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Shoreline Park, Santa Barbara Travel Guide

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Discover panoramic ocean views, whale watching, and family fun at Santa Barbara's scenic Shoreline Park, a coastal gem for all to enjoy.

Shoreline Park, perched atop a coastal bluff in Santa Barbara, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Channel Islands, and Santa Ynez Mountains. This 14.6-acre park is a popular spot for picnics, whale watching, and enjoying the California coastline.

A brief summary to Shoreline Park

  • 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
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

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

  • Visit during whale watching season (November-April) for a chance to spot gray whales migrating.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy the stunning ocean views from the park's grassy areas.
  • Explore the tide pools at the beach below the park during low tide.
  • Take a walk along the California Coastal Trail and explore nearby beaches.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Santa Barbara waterfront and Stearns Wharf, head west on Cabrillo Boulevard. As Cabrillo Boulevard turns into Shoreline Drive, continue along Shoreline Drive until you reach Shoreline Park on your left. The park is situated along the bluffs, offering easy access from the surrounding streets.

  • Public Transport

    Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) buses serve the area. Check the MTD website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From downtown Santa Barbara, take MTD Line 6 or 11. Get off at the closest stop on Mesa, then walk west on Shoreline Drive until you reach Shoreline Park. A single ride fare is $1.75 [https://sbmtd.gov/fares-passes/].

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From downtown Santa Barbara, a taxi or ride-share to Shoreline Park will cost approximately $12-18, depending on traffic and demand. The journey typically takes 5-10 minutes.

  • Parking

    There are two parking lots available at Shoreline Park, one at each end of the park. Street parking is also available in the surrounding neighborhood. Parking is free. During peak season and weekends, parking can be limited, so arrive early.

Discover more about Shoreline Park

Shoreline Park is a beloved Santa Barbara destination, offering stunning views and a tranquil escape. This 14.6-acre park sits on a coastal bluff in the East Mesa neighborhood, providing unparalleled views of the Santa Barbara Harbor, the Channel Islands, and the Santa Ynez Mountains.The park's history is rooted in community activism. In the early 1960s, citizens rallied to preserve the land from being rezoned for residential apartments, advocating for its purchase as a public park. Their efforts led to the city acquiring the land in 1966, and the park was officially dedicated in 1968. Richard B. Taylor, a local landscape architect, designed the park.Today, Shoreline Park features paved walking paths, picnic areas with tables and barbecues, and a playground. A bronze whale tail sculpture and telescope enhance the whale-watching experience, especially during migration season (November-April). A traditional Japanese Torii gate marks the entrance to a wooden staircase leading to a secluded beach below, accessible during low tide.Shoreline Park is also part of the California Coastal Trail, offering connections to nearby beaches like Leadbetter Beach and Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry's Beach). It's a place where couples stroll, families gather, and photographers capture the beauty of the Santa Barbara coastline.

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