Skofield Park 🇺🇸

Welcome to Skofield Park, a charming 35-acre natural open space preserve and city park nestled in Santa Barbara, California. Located in the picturesque "front country" of the Santa Ynez Mountains, this peaceful destination offers a wonderful escape into nature. Originally owned by Ray Skofield, the land served as a camp for "Los Rancheros Visitadores," a men's riding group he co-founded in 1930.

As surrounding development grew, the group sold the property to the city in May 1954 for $145,000 to preserve it as a public park. Today, when you visit Skofield Park, you can wander along a gentle nature path, relax in shaded picnic areas, or admire the magnificent native oak groves. If you enjoy wildlife, bring your binoculars for some excellent bird watching.

Notably, this beautiful site features Santa Barbara's only reservable campgrounds, making it a unique outdoor spot for an overnight stay. Its convenient parking area also serves visitors heading out to explore the nearby Rattlesnake Canyon Park and the popular Rattlesnake Canyon Trail. Whether you want to enjoy a quiet lunch under oak trees, spot native birds, or embark on a mountain trail, Skofield Park provides a historic and serene setting for your day.

What to see at Skofield Park

• 35 acres of natural open space preserve in the Santa Ynez Mountains front country
• Native oak groves, nature path, and scenic picnic areas
• Santa Barbara's only reservable city campgrounds
• Excellent opportunities for bird watching in a peaceful park setting
• Access point and shared parking for nearby Rattlesnake Canyon Trail

Visiting tips

Use the Skofield Park parking area if you plan to explore nearby Rattlesnake Canyon Park and the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail.

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

How to get there & what’s nearby

Skofield 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.