Shipwreck Playground

If you’re taking the kids to East Beach, honestly just plan to stop here too — it’s right across the street and the pirate theme actually holds up. The climbing structure and slides keep the older kids busy while the spongy surface makes it easier to let the little ones roam without hovering constantly. Shade trees do real work here on hot Santa Barbara afternoons, which anyone who’s suffered through an exposed playground in August will appreciate. Pack lunch and grab a picnic table, then let them burn off energy on the open grass field before or after hitting the sand.