Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve One of the best remaining examples of a coastal-strand environment in Southern California, the Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve protects a wide variety of coastal and estuarine habitats. Largely undisturbed coastal dunes support a rich assemblage of dune vegetation and have become a nesting site for the endangered Snowy Plover. Learn More → Article by James Read more...
Kashtayit State Marine Conservation Area Kashtayit State Marine Conservation Area is intended as a heritage site with significant educational opportunities. Kashtayit SMCA is connected to Gaviota State Park, the traditional Chumash village site of Kashtayit. As a Traditional Cultural Place that plays a significant role in Chumash maritime culture, it is ideally suited for tribal co-management to promote 1) education and Read more...
Campus Point State Marine Conservation Area Campus Point (aka Goleta Point) is a popular surfing and tidepooling area adjacent to UCSB. Learn More → Article on Boundaries and Permitted Uses at Campus SMPA published by California Marine Sanctuary Foundation Article published by California Department of Fish and Wildlife Map created by California Department of Fish and Wildlife Article in Wikipedia Article and Read more...
Naples State Marine Conservation Area Naples Reef offers a remote, wilderness-type dive for more experienced divers. Naples Reef features arches, pinnacles and ledges filled with colorful anemones, nudibranchs and cowries, along with reef fish like kelp bass, sheephead and even the occasional white sea bass or yellowtail. Marine mammals including sea lions and harbor seals also frequent the area. Look Read more...
Gaviota Wind Caves The Gaviota Wind Caves are a sandstone formation located a mile from the Pacific Ocean in the Santa Ynez Mountains west of Santa Barbara. The hike to the wind-swept caves is 2.5 miles round trip with 600 feet of elevation gain. To learn more about the trail go to: Beach to Back Country Trail Learn More → Article Read more...
Gaviota Hot Springs The Gaviota Hot Springs are 3/10ths of a mile from the trail head. At about 2/10ths of a mile turn right on a single track trail that leads to the three pools that make up the hot springs. The water is warm not hot. The main pool stands a bit higher up the ravine, and you can Read more...
Nojoqui Falls The 164-foot waterfall is located on the backside of the Santa Ynez Mountains near Solvang. The hike to the falls is a little over a half mile round-trip and is suitable for almost all ages. Learn More → Article by James Wapotich at Songs of the Wilderness Article by Seth Smigelski at Hikespeak.com Article in Wikipedia Read more...