and children’s play equipment. The St. George Youth Center provides tutoring and activities for local teens. The park also features an organic Community Gardens Project for growing vegetables and flowers. Highlighted by the iconic Red Barn nestled among mature Estero Oaks, the park beautifully reflects Isla Vista’s ranching heritage.
6815 Del Playa Dr, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
Gaffney Park is a natural, grassy open space located next to County-owned Sea Lookout Park, providing a tranquil transition between the bustling park and nearby housing. This serene area invites relaxation and outdoor activities, making it a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors alike.
820 Embarcadero Del Norte, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
Greek Park, situated at the corner of Embarcadero Del Norte and Segovia, features picnic tables, a basketball court, and beach volleyball courts. This vibrant space is frequently used by local Greek houses for fundraising events and tournaments. Murals along the northern fence, painted by sororities and fraternities, highlight the strong sense of community and Greek culture in Isla Vista.
6899-6841 Fortuna Rd, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
Kids’ Trail offers a safe, car-free pathway for children and teachers, stretching from Isla Vista Elementary School alongside the nature preserve, past the stables, and through Tierra De Fortuna Park to Pasado Road. This convenient trail promotes outdoor activity and connects the school community to the beach, enhancing local accessibility.
901 El Embarcadero Rd, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
Little Acorn Park, located at the corner of Embarcadero Del Mar and El Embarcadero, is just two blocks from the ocean. This inviting space features a spacious grassy area, benches, and three large picnic tables, making it ideal for relaxation and recreation. The back fence showcases vibrant murals by local artists, funded by Measure O and the Santa Barbara County Arts Fund, adding a creative touch to this charming park.
6514 Pardall Rd, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
Located on Pardall, the busiest pedestrian and bicycle route to UCSB, this small park serves as an oasis amid surrounding restaurants and businesses. While it is currently under renovation, it will feature picnic tables and a grassy area with trees, making a perfect spot for lunch or study breaks. The park’s upgrades aim to enhance its appeal as a relaxing retreat for students and locals alike.
6543 Del Playa Dr, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
Pelican Park, a county-owned space focused on educating visitors about the Channel Islands, features vibrant signs detailing local marine wildlife, including gray whales and pelicans. Stone couches provide a comfortable spot to enjoy the stunning views among native plants. Artistic elements, like a seashell and beach stone-inlaid drinking fountain and a terrazzo ping-pong table adorned with seaweed designs, beautifully complement the park’s Channel Islands theme.
967 Embarcadero Del Norte, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
People’s Park, located just south of Anisq’Oyo’ Park alongside Embarcadero Hall, features a spacious open lawn and picnic benches, making it an ideal spot to relax between classes. Enjoy a slice of pizza from nearby Woodstock’s or a coffee from Caje while taking in the vibrant atmosphere. The large grassy area is perfect for playing pickup football, soccer, or spikeball, enhancing its appeal as a community gathering space.
961 Embarcadero Del Mar, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
Perfect Park, situated at the base of the Embarcadero Loop, was completed in 1995 by community volunteers as an urban getaway for nature lovers. The park features beautifully landscaped paths lined with native coastal plants and vibrant flowers, ideal for birdwatching, contemplation, outdoor reading, and picnics. A small shaded structure with seating and a solar-powered phone charging station offers comfort and connectivity. In 2003, the Perfect Park Peace Monument was added to honor peace activism in Isla Vista from the ’70s to today.
6753 Del Playa Dr, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
Rottappel Park, nestled between two houses on Del Playa, is a narrow open space that offers residents and passersby a scenic glimpse of the ocean. The adjacent county-owned lot enhances the park’s views, creating a peaceful spot for relaxation and appreciation of the coastal landscape amidst the bustling surroundings.
6787 Del Playa Dr, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
Sea Lookout Park, owned by Santa Barbara County, is the largest ocean-side park on Del Playa. This expansive grassy area attracts hundreds of visitors daily for picnicking and recreational activities. The park features a popular beach volleyball court for groups of all sizes and wooden structures offering stunning ocean views. Designed by landscape artist Lloyd Hamrol, it also includes a plaque commemorating The Isla Vista Tree, a once-majestic cypress that symbolized the community’s quest for self-governance. After the tree fell into the ocean, residents advocated for the plaque to honor its legacy.
6719 Sueño Rd, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
Sueño Orchard, developed by the Park District in the 1980s as a demonstration project, originally featured over 30 types of trees, primarily fruit-bearing and cultivated using organic methods for public enjoyment. Today, the orchard retains a diverse collection of fruits, flowers, and greenery, although some trees no longer produce fruit. The Isla Vista Peace Disc Golf Course starts here, with the first two holes winding through the center orchard area, offering a unique blend of recreation and nature.
6642 Sueño Rd, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
Sueño Park is a welcoming haven for dogs and their owners, featuring a fully fenced area for off-leash play. The park includes two picnic tables, benches, and a specially designed doggy water fountain to keep pets hydrated. It’s an ideal spot for fun and relaxation with your furry friends, offering a safe space for socializing and enjoying the outdoors.
6891 Fortuna Rd, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
Tierra De Fortuna Park, located at the end of Fortuna Road on the far west end of Isla Vista, offers stunning views of the mountains and trees. This charming park features a vine-covered gazebo, picnic tables, and a drinking fountain. Kids can enjoy various play options, including swings, a slide, a merry-go-round, and a playground structure. Popular for birthday parties, the park also connects to Kids’ Trail, making it a perfect spot for family fun and outdoor gatherings.
6728 Sueño Road, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
Tipi Village Park, landscaped with natural plants, is situated next to the red barn and community gardens at Estero Park. Historically significant as the site of a sustainable living experiment involving a compound of Tipis, this small park now features holes three and four of the Isla Vista Peace Disc Golf Course. Surrounded by lush oak trees, it offers a serene environment for recreation and reflection, blending community history with outdoor enjoyment.
6629 Pasado Rd, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
Trigo-Pasado Park serves as a pathway between Trigo and Pasado, featuring a long stretch of lawn perfect for games of catch or sunbathing. The park’s standout feature is its impressive 11-foot climbing boulder, providing a fun and challenging experience for visitors. A picnic table and drinking fountain offer convenient spots for rest and refreshment between climbing sessions, making it an inviting space for recreation and relaxation.
961 Embarcadero Del Mar, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
Walter Capps Park, dedicated on April 23, 2006, honors the former congressman who had a keen interest in Isla Vista affairs. Currently an open field, the park offers a spacious area for community activities and gatherings. Plans for future development have been approved by the County of Santa Barbara, pending funding, aiming to enhance this tribute to Congressman Capps and serve the community better.
6693 Del Playa Dr, Goleta, CA 93117
Hours
Window to the Sea Park, located along Del Playa, is a charming retreat nestled between two cliffside homes. Despite its small size, the park offers a tranquil escape with picturesque ocean views. A comfortable bench invites visitors to sit and enjoy the scenery, while two large, leafy trees provide ample shade, making it an ideal spot to relax on sunny days. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful moment or a quiet place to unwind, Window to the Sea is a delightful sanctuary for all.
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