Gaviota, California

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...

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...

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...

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'...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

Tunnel Trail is a great way to get to the top of La Cumbre Peak. You get to the trailhead by taking Tunnel Road until it dead ends at a large water tower, there you can park your car and start on foot. You take Spyglass Ridge Road up which is a paved fire road until it becomes dirt when you get o...

Hike, mountain bike, or trail run the Rice Ranch Trail in Orcutt, CA. This park is relatively small, but a great place for a hike or run. I did a 3 mile loop and could easily have added on a couple more miles. Hike up to water towers at the top and enjoy views overlooking Santa Maria Valley and o...

Cold Spring Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Santa Barbara, California.

This waterfall can be fairly dry during the year, so keep your eyes out for a recent rainstorm to get things going. When you start the hike on East Folk Trail, at 0.25 miles, cross over the creek and join West Fork Trail. A little over another half mile, West Fork starts to head uphill, but you c...

If you love the mountains above Santa Barbara but hate the crowds, stick to the canyon trails on the east side. The trails running up Cold Spring canyon offer a variety of experiences without all the noise. To find the West Fork of Cold Spring Trail, take the Olive Mill Rd. exit from the 101 fre...

Begin at the trailhead in the parking area on E. Valley Road. You'll gain some elevation (don't forget your water). You'll know when you arrive at Saddle Rock--you can't miss this conspicuous rock formation. Enjoy the sights from here. If you plan carefully and hike up on a clear day, you may eve...