Isla Vista District Parks
Central Downtown Parks
Anisq’Oyo’ Park
Estero Park
Little Acorn Park
People’s Park
Perfect Park
Anisq’Oyo’ Park
This park was the first community-instituted park in Isla Vista. The park was originally constructed by volunteers and was maintained by the District after its formation. The park is located in the heart of town and features a rustic windmill (historic landmark), a large pond, grassy areas with picnic benches, and children’s play equipment. The freshwater pond provides habitat for ducks, egrets, herons, frogs, turtles, fish and other wildlife. The historic Anisq’Oyo’ Amphitheater is available for rent by public members and student organizations and is ideal for large public functions, containing restrooms, electrical outlets and a stage.
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Estero Park
One of the largest parks in Isla Vista, Estero Park is a large complex that runs between Camino Del Sur and Camino Corto. It provides multiple opportunities for active recreation, such as outdoor basketball courts, a playing field, a disc golf course, a pump track, and children’s play equipment. The St. George Youth Center, which offers tutoring, youth activities, and a meeting place to local teens, is located in the park at the corner of Estero and Camino Del Sur. Estero Park also houses our all organic Community Gardens Project where gardeners may use their plots to grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers for their own use. The iconic Red Barn set among the Estero Oaks, a mature grove preserve in the park, calls back to Isla Vista’s ranch days.
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Little Acorn Park
On the corner of Embarcadero Del Mar and El Embarcadero, Little Acorn is only two blocks from the ocean. Landscaped with a large grassy open area, benches, and three large picnic tables, it is the perfect place for weekend relaxation and recreation. The fence along the back of the park features multiple murals created by Isla Vista artists, funded by Measure O and the Santa Barbara County Arts Fund.
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People’s Park
Just south of Anisq’Oyo’ Park, alongside Embarcadero Hall, the open lawn and picnic benches of People’s Park provide the perfect place to relax between classes. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy a slice of pizza from nearby Woodstock’s or a coffee from Caje. The large open lawn also makes it great for playing pickup football, soccer, or spikeball.
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Perfect Park
Located at the base of the Embarcadero Loop, Perfect Park was completed in 1995 and designed and built by community volunteers. Intended as an urban getaway for nature lovers, the park is beautifully landscaped with improved paths lined with native coastal plants and vibrant flowers, making it ideal for bird watching, contemplation, outdoor reading, and picnics. It features a small shaded structure with seating and a solar-powered phone charging station, providing comfortable spots for relaxation and connectivity. In 2003, the Perfect Park Peace Monument was built to commemorate peace activism in Isla Vista from the ’70s to the present.
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Neighborhood Parks
Children’s Park
Greek Park
Sueño Orchard
Sueño Park
Tierra De Fortuna Park
Tipi Village
Trigo – Pasado Park
Children’s Park
Nestled in an area of Isla Vista densely populated with families, Children’s Park is a welcoming environment for kids and parents alike. The park is features play equipment surrounded by a sand pit and cozy benches, perfect for relaxed afternoons. A large shaded structure with three picnic tables invites families to gather for meals, while a nearby covered gazebo offers a charming spot to view the park from atop a small hill. The park also features a bathroom and a small lawn area ideal for group activities. A dense, shaded patch of oak trees provides a peaceful retreat, and a community bulletin board keeps neighbors connected. The park is home to the Children’s Recreation Program, supporting at-risk youth with activities every weekday afternoon.
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Greek Park
Located on the corner of Embarcadero Del Norte and Segovia, this small park includes picnic tables, a basketball court, and beach volleyball courts. Many of the Greek houses in Isla Vista use this park for their fundraising events and volleyball tournaments. Along the Northern fence, murals painted by sororities and fraternities signify the interconnectedness of local Greek culture.
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Sueño Orchard
Developed by the Park District in the 80s as a demonstration project, at one time the orchard contained over 30 kinds of trees, mostly fruit bearing, which were cultivated using organic methods and available to the public for consumption. Today, the orchard still contains many varieties, although some no longer produce fruit it contains a lush collection of fruits, flowers, and greenery. The Isla Vista Peace Disc Golf Course begins here, with the first two holes winding around the center orchard area.
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Sueño Park
Sueño Park is a welcoming haven for dogs and their owners, offering a fully fenced space for off-leash play. The park features two picnic tables, benches, and a specially-made doggy water fountain to keep your pets hydrated. It’s the perfect spot for a fun and relaxing time with your furry friends.
Tierra De Fortuna Park
Located at the end of Fortuna Road on the far west end of Isla Vista, Tierra De Fortuna features a beautiful view of the mountains and trees, a vine-covered gazebo, picnic tables, and a drinking fountain. Play options include swings, a slide, a merry-go-round, a springy seesaw, and a playground structure. This is one of the most-rented parks for birthday parties! The park also connects to Kids’ Trail.
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Tipi Village
This park is landscaped with natural plants and is located adjacent to the red barn and community gardens at Estero Park. The location was one of political and social debate when it became the site of an experiment in living sustainably in which people formed a compound of Tipis. Today, the small park houses holes three and four of the Isla Vista Peace Disc Golf Course and is lined with lush Oak trees.
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Trigo – Pasado Park
Serving as a pathway between Trigo and Pasado, the long stretch of lawn is perfect for a game of catch or sunbathing. The park’s most unique feature is its 11’ climbing boulder which offers enjoyment and physical challenge for parkgoers. The picnic table and drinking fountain are great for rest and refreshment between climbing sessions.
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Bluff-Top Parks
Pelican Park
Sea Lookout Park
Window to the Sea
Gaffney Park
Rottappel Park
Beach Accesses
Walter Capps Park
Camino Pescadero Park
Pelican Park
County-owned and designed with education about the Channel Islands in mind, Pelican Park has colorful signs which describe the marine wildlife that can be observed from the bluffs, such as gray whales and pelicans. Stone couches invite park users to sit back and enjoy the view among plants native to the Channel Islands. Art features, such as the drinking fountain inlaid with seashells and beach stones and the terrazzo ping-pong table with seaweed design, further enhance the Channel Islands theme.
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Sea Lookout Park
Owned by Santa Barbara County, Sea Lookout Park is the largest ocean-side park on Del Playa. This expansive grassy area is a popular spot for picnicking and recreational activities, welcoming hundreds of visitors each day. The park features a well-loved volleyball court, suitable for both large and small groups, and wooden structures that offer scenic ocean views. Designed by landscape artist Lloyd Hamrol, Sea Lookout Park also includes a plaque commemorating The Isla Vista Tree—a majestic cypress that once hung over the ocean and symbolized Isla Vista’s quest for self-governance. After the tree fell into the ocean, residents advocated for the plaque to honor its significance to the community.
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Window to the Sea
Situated along Del Playa, Window to the Sea is a charming park nestled between two cliffside homes. Despite its small size, this park offers a tranquil escape with a picturesque ocean view. It features a comfortable bench where visitors can sit and take in the sea. Two large, leafy trees provide ample shade, making it an inviting spot to relax on sunny days. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful moment to take in the scenery or a quiet place to unwind, Window to the Sea is a delightful retreat.
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Gaffney Park
A natural, grassy open area adjacent to the County-owned Sea Lookout Park, Gaffney Park forms a transition between the busy park and nearby housing.
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Rottappel Park
Situated between two houses on Del Playa, this narrow open space provides another look at the ocean for residents and passersby. An adjacent county-owned lot broadens the Rottappel view.
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Beach Accesses
Beach accesses are owned by the county of Santa Barbara and provide a path to the beach all the way down the Isla Vista coastline. For a map of El Embarcadero, Camino Pescadero, Sueño, Escondido Pass and Camino Majorca accesses, click here.
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Walter Capps Park
This County-owned park was dedicated as “Walter Capps Park” on April 23, 2006, in tribute to the former congressman who took a special interest in Isla Vista affairs. While it is currently an open field, the County of Santa Barbara has approved plans to develop the park (pending securing funding).
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Camino Pescadero Park
Completely redone in 2002, Camino Pescadero boasts new walkways and native plantings winding around park benches, picnic tables, and a drinking fountain. There is a recreational lawn and interpretive signs inform park users of the historical use of Santa Barbara Channel by the Chumash. Camino Pescadero is an excellent vantage point for viewing the ocean and the outdoor shower is a favorite with surfers and beachgoers.
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Natural Open Spaces
Camino Corto Open Space
Del Playa Open Space
Del Sol Vernal Pool Reserve
Camino Corto Open Space
At 20.5 acres, this preserve borders on El Colegio and Camino Corto Roads and shares boundaries with Isla Vista Elementary School, UCSB Stables, Tierra de Fortuna Park, and residential areas on Fortuna Road and Fortuna Lane. It contains restored native plants, vernal pools, Camino Corto Creek, nature trails, a bridge, and educational signs.
Del Playa Open Space
This 8.21-acre space is made up of both county and District-owned properties. It was originally purchased to preserve open space along the densely populated blufftop. Now that it is clear that it contains a vernal pool area, it is part of the natural and educational vernal pool projects.
Del Sol Vernal Pool Reserve
Bordering El Colegio and Camino Corto Roads and running along the back of residences on Abrego, Del Sol Open Space is approximately 12 acres and contains native plants, vernal pools, nature trails, and educational signs.
