Parma Park 🇺🇸

Located in the foothill slopes of the Santa Ynez Range along State Route 192 (Stanwood Drive) in Santa Barbara, California, Parma Park offers an open space experience focused on passive recreation. As you explore this natural area, which is situated in chaparral and oak-covered hills, you will encounter steep terrain, creeks, and diverse native plant communities.

Stroll along its habitats to discover coastal sage scrub, grassland, oak woodland, scrub oak, and riparian forest along almost three miles of streambed, including Coyote Creek and tributaries of Sycamore Creek. Keep an eye out for a historic 1919 stone arch culvert near Stanwood Drive, as well as resident and migratory birds, raptors, amphibians, and reptiles that use the area as a valuable wildlife migration corridor leading toward Los Padres National Forest.

During your visit, you can make use of picnic tables, take advantage of the equestrian staging area at the main entrance, or watch hang gliders and paragliders touch down on the non-native grassland near the Plateau Trail after launching from Gibraltar Road. For impressive sweeping views of Santa Barbara, Montecito, and the Santa Barbara Channel Islands, hike the Ridge Trail up to Rowe's Table, the park's highest point at 775 feet.

What to see at Parma Park

• Sweeping coastal views of Santa Barbara, Montecito, and the Channel Islands from Rowe's Table
• Over five miles of trails winding through chaparral, oak woodlands, and riparian canyons
• Landing zone for hang gliders and paragliders launching from Gibraltar Road
• A 1919 stone arch culvert and nearly three miles of native streambed
• Rich wildlife migration corridor featuring native plant communities and birdwatching opportunities

Visiting tips

If you are bringing a bicycle, stick strictly to the dirt fire and access road, as it is the only trail in the park authorized for bike use.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Parma Park is easy to reach on Santa Barbara’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Arlington Theatre and Lobero Theatre. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Santa Barbara travel guide.