Bella Vista Park, Goleta

Bella Vista Park is a neighborhood park shaped like a bowl with a new playground, pine forests, wooden bridges, and winding pathways. It's fun for kids because after they've tired of the play structure they can play imaginative games in the woods and run freely down the steep hills. A troll can linger under the bridge. Kids love steps and for some reason all kinds of imaginative games emerge at the wooden step rail by the steep hill. The atmosphere at this park is unique and full of nature even though it's just a park in the burbs. My 3-year-old daughter spent hours collecting pine cones and placing them on the slide while I blissfully soaked up some sun on the park bench.

There are picnic tables but no restrooms.
This is a nice park to come to on a hot day because there is plenty of shade and cool breezes blow from the west.
After playing for a while, grab a muffin and hang out in the kid-friendly area outside Anna's Bakery. Another nice spot nearby is Bacara Resort Beach. Or you could explore the college town of Isla Vista.

Directions

Bella Vista Park is located at the corner of Placer Dr and Mirano Dr, Goleta CA 93117.
Exit Highway 101 at Glen Annie/ Storke Rd. Head toward the mountains. Turn left on Cathedral Oaks Rd. Turn left on Placer Dr. Park along the road.

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