Shipwreck Playground, Santa Barbara Travel Guide

4.5 (124)

A nautical-themed playground on Santa Barbara's East Beach, offering kids a unique and imaginative play experience in a safe, scenic environment.

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Shipwreck Playground

The Shipwreck Playground in Santa Barbara's Chase Palm Park offers a unique, nautical-themed play experience for children. Inspired by a historic shipwreck, the playground features climbing structures, slides, and sculptures set in a safe, sandy environment, providing fun and engaging activities for kids of all ages.

A brief summary to Shipwreck Playground

323 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, East Beach, California, 93101, US

Monday 7 am-7 pm
Tuesday 7 am-7 pm
Wednesday 7 am-7 pm
Thursday 7 am-7 pm
Friday 7 am-7 pm
Saturday 7 am-7 pm
Sunday 7 am-7 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Shipwreck Playground.

Bring sunscreen and hats, as the playground is mostly exposed to the sun.
Pack a picnic to enjoy at the nearby picnic areas in Chase Palm Park.
Combine your visit with a trip to Stearns Wharf or a stroll along East Beach.
Visit during the week to avoid larger crowds.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

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MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

Santa Barbara Museum Of Art

Explore Shipwreck Playground on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Shipwreck Playground, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From downtown Santa Barbara, head east on State Street towards the beach. Continue onto Cabrillo Boulevard and turn right. Walk along Cabrillo Boulevard; the playground will be on your left at 323 E Cabrillo Blvd. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles and takes about 30 minutes.
Public Transport

From the Santa Barbara Transit Center in downtown, take MTD bus routes 1 or 2 towards the Eastside. Get off at the intersection of Cabrillo Blvd and Milpas Street. Walk east along Cabrillo Boulevard for 5-10 minutes to reach the playground at 323 E Cabrillo Blvd. A single bus fare is $1.75.
Parking

Limited street parking is available along Cabrillo Boulevard. There are also parking lots near East Beach, such as the Cabrillo West parking lot. Parking costs vary, with typical hourly rates around $3, and daily rates reaching up to $12.

Discover more about Shipwreck Playground

Located on East Beach in Santa Barbara, the Shipwreck Playground is a whimsical and imaginative play area for children, drawing inspiration from the Winfield Scott, a side paddle-wheel steamer that ran aground on Anacapa Island in 1853. This nautical-themed playground, part of the larger Chase Palm Park, features two awesome climbing structures, one designed for kids aged 2-5 and a larger one for those aged 5-12.Kids can explore surfacing whales, a conch shell lighthouse, and a nautilus shell play area, all situated in soft, white beach sand. The playground includes a sinking ship's bow that doubles as a slide, bridges, and netting for children to scamper around. A footbridge separates a man-made lagoon, home to families of mallards, from cobblestone creeklets where children can safely splash and wade.Beyond the playground itself, Chase Palm Park offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, fountains, picnic areas, bike trails, and a skateboard area. It's conveniently located near Stearns Wharf, East Beach, and the Funk Zone, making it a must-visit destination for families in Santa Barbara. Open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM, the playground provides a safe and accessible environment for both locals and tourists.