All Places of Interest in Gaviota

 Arroyo Hondo Historic Adobe The earliest known inhabitants of Arroyo Hondo are from the Barbareno-Chumash civilization 5,000 years ago. Evidence of a permanent Chumash camp has been discovered buried deep in the lower canyon. Rancho Arroyo Hondo was part of the original 26,530-acre Rancho Nuestra Señora del Refugio Mexican land grant to former Santa Barbara Presidio Commandant Jose Francisco Ortega Read more...

Gaviota Gorge Tunnel This Gaviota Gorge Tunnel (51 0172R) is a reinforced-concrete tunnel measuring approximately 420 feet long, 35 feet wide, and 22 feet tall. The raised curb on the west side is approximately 2 1/2 feet wide, while the east side has a 4-foot-wide walkway. The interior of the tunnel is smooth concrete with two rows of mounted square Read more...

Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Scenic Vista If you forgot to bring your binoculars, no worry. Use the recently installed telescope and binoculars to scan the ocean for migrating whales and other distant objects. Interpretative Information Display The history of the Gaviota Coast is on display at this southbound turnout off Hwy 101 Arroyo Hondo Bridge The bridge was built in 1918. It was Read more...

Arroyo Hondo Preserve Called the “Jewel of the Gaviota Coast,” the 782-acre Arