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Gaviota, California

The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Gaviota, California, include the Gaviota Peak Trail, a top pick for hikers. This 6-mile round trip trail is moderately difficult, with steep inclines and rocky paths. It's a must-visit for its scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Channel Islands, and the Santa Ynez Mountains. The Gaviota Wind Caves are another highlight, featuring fascinating sandstone formations shaped by wind and weather. For a more leisurely outdoor adventure, try the Gaviota State Park beach, perfect for picnics and bird watching. Nearby, the Nojoqui Falls Park offers an easy hike to a beautiful waterfall, making it a popular attraction. These outdoor activities make Gaviota a great destination for those seeking scenic trails and natural beauty.

Top Spots in and near Gaviota

  • Gaviota, California

    Camp at Gaviota State Park

    3.5
    About 30 miles north of Santa Barbara on the 101 is a small state beach in the 90 person town of Gaviota. Most people pass right on through to San Luis Obispo or don't even make it past Goleta, but this gem is worth checking out either for a day trip or to camp for the weekend.Since it is a state...
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  • Gaviota, California

    Gaviota Wind Caves

    5.0
    2.37 mi / 577 ft gain
    Caves and epic views...need I say more?! That's what you'll encounter on this short 2.5 mile out and back hike to the Gaviota Wind Caves in the San Ynez Mountains, West of Santa Barbara. The Gaviota Wind Caves are a sandstone formation located 1 mile from the Pacific Ocean. One good thing about t...
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  • Gaviota, California

    Nojoqui Falls

    4.5
    0.84 mi / 328 ft gain
    Unfortunately, the falls have been inaccessible for a while due to dangerous conditions from a mudslide. Contact the County of Santa Barbara Parks Division for more information. The falls are a great daytime getaway. Granted it's a quick, short hike, so you won't get the same workout or sweat go...
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  • Solvang, California

    Roam Ostrichland USA

    Enjoy meeting ostriches and emus alike!  Located just outside of Solvang, near Santa Barbara, you get the chance to stroll through a farm and feed the ostriches and emus.  Entrance is free, but there is a fee to feed them.  There are scenic hills and flowers all around the farm.  This is a great ...
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  • Goleta, California

    Camp at El Capitan Canyon

    5.0
    El Capitan Canyon is a gorgeous collection of permanent tents, yurts and cabins located across the highway from El Capitan State Beach and its campground. It's also the perfect place to ease your friends or loved ones into the world of camping. We all have that special person in our life who we'...
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  • Santa Barbara, California

    Camp at Lake Cachuma

    The campground here is extremely well developed and tightly run (for better or worse). The sites afford very little privacy: I recommend looking for the "Prime" campsites along the bluff, or choosing a weekday. If you can afford to spend a little extra, the park offers yurt rentals, which have th...
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  • Lompoc, California

    Beach Hike to Point Conception Lighthouse

    4.0
    9.3 mi / 171 ft gain
    It must be approaching low tide to complete this hike! This hike begins at the Jalama Beach Campground. Head out on the beach a couple of hours before low tide and follow it until you reach the lighthouse. It is important to note that the land above the high-tide line, the top of the cliffs, and...
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  • Lompoc, California

    Camp and Surf Jalama Beach

    4.3
    Take the 101 North out of LA and follow it till it meets back up with the 1 just south of Lompoc where you make a left turn onto Jalama Rd. If you forgot supplies, continue to Lompoc where you can buy whatever you need.Follow the winding road all the way to the beach, where your only option is th...
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  • Los Olivos, California

    Dispersed Camp in Los Padres National Forest (near Davy Brown Campground)

    7 mi / 2000 ft gain
    I was looking for a last minute adventure out of LA and found this epic view.  Easy backpacking trip for one night, no permits needed, less than 3.5 hours from LA, and secluded.  Go to REI and pick up your adventure pass for your car. Plug into your GPS "Davy Brown Campground" in Los Olivos / Los...
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  • Santa Maria, California

