This park is a place you must stop by if you are ever in the area and looking to relax or take a nice stroll. It is located right across from the historic mission and has a beautiful rose garden with a variety of flowers. read more

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One of my fav places in town. If we have guests, we always suggest grabbing a blanket and packing some wine and snacks or food to go and enjoy at sunset at the Rose Garden. The kids love rolling down the hill, climbing on the trees, or wandering the little paths on the side. Plus, you learn all the fantastic rose names when you simply take a walk around the pattern of colors. read more

Mission Historical Park - Sheep grazing for fire defense - Parks Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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I have overlooked this park for many years, but today when visiting the mission today I took the chance to walk across the street to see this park and rose garden. Most of the park is a large lawn, and very popular with picnickers and sun bathers on the weekend. But I was lucky to be here on a weekday, and found the rose garden part to be much more than I expected! The roses are sequestered toward the neighborhood side, and doesn't look like much from a distance. However, walk into them and the world changes. There are many beds of roses, most of them 5 to 6 feet tall it seems! The blooms were plentiful on this visit, and the aroma of roses was amazing! Every where I went I smelled the roses, one of my favorite scents. The roses are grouped by variety, and there are labels with the common names, should you wish to track down a variety that caught your attention. And there are benches around here and there so you can just sit and admire the blooms - when in season of course! If you ARE in the area when they are blooming, take the chance for a leisurely stroll through the beds - you'll be amazed at the potential of a rose garden brought to reality. read more

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Super beautiful! Fun to sit and walk around the gardens. Lovely place to have a drink or just relax for a bit. read more

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This California mission is " Queen of the Missions" and it is a very beautiful historic site. I love this mission for its lush garden, grand bell towers and a very unique view from ocean and mountains. They created this relaxing environment for visitors to enjoy their time there. I will definitely go back there again. read more

Mission Historical Park - It's me :-) there - Parks Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Well, well well Some love Santa Barbara for the ocean/beach I on the other hand love it for the "Mission Historical Park & Rose Garden This is the sort of place that can take your mind Far beyond everyday reality It's just simply beautiful. The view and the rows of roses Is an invitation to the eyes. As long as light exists outside This is the perfect place to bring that perfect Homemade dish that you just conquered Whether it was that 30 min dessert Or that last minute meal You definitely want to come to this place And reserve time to enjoy it I would like to say There is just all types of roses Some of the memorable varieties include Barbara Streisand ( yes like the actual actor) Martha Stewart ( I believe I saw this too) In the mood Hot cocoa Neptune ( a lavender/ pastel purple ) gently folded rose Neptune was the one that really stained my experience It was odiferous and unforgettable I didn't check out the surrounding areas With the ocean view Or even the church like structure across from the roses I was too busy Smelling roses. There is lots of areas to sit on the ground with a blanket Whether their are kids in your company They have room to smile and chase each other If you are talking about pictures Well, this is your opportunity Overall just a great place to create memories I noticed a stone seated area Where clever minded individuals can bring a table Or something to prop things on And hold a meeting of sorts Maybe a family dinner for 4 Only thing missing was Julie Andrews Singing "These are a few of my favorite things." I highly recommend every soul visit this place And create new memories.... - Ciao read more

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Beautiful area. Love taking my dog here and they have a rose garden, but sometimes they cut down the rose garden and then when it's time they replant the rose garden and they grow back in the spring. It is a hit or miss if you want your dog on or off the leash. read more

Beautiful spot to go visit while in Santa Barbara. The bookstore/ shop was open during July 2020, masks required & hand sanitizer available. The rose gardens are overwhelming how beautiful they are. All the different roses each with their unique smell. Great place to stroll through, bring a lunch, or bike to from the beach. read more

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Most people correlate rose gardens with Portland, Oregon, but we too have our own here. Smack dab in front of the gorgeous "Queen of the (21) Missions" Santa Barbara Mission lies this park and rose gardens. HISTORY: The actual name is A.C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden, but it is known as "The Road Garden." This is home to over 1,500 rose plants which are typically in bloom annually between April and November. The garden serves as one of over 130 recognized competitive demonstration rose gardens in the US, hosting a variety of roses including a number of All-America Rose Selections (AARS) winners. The park and the Mission were designated as a California State Historical Landmark on July 12, 1939, though the first pedigree rose bushes were planted in 1955. VIEWS: To the North-The Mission with its two bell towers and the Santa Ynez Mountains as a backdrop one way. To the South-The Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands the other way; yes this is one of the only places on the West Coast where the Pacific lies to the south versus the west. You may also seen the oil rigs far into the ocean, but we like to think of them as Spanish galleons. To the East & West-Luxury houses with a Spanish architecture on the hills and streets surround you; particularly along the scenic Alameda Padre Serra ("APS") Drive. SCENT: If you're a fan of roses, simply take one deep breath in... The scent is of the Heavens. FEEL: Peaceful with a well-maintained green grass lawn and a light breeze. Locals and visitors throw down a blanket or pop-up a tent, uncork a bottle of wine, play games, toss a ball, and enjoy this 'Quintessential Santa Barbara' park. BEYOND THE GARDENS: If you walk toward the mountains a short distance towards the APS Drive, there is a historic olive grove dedicated to World War I veterans, remains of tannery vats, a pottery, gristmill, and a historic reservoir and aqueduct system. You can find a small map and placards along the way. TIPS: - It is one of the few public parks that allows public alcohol consumption. Please consider using plastic versus glass for safety and take away what you bring in. - There are no picnic tables or chairs. - Dogs are allowed on leashes. - Hours are sunrise to sunset. read more

Mission Historical Park - Tis the Season! - Parks Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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One of my favorite spots in Santa Barbara is the popular Rose Gardens across from our beautiful Queen Mission. Take a nice stroll and smell the flowers, over 1500 fragrant roses are spread across this beautiful open space. The blooms are best appreciated during its season from April to November. At any given time whether it's sunny or over cast, you will find visitors enjoying the gardens, meditating on the grass, having a picnic with friends, and may even catch a glimpse of a photogenic wedding party. The backdrop of the historic Mission and the beautiful mountains is an oasis for all to enjoy. So, if you're looking for a place to spend your lunch hour, or have a few hours more to enjoy the pristine gardens, stop here to smell the roses. You'll be glad you did!!! read more

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This park is located across the street from Mission Santa Barbara. There is a nice rose garden there as well as benches to sit and relax. We walked around to check it out and noticed there is limited shaded areas on the grass, all of which were occupied by picnickers. Several people were tossing balls in the open field which makes up most of the park and several dog owners were there too. None of the dogs were on leash; I didn't see any signs or know what the park policy is so I assume this is okay. read more

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Santa Ynez Mountains tower over the Mission Rose Garden--an icon of Santa Barbara. This massive rose garden (in a stunning location) hosts over 1,500 varieties of roses across from the Santa Barbara Mission--with a large grass area, it is a great location for an afternoon lawn picnic. read more

Large, green park next to the Mission with a rose garden. We saw the Mission, walked through the art festival, grabbed a cup of wine, and walked over to see the rose garden. People were having picnics, resting, and playing on the grass. The roses were beautiful and of many different colors. We enjoyed our time in the outdoors. read more

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I was so happy to find this lovely park. It was my birthday weekend & I was driving around Santa Barbara trying to find a rose garden when Yelp suggested this park. It was delightful. More than half of the roses have name tags below which is always fun. There are open bathrooms here too! Such a splendid afternoon smelling all the flowers. I needed that. A decent amount of people around, enjoying life with company. Love whoever takes care of this park, because it shows. Santa Barbara birthday rose garden requirement, check! read more

Friday night happy hour happens here! State street is out, the park is in. Bring lawn chairs, dinner, and drinks and watch the kids and dogs run around with the most amazing Mission backdrop. With that fresh Santa Barbara air and magic sunset light it's a pretty magical place. read more

One of Santa Barbara's true icons. Roses are one of my most favorite flowers, and I most definitely gained my love for them from this very garden. It's simply remarkable. There are hundreds of well-maintained rose bushes in all types of varieties. They are neatly laid out in several large rectangular planter beds, according to color and variety. I love perusing the gardens and viewing the plaque under each section listing the particular plant's name. There are some truly whimsical rose varieties out there! Santa Barbara hosts an annual pruning workshop here at these very gardens each winter (roses are to be pruned each January/February in California) and I have had the awesome opportunity of attending one. There are experts on hand advising how to cut them back. They are to resemble a vase shape when fully pruned. I have taken these tips and have applied to my 17 rose bushes in my own yard, and they have grown back beautifully the following spring. This park also has a wonderful lush grassy knoll which is an extremely popular spot for picnics - especially during covid. Drive past any weekend day and you will see dozens of groups congregated together, enjoying the setting. A beautiful spot not to be missed! read more

I appreciate the expansive lawn and the roses across the street from the mission Santa Barbara. The roses always seem to be in bloom. The park is used by many. For events, for dog walking, for enjoying the afternoon on a stroll, or a spot to have a gathering of lots of friends. With the Mission as a backdrop, and the beautiful mountains and the view the other direction towards the sea. This is just a wonderful park. I like it a lot! read more

Great spot to hang out, picnic, do a photoshoot, etc! There's plenty of grassy areas to chill and the rose gardens occupy just a portion of the plot of land. Also great spot to snap a pic of the roses with the Mission and mountains in the background! read more

This place is awesome, especially on a beautiful sunny day. Rose garden growing fast, soon to bloom. Wide open grassy space with a few benches and a few trees for some shade. Great place to play lawn games or have a picnic , or both. Right across street from great mission and church. Mission also has a great garden to walk through. Relaxing, family friendly. read more

We love picnics and parties in the mission rose gardens. Lots of people bring lawn games and kites and camp out all day. There's not allot of natural shade so you might want to bring a tent or umbrella. read more

A MUST DO! A FREE PARK WITH A BEAUTIFUL ROSE GARDEN & FREE PARKING. This park is located right across from The Beautiful Mission Santa Barbara. It is operated by the City of Santa Barbara Parks & Recreation Department. It has tall trees, green grass & a wonderful picturesque Rose Garden. The garden is subdivided so all the same color Roses are all together and then it transitions from one color into another color. There are so many varieties & colors here. It's like a box of Crayola Crayons. This is a great place to have your own private picnic or play a little Frisbee or just chill & read a book. Bring your own blanket & chairs & something to eat & drink or you can sit on the city benches as well. They have Free Street Parking. You can also go across the street & for $9 you can see The Mission. A great little picnic spot in Beautiful Santa Barbara & it's FREE! It used to be, you had to have mega bucks & be really rich to have the Good Life, not anymore. The Game has changed. You've been Upgraded. Now You Can Live Like a King on a Limited Budget! read more