Shoreline Park

Located on the bluffs overlooking Mesa Beach, Shoreline Park consistently ranks among the best outdoor recreational areas in Santa Barbara. It is a long and narrow strip of verdant landscaping, featuring grassy lawns, shady trees, tall palms, walking paths, and a large bronze whale statue. From this vantage point, there are excellent views of the harbor and the Channel Islands. In winter, whales can be seen migrating out in the Pacific, and dolphins frequent this area, too.

Among Shoreline Park's numerous facilities are a small children's playground, restrooms, and a Japanese garden. The latter commemorates Santa Barbara's sister city relationship with Toba, Japan since 1966. There is also a wooden stairway that leads down to the shore, but visitors should be aware that the beach can only be reached during low tide. It is completely submerged when the tide is in.

Frisbee, skating, and picnics are popular here. Two areas are available by reservation for barbecues, family gatherings, weddings, sporting events, and the like. The smaller picnic area with its group-sized BBQ pit can accommodate up to 60 guests, while the larger "alternative" area close to La Marina Drive has a capacity for as many as 125 on its large lawn. Consumption of alcohol is allowed by permit only.

Shoreline Park is located on the coast between San Rafael Avenue and La Marina Drive. The address is Shoreline Drive, Santa Barbara, California 93101. Plenty of free parking is available, and there is no charge for access between sunrise and 10pm.