Last weekend while we were spending some time in Santa Barbara, I wanted to visit places that were either free or didn’t cost much money. Michele, of the fabulous site, Fun Orange County Parks, recommended that I visit Chase Palm Park in Santa Barbara. I’m so glad we followed her recommendation because my kids absolutely loved the park and we had an amazing time!

Chase Palm Park is a beautiful park nestled right across from East Beach in Santa Barbara. Chase Palm Park is also referred to as “Shipwreck Park” and is a must on your visit to Santa Barbara. The park entrance is located on Cabrillo and Garden Street. We parked right across from the park at the public parking lot and crossed on over(parking was only $3).

You are greeted at the entrance with a beautiful courtyard and a fun carousel. The park features fountains, creeks, a skate park, a snack bar and a Shipwreck Playground modeled after an ocean schooner from the turn of the century. We strolled the grounds and tried to take it all in but the kiddos were mostly interested in one thing and one thing only- the Shipwreck playground.

My kiddos could have spent hours and hours on end playing in this amazing playground. The playground features a ship to climb, an adobe village where my kids played for what seemed an hour, “caves” where they would hide from each other, an amazing little slide made of faux wood that my son squealed in delight every time he slid on down, whales that squirt out water, and a traditional monkey bar area.

We stayed at the park for about two hours and we could have easily stayed longer. It’s the perfect place to pack a picnic, enjoy the beautiful grounds and let the kiddos play. Next time you are in Santa Barbara make sure to make a pit stop at Chase Palm Park. If you are an Orange County mom or dad make sure to check out Fun Orange County Parks it’s a fun and informative website that features all you ever wanted to know about where to take the kiddos to play in Orange County.