    Bike Foxen Canyon Road

    29 mi / 2400 ft gain
    Foxen Canyon Road from Santa Maria to Los Olivos runs through some of the most beautiful wine country in Santa Barbara county so much so that it was centerpiece of the film Sideways. The road itself begins at the intersection of Betteravia and Philbric roads just east of Santa Maria and proceeds ...
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  • Santa Barbara, California

    Hike to Knapp's Castle

    4.2
    0.8 mi
    One of the many hidden gems near Santa Barbara, Knapp's Castle is an abandoned home built in 1916 by George Knapp. Finding the trailhead can be difficult because it's not clearly marked and the road it's starts from is long, winding and narrow. Coming from the 154, turn right on East Camino Cielo...
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  • Los Olivos, California

    Backpack Zaca Ridge

    5.0
    7.32 mi / 2077 ft gain
    From Santa Ynez, CA take Armour Rd until it hits Happy Canyon Rd, and make a left. Follow this scenic drive through vineyards and oak shaded pastures into the Angeles National Forest. A half-mile section of asphalt is rough from winter storms, so drive slow. The road becomes Sunset Valley Rd and ...
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  • Santa Maria, California

    Trail Run, Hike, or Mountain Bike Los Flores Ranch Park

    5 mi / 700 ft gain
    I'm a sucker for a good ridgeline trail, and Los Flores Ranch Park has lots of them. For a solid 5ish mile loop with about 600 ft of elevation gain, take the Manzanita Trail to the Ridge Top Trail for sweeping views of the valley, vineyards, and out to the ocean on a clear day. The Solomon Trail ...
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  • Santa Maria, California

    Cycle the Palmer and Cat Canyon Roads in Santa Maria Valley

    30 mi
    You can't go wrong with cycling around the Santa Maria Valley area. There is an abundance of interesting roads to ride along with scenic hills meandering through wineries.  I started my ride at the Los Flores Ranch Park parking lot and headed east along Dominion. Take a right on Palmer and follow...
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  • Santa Barbara, California

    Paraglide at Elings Park

    Santa Barbara is known for its incredible terrain. Paragliding at Elings Park is an amazing way to take in the gorgeous local scenery from an entirely new perspective. You’ll get your blood and adrenaline pumping as you challenge yourself to try something new under the watchful, expert eyes of th...
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  • Santa Barbara, California

    Inspiration Point

    4.0
    3.82 mi / 1109 ft gain
    Hike up the 3.5 mile trail to an unbeatable vista that will leave you smiling! This hike has a steady uphill climb from the trailhead off of Tunnel Rd into Los Padres National Forest. Keep in mind this trail can get pretty crowded on weekends, so you're best to be at the trail early in the mornin...
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Camping and Lodging in Gaviota

Fremont Campground
Santa Barbara, California

Fremont Campground

Paradise Campground
Santa Barbara, California

Paradise Campground

Los Prietos
Santa Barbara, California

Los Prietos

Sage Hill
Snyder Trail

Sage Hill

Santa Rosa Island
,

Santa Rosa Island

Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping
Unnamed Road

Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping

Guides, Insights and Stories from Gaviota

West Coast Roadtrip down Highway 101

West Coast Roadtrip down Highway 101

Michael Fricke

A Solo Woman's Escape to Santa Maria Valley

A Solo Woman's Escape to Santa Maria Valley

Kristi Teplitz

Velo Vino: 30 Miles of Cycling Perfection through the Santa Maria Wine Country

Velo Vino: 30 Miles of Cycling Perfection through the Santa Maria Wine Country

Josiah Roe

Boats, Backpacks and Booze: Why You Should Try Island Backpacking

Boats, Backpacks and Booze: Why You Should Try Island Backpacking

Kristen Fuller

11 Photos That Will Make You Want to Hike Channel Islands National Park

11 Photos That Will Make You Want to Hike Channel Islands National Park

Katie Y

One Ideal Day on Santa Cruz Island

One Ideal Day on Santa Cruz Island

Leigh Maneri