Cliff Drive Park
Rate this placeNearby: Bolsa Park Heller Park
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Cliff Drive Park is located in Santa Barbara, California and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers. One of the most notable features of the park is the scenic drive along the coastline, which provides visitors with breathtaking views of the ocean and nearby beaches.
Visitors to Cliff Drive Park can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including sea lions, dolphins, and pelicans.
One of the most popular points of interest in the park is the Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens, which is home to over 500 different species of animals. The zoo is open year-round and offers a range of educational programs and exhibits for visitors of all ages.
Another must-see attraction in the park is the historic Queen of the Missions, which is one of the oldest and most well-preserved Spanish missions in California. Visitors can take guided tours of the mission and learn about its rich history and cultural significance.
Overall, Cliff Drive Park is a beautiful and serene destination that offers something for everyone. The best time to visit is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and the park is less crowded. However, the park is open year-round and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Sunset Vista RV Park
Crystal Cove State Park - Moro Campground
Deer Canyon Campground
Lower Moro Campground
Upper Moro Campground
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Bolsa Park
Heller Park
Gateway Park
Enviromental Nature Center
Pinkley Park