Goleta, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Goleta, California offer a variety of scenic and engaging options. One of the top must-visit trails is the Gaviota Peak Trail. This 6.5-mile round trip trail is rated as moderate in difficulty and features a hot spring and panoramic views from the summit. Another popular trail is the Ellwood Bluffs Trail, known for its stunning ocean views and access to a butterfly preserve. For those interested in bird watching and picnicking, the Lake Los Carneros Park is a great choice. The park features a large lake, walking paths, and a historic train depot. Nearby, the Goleta Beach Park offers sandy beaches, fishing pier, and barbecue grills. These outdoor adventures provide a unique and fun way to explore Goleta and its natural beauty.
Top Spots in and near Goleta
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Maricopa, California
Potrero John Trail
5.03.51 mi / 627 ft gainThe Potrero John Trail is only 1.75 miles one-way, and is mostly used for hiking. It is right off Highway 33- driving north on the 33, the trailhead is on the right side of the street, right after the Potrero John Bridge (parking is fairly limited so the earlier you get there the better). There ...Read more -
Maricopa, California
Bear Trap Campground via Gene Marshall/Piedra Blanca Trail
9.59 mi / 2211 ft gainThere's no better feeling then camping out and having a whole site to you and your friends...wouldn't you agree?!?! ...Deep in the Sespe Wilderness in Ojai, California sits a tucked away, well-managed campsite called "Bear Trap Campground". This campsite can be reached at any point of the year a...Read more -
Ojai, California
Couch Rock
3.51.3 mi / 627 ft gainDriving up Gridley Road away from Ojai you’ll come upon a small parking lot on your left and a gate barring the way to a dirt road. Park here, as close to the mountainside as possible and head onto the trail. Follow the trail until you see pass a bench, and start heading downhill. Keep your eye...Read more -
Ventura, California
Stand Up Paddleboard the Ventura Harbor
The Ventura Harbor provides a protected entry/exit to the Pacific Ocean and is a great place to start a paddleboarding adventure. Marina Park, at the end of Pierpont Boulevard, has a ton of parking, a free public launch, and there are boards to rent along the harbor. From the launch you can head...Read more -
Ventura, California
Backpack to Del Norte Campground on Santa Cruz Island
5.07 mi / 700 ft gainDel Norte Backcountry Campground is located on Santa Cruz Island, one of the islands that makes up Channel Islands National Park. It is California's largest island and is almost three times the size of Manhattan. The easiest way to get to the island is to take Island Packers, a ferry service that...Read more -
Santa Maria, California
Bike Foxen Canyon Road
29 mi / 2400 ft gainFoxen 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 ...Read more -
Ojai, California
Camp at Dennison Park in Ojai Valley
Great little campsite very close to the town of Ojai. My discovery of this gem was totally coincidental. I was trying to book a hotel room in Ojai; however, that particular weekend all the rooms that were within my budget were sold out. Instead of giving up, I looked for alternative options and ...Read more -
Ventura, California
Hike Arroyo Verde Park
3.5 mi / 800 ft gainArroyo Verde Park is a small parked tucked in the hills above Ventura, California, and has a network of trails running up and down the hills surrounding the valley in the center of the park. The entrance to the park is at the intersection of Foothill Road Day Road, east of downtown Ventura. There...Read more -
Ojai, California
Rose Valley Falls
5.00.68 mi / 256 ft gain...It's not often that you come across 100 ft waterfalls. This moderate to easy hike to Rose Valley Falls leads you to one of the tallest waterfalls in the Los Padres National Forest. The hike begins at Rose Valley Campground. If you're not staying at a campsite, park outside the entrance of the ...Read more -
Ventura, California
Dive East Cat Rock
East Cat Rock of Western Anacapa Island is an excellent dive site for experience the vast kelp forests that can be found all along the California Coast and in the Channel Island National Park. The average depth is around 60' feet and clarity varies from day to day. Kelp forest and coldwater divin...Read more -
Lompoc, California
Beach Hike to Point Conception Lighthouse
4.09.3 mi / 171 ft gainIt 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...Read more -
Lompoc, California
Camp and Surf Jalama Beach
4.3Take 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...Read more -
Ojai, California
Willett Hot Springs via Sespe River Trail
20.08 mi / 2598 ft gainPark at the Lions Camp parking lot. Adventure Passes aren't technically "required" but it never hurts to have one. You can stop at the Forest Service in Ojai (1190 E. Ojai Ave) or stop at the Wheeler Gorge Station on your way up to buy one for $5 for a night. The trail begins at the far side of t...Read more -
Ojai, California
Piedra Blanca Formations
5.05.41 mi / 860 ft gainThese white sandstone formations, splitting out of the forest, are a worthwhile sight as you climb up to gain a great vantage point of the valley. Spend some time exploring the rocks - the nooks & crannies are full of surprises. You can turn this into an overnighter by staying at the campgrou...Read more -
Ventura, California
Dive East Fish Camp
The numerous kelp forests, sea caves, and coves of the Channel Island National Park, coupled with its unbelievable sealife makes for some of the best diving in the world. East Fish Camp off Anacapa Island is an excellent introduction to diving on the Channel Islands, with an average depth of 35'...Read more -
Ventura, California
East Anacapa Island Loop
2.31 mi / 269 ft gainLeaving from either Ventura or Oxnard via Island Packers, this full-day hike is in the middle of the Santa Barbara Channel on a small island, about one hour from Los Angeles by car and one additional hour by boat. Without a beach on which to anchor, your boat will pull into Landing Cove and idle ...Read more
