Plaza Del Mar is one of the oldest Parks in Santa Barbara. Trees offer abundant shade as a getaway from the neighboring hot beach and harbor. Established as a City park in 1899, Plaza del Mar was a favorite location for strolling and outdoor gatherings. A designated City Landmark, the Plaza del Mar Band Shell was constructed in the early 1900s to provide a venue for public concerts. The estimated cost was $1,500 to $2,000. Five thousand people attended the opening concert on May 4, 1919, which featured a 22-piece municipal band. A popular venue for many decades, the Band Shell hosted concerts, dramatic performances, recitals and speeches. Designed in the Mission Revival style by Winsor Soule, it is the only remnant of the popular entertainment structures which once graced historic Plaza del Mar.
- Features: Alcohol Not Allowed, Parking On Site, Parking On Street, Reservable Areas, Restrooms
- Dog Policy: Dogs Allowed On Leash
Neighboring six-acre Pershing Park includes two softball fields and one baseball field adjacent to eight hard tennis courts. Courts open to the public on weekends and after 5pm on weekdays. Four of the tennis courts are lit until 9pm Monday-Friday. The southern most court, closest to the ocean, has three blended line Pickball courts. Pershing Park is a city facility shared with neighboring Santa Barbara City College, which uses it for softball, baseball and tennis (for gym classes and intercollegiate athletics). The park has a large, free parking lot.
