Willowglen Park

Santa Barbara, CA Print   Leave a comment

Description

Willowglen Park is as lovely as it sounds. There you find a huge grassy field surrounded by tall pines and autumn trees, backed by the mountains, which stand stunningly close. There's a newish (2011) playground with lumpy slides, stepping squares, pretend icecream serving area, swivel chairs that are just the right size for little kids, motorcycle bouncies, baby swings, and tire swing. Groups could stage performances here on the concrete area with its large semicircular bench under the trees.
A footbridge leads through lush vegetation over a creek to Monte Vista School where kids play basketball on the school courts on weekends.
The best time to come to Willowglen Park is in autumn when the trees are yellow, red, and orange, and there are an abundance of leaves on the ground to crunch. Spring is nice too, when some of the trees turn purple.
If you're hungry, head over to La Cumbre Mall where there are outdoor cafes hidden in the southeast corner of the mall, or Habit Burger Grill (in the parking lot area) which has sunny outdoor seating- we love this cafe! The nearest beach is Hendry's, a great family spot with tons of kids, people walking their dogs, and joggers. You can get there via a gorgeous scenic drive through Hope Ranch.
There are many neighborhood playgrounds to check out: Hidden Valley Park, which is in a peaceful recessed area by a creek, attracts young mothers who gather in groups with their toddlers during the week. Elings Park offers a sunny paved walk along a hilltop, offleash dog trails, and a small playground. Steven's Park has a toddler playground in a pretty canyon with a hike past meadows to a stream crossing.

Photo Gallery

New swivel chairs at the playground that are just the right size for little kids! Plus motorcycle bouncies.	Small boulders to leap off. This is a beautiful place!	View of the mountains.
Picnic table at Willowglen Park.	Tire swing at Willowglen Park.	Brand new (2011) playground at Willowglen Park.
The semi-circular bench where you could stage a play.	The mountains tower above the playground- gorgeous!	Fall colors are lovely at Willowglen Park.
Sunlight pierces through the lush vegetation at the footbridge.	Fall blooms.	Fall tree across the bridge from Willowglen Park.
A private little lawn in the corner, under the palms.	Lawn and Australian pine tree.

Directions

Willowglen Park is located at 600 Willowglen Road, Santa Barbara CA 93105.
From Highway 101 southbound, exit on La Cumbre Rd and turn left. All the way at the end, turn right on Foothill Rd. Turn right on Willowglen Rd. The park will soon be on your right. Park along the road.
From Highway 101 northbound, exit at La Cumbre/Hope and turn left. Turn right on La Cumbre Rd. All the way at the end, turn right on Foothill Rd. Turn right on Willowglen Rd. The park will soon be on your right. Park along the road.
The Habit Burger Grill, 3890 La Cumbre Plaza Ln, call (805) 687-5200.

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Overall Visitor Rating:

sonia 11/20/2014 17:04	beautiful park but really needs bathrooms.
Kate 06/25/2012 21:04	Beautiful park. I really like the new playground.
tisha 09/01/2011 20:33	willowglen needs bathrooms how horrible we had to drive all the way seven eleven then we just went home if it wasnt for that it would have been a great place to go what a bummer so pretty though just needs bathrooms
Vanessa 08/17/2011 10:10	We're at the park now for the 1st time and love it! Thanks for sharing!
Jeni 08/27/2010 16:23	My girls and I love this park :) we come every day and our dog exercises as well, my youngest likes the tunnel to hide in
Dean 09/02/2009 20:31	Fantastic!