Named for Italian horticulturist Francesco Franceschi, this 18-acre park offers some of the most wonderful views of the Santa Barbara city and coast.  It is well known locally for its wonderful collection of exotic plants.

The Franceschi home is within the boundaries of the park and is scheduled for a face-lift.  There is a small picnic site, a large patio that serves as the group picnic area, restrooms, and parking.  This is a great park for lunch or a romantic stroll through the winding paths.

The kids might be bored but the adults will love it.

Directions:  Take Mission from the 101 towards the mountains and follow until you reach the end. Turn left onto Laguna and at the stop sign turn right onto Los Olivos. At the fork in the road bear right and follow the Alameda Padre Serra until you reach Alvarado Place. Turn left and when you reach Mission Ridge, turn right. Drive until you see the sign for the park on your left. Take the next left onto Franceschi Road. Look for the park gates on your left marked 1501 about 400 feet from Mission Ridge. (If you get to the top of the hill you have gone too far). Enter the gates and go down a long level driveway to the parking area.