Gaviota Beach

Most people - even long time Santa Barbarans - don't even know this beach is here. It is a ways out of the city - 33 miles west of Santa Barbara to be exact.

This is a great beach for the surprise element. You actually have to walk under the train trestle to get to the sand. Very cool!!!

If the swimming and fishing don't get you, the hike to Gaviota Hot Springs might!

PLEASE NOTE: The wind can get pretty wild along this stretch of the coast. Except on the hottest of Santa Barbara days, you will probably wear a coat here rather than a swim suit.

HIGHLIGHTS: BBQ Grills, BBQ Pits, Boat Launch, Camping, Dogs OK, Fishing, Pier, Gift Shop, Hiking Trails, Lifeguards, Picnic Area, Restroom, Showers, Snack Bar, Volleyball Courts

Directions: Take the 101N from Santa Barbara until you come to signs for Gaviota State Park. Be very careful, however, if you are going northbound as you will be crossing oncoming highway traffic!