Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Los Baños del Mar Pool
Opened April 1939
Photographed by Craig Baker, 2017
1. Los Baños Del Mar Pool Marker
The present Los Baños del Mar Pool represents the third public facility to be situated in the Plaza del Mar Park area. In November 1899, the bathhouse site property was deeded to the Santa Barbara County Chamber of Commerce through the probate of the Thomas B. Dibblee estate. Among the conditions of the dedication was that the parcel forever remain a bathhouse site and bathing resort for the public. In October 1937, after two preceding public bathhouuses at this site were destroyed by fire and earthquake, respectively, the design and construction of a new swimming pool began, funded in part by a Public Works Administration grant.
This facility is one of two remaining California coastal area “plunges”. Of the approximately 20 public swimming pools that were built in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, only Santa Barbara's Los Baños del Mar Pool retains the original character and function of these historic structures.
In April 1992, Los Baños del Mar Pool was designated a City Landmark by the City Council. The facility was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in December 1992. Today, it remains open for everyone to enjoy.
Erected 1997 by Native Sons of the Golden West Santa Barbara Parlor 116, and Friends of Los Baños del Mar Pool.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West, and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1992.
Location. 34° 24.468′ N, 119° 41.637′ W. Marker is in Santa Barbara, California, in Santa Barbara County. It is at the intersection of Shoreline Drive and Castillo Street, on the left when traveling west on
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on California’s Central Coast, specifically on the Coast Ranges, and specifically in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexico’s Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sambo's Birthplace (approx. 0.2 miles away); Red Abalone (approx. ¼ mile away); Burton Mound (approx. ¼ mile away); Naval Reserve Building (approx. ¼ mile away); Purisima (approx. ¼ mile away); Santa Barbara Veterans' Memorial Building (approx. ¼ mile away); Trussell-Winchester Adobe (approx. 0.3 miles away); Santa Barbara Yacht Club (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Barbara.
Photographed by Craig Baker, 2017
2. Los Baños del Mar Pool Marker
The marker is to the left of the doors.
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 10, 2023
3. Los Baños del Mar Pool building
Credits. This page was last revised on November 15, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 1,362 times since then and 85 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 24, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3. submitted on November 15, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
