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Mission Historical Park: A Blend of History and Natural Beauty

Explore historical ruins, a vibrant rose garden, and scenic views at Santa Barbara's Mission Historical Park, a serene escape next to the Old Mission.

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Adjacent to the Old Mission Santa Barbara, Mission Historical Park offers a serene escape with historical ruins, a vibrant rose garden, and expansive lawns. Explore remnants of the Mission's waterworks and enjoy stunning views of the city and mountains.

A brief summary to Mission Historical Park

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit the A.C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden for a stunning display of roses, best viewed in the late spring and early summer.
  • Explore the historical waterworks ruins, including the old reservoir and aqueduct, to learn about the Mission's early infrastructure.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy on the large grassy areas with views of the Mission and surrounding mountains.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Old Mission Santa Barbara, simply cross Alameda Padre Serra to enter Mission Historical Park. The park is directly adjacent to the Mission and easily accessible on foot. Once across Alameda Padre Serra, you'll find yourself in the southern section of the park, home to the A.C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden and expansive grassy areas.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) bus. Check the MTD website for routes that serve the area, such as Route 1 or Route 2, which have stops near the park. Get off at a stop near the intersection of Laguna Street and East Los Olivos Street. From August 18, 2025, the single-ride fare is expected to be $2.25 or $2.50, depending on the option MTD chooses. Transfers are free and can be used on up to two more buses within 60 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From downtown Santa Barbara, a taxi or ride-share to Mission Historical Park will take approximately 5-10 minutes. Expect to pay around $15-$25 for the ride. Ask your driver to drop you off at the corner of Laguna Street and East Los Olivos Street, directly across from the Mission entrance.

Unlock the Best of Mission Historical Park

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Discover more about Mission Historical Park

Mission Historical Park, a 10-acre park located across from the Old Mission Santa Barbara, provides a unique window into the past, blending natural beauty with historical significance. Bisected by Alameda Padre Serra, the park is a living museum showcasing the ingenuity and labor that sustained the Mission in its early days. Established in the late 1780s, the park's land was gradually acquired by the city following the 1925 earthquake. The Franciscan Fathers gifted the remaining land, shaping the park as it exists today. The park stands as a testament to Santa Barbara's enduring connection to its Spanish colonial roots. The park's most captivating features are the remnants of the Mission's original waterworks, constructed primarily by Chumash laborers. These ruins include a sophisticated reservoir system, an aqueduct, a grist mill, and a tannery. Exploring these remnants offers a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to imagine the daily lives of those who lived and worked at the Mission centuries ago. One of the park's highlights is the A.C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden, boasting over 1,500 rose plants. Maintained by the Rose Society members, Parks Division staff, and volunteers, the garden provides a tranquil setting for leisurely strolls. The park also features a historic olive grove, planted in 1919 by The Garden Club of Santa Barbara to honor those who gave their lives in World War I. Beyond the rose garden, Mission Historical Park offers expansive grassy areas perfect for picnics and lawn games. The park's open spaces provide a welcome escape.

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