Rice Park
About Rice Park
A Quiet Retreat
Located in a residential corner of Santa Maria, California, Rice Park is a 3-acre green oasis that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle. With its peaceful vibe and neighborhood charm, this urban hideaway offers an ideal spot to catch your breath and enjoy some outdoor time.
What You'll Find Here
Dotted within the park are picnic spots sheltered by mature trees, creating natural umbrellas for your outdoor meals. The barbecue area means you can cook up some tasty treats while enjoying the fresh air - great for those weekend family gatherings or catch-ups with friends.
Kids will love the surprisingly impressive playground, which offers plenty of equipment to climb, slide, and swing on. It's surrounded by open grassy spaces where little ones can run wild and burn off that endless energy. For a park this size, the play area is quite impressive.
Fancy a casual game of softball? The softball field is ready and waiting for your friendly matches or impromptu games. And don't worry about finding a restroom - the park has clean facilities available, making it comfortable for longer visits.
The Natural Setting
What Rice Park lacks in size, it makes up for in thoughtful landscaping. The grounds feature lovely greenery and shade trees scattered throughout, creating cool spots to relax on hot California days. While you won't find extensive walking trails here (the paths are fairly limited), the compact layout makes good use of every square foot.
Community Space
Rice Park functions well as a neighborhood meeting place. Regardless of whether you're looking to lose yourself in a good book, enjoy a simple picnic, or watch your kids make new friends on the playground, this modest space provides the essentials.
Bring your four-legged friends along too - the park is dog-friendly, but you'll need to keep them leashed. There's something refreshingly simple about Rice Park - no bells and whistles, just a welcoming green space where you can enjoy a brief but welcome escape from everyday life.
All Features & Facilities
Active Recreation
Nature & Wildlife
Visitor Services
Food & Gathering
Photo Gallery
ParkMagnet Score
Good Park
Park Size
Opening Hours
Weather
Top Restaurants Near Rice Park
Swiss Restaurant
0.6 miles516 N Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Traditional steakhouse featuring prime rib, steaks, and seafood cooked over a distinctive red-oak pit.
Top Hotels Near Rice Park
Best Western Plus Big America
0.6 miles1725 N Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Modern hotel featuring spacious rooms, outdoor pool with jacuzzi, fitness center, and complimentary breakfast.