Montecito, California
Montecito, California is a top pick for outdoor adventurers. From scenic hikes to exciting water sports, there is no shortage of activities to enjoy in the area. For those looking for the best trails and outdoor adventures, the Santa Ynez River Trail is a must-visit. This trail offers stunning views of the Santa Ynez Valley, and is perfect for a leisurely stroll. For a more adventurous experience, the Cold Spring Trail is a great option. This trail offers a challenging climb, with awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands. For a fun day on the water, the nearby beaches offer plenty of opportunities for kayaking, paddle boarding, and surfing. For those looking for an unforgettable experience, the nearby Channel Islands National Park is a great option. Here, visitors can explore the unique wildlife and take in the picturesque coastal views. No matter what type of outdoor activity you’re looking for, Montecito, California is a treasure trove for outdoor lovers.
Top Spots in and near Montecito
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Santa Paula, California
Santa Paula Punch Bowls
3.66.5 mi / 1037 ft gainThis is a 6.5 mile trail, out and back. Parking is available along Ojai St, and the trail starts at the entrance of Thomas Aquinas College. Follow the paved road that goes around the school, until you reach a fork on the road, then stay right. The trail will take you through Ferndale Ranch, just ...Read more -
Gaviota, California
Nojoqui Falls
4.50.84 mi / 328 ft gainUnfortunately, 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...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 -
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 -
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 -
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 ...Read more -
Gaviota, California
Camp at Gaviota State Park
3.5About 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...Read more -
Gaviota, California
Gaviota Wind Caves
5.02.37 mi / 577 ft gainCaves 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...Read more -
Santa Barbara County, California
Beach Camp on Santa Rosa Island
5.019.72 mi / 3097 ft gainChannel Islands National Park is California's least visited National Park. If you visit, you will see many unique plants and animals, including a rare native fox species, and Torrey Pines, only found here and in a small grove near San Diego. This adventure is not for the inexperienced. There is ...Read more -
Santa Barbara County, California
Water Canyon Campground
3.28 mi / 128 ft gainYou can get a wonderfully detailed description of what to expect from the Channel Islands/Santa Rosa Island and how to get there from fellow Explorer Michael Wigle's "Beach Camp on Santa Rosa Island" adventure (which I highly recommend you check out for the information and the photography, so I'm...Read more -
Frazier Park, California
Hike to Conder Observatory (Mt. Piños) from the Nordic Ski Hut
3.32 mi / 457 ft gainAny drive up the I-405N or I-5N is going to result in some pain: Either you leave early enough to avoid traffic, or you are sitting in some slowness for a while. But once you turn onto Frazier Mountain Road from the interstate, you are in a completely different world. It could be 85° in Los Angel...Read more -
Santa Barbara County, California
Torrey Pines Trail
4.71 mi / 584 ft gainThe vast diversity of terrain of Santa Rosa Island in the Channel Islands National Park is matched in uniqueness only by its own flora and fauna, in particular the endangered and endemic Torrey Pine. The best way to view and experience these strange, broad trees is via the Torrey Pines Trail, whi...Read more -
Santa Barbara County, California
Lobo Canyon Trail via Santa Rosa Campground
12.03 mi / 984 ft gainThe National Park Service describes this hike in the following: "Strenuous. A spectacular canyon with wind- and water-sculpted sandstone cliffs, a year-round stream, riparian vegetation, and a spectacular coast at its mouth. Well worth the effort." I couldn't agree more with the last sentence...Read more -
Santa Barbara County, California
Black Mountain via Cherry Canyon Trail
6.54 mi / 1329 ft gainWords fail in describing the beauty of the Channel Islands National Park and Santa Rosa Island, the second largest of the Channel Islands and perhaps the most diverse in terms of terrain, flora and fauna, and also the only to allow backcountry beach camping. While the opportunities for exploratio...Read more -
Santa Rosa Campground
East Point via the Coastal Road
13.76 mi / 486 ft gainOne could a lifetime exploring, and attempting to describe, the beauty of the Channel Islands National Park and Santa Rosa Island in particular: its wildly diverse terrain, endemic flora and fauna, and also the only of the Islands to allow backcountry beach camping. While the opportunities for di...Read more -
Malibu, California
Hike Point Mugu Peak
4.52 mi / 1250 ft gainPoint Mugu State Park offers some amazing rolling mountains, sweeping meadows of tall grass, and beautiful coastal views. I suggest going in the spring. I recently went, and the wildflowers were blooming everywhere. There are campgrounds available in different parts of the park that you can make ...Read more
