Alameda Park

Alameda Park has two distinct parts, one west of Santa Barbara Street (which I describe here) and one east of it (which I describe in the section on Kidsworld). It is an oasis of wide green lawns, tall lush palms, and plump pines in the middle of the city. Wonder along the paths that intersect in a large X and your eyes will feast on all the beauty. There's a gazebo where the X intersects, which unfortunately has become a homeless hangout. Most people picnic across the street by the Kidsworld playground instead. It's a shame because the park west of Santa Barbara Street is a gorgeous spot. Kids like to play ball on the wide lawns.

There are two churches with beautiful architecture that you can see from Alameda Park: Trinity Episcopal Church with its golden sandstone exterior and gothic architecture and Our Lady of Sorrows Church with its white exterior and Romanesque belltower.
On a Saturday at the end of June the Summer Solstice parade ends at Alameda Park. It begins at noon on State Street at Cota Street. An amazing line of unusual floats powered by people, beautiful samba dancers, and colorful dance troupes make their way up the crowded street. At around 1:30pm the parade ends in Alameda Park with a huge party and festival. The floats line Micheltorena Street for all to view them. Enjoy the live music, food and beer, stalls with tie-dye shirts, and people dressed in all kinds of wacky get-ups. The party lasts until the evening and continues the next day with more live music in the afternoon.
Across Santa Barbara Street at Kidsworld there's a spectacular wooden castle playground and palm grove. Diagonally across Micheltorena Street is Alice Keck Park, a delightful garden with trees from around the world, a large pond full of turtles and summer water lilies, and sloping lawns for picnics.
There are restrooms at the Kidsworld playground, on the east side of Santa Barbara Street.
If you're hungry, the closest place to grab something to eat is Crushcakes and Cafe, a five minute walk away at 1315 Anacapa St, which has cute views of Arlington Theater.

Directions

Alameda Park is located at 1400 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
Exit Highway 101 southbound at Mission Street. Turn left on Mission St, and then right on Castillo St. Turn left on Micheltorena Street (the 5th left). Follow it until it crosses Anacapa Street, and then park along the road. Alameda Park is on the right.
From Highway 101 northbound, exit at Arrellaga Street, turn right on Castillo Street, and then left on Micheltorena Street. Follow it until it crosses Anacapa Street, and then park along the road. Alameda Park is on the right.
Spoon Icecream, 1222 State St, call (805) 962-1838.

Click on map for interactive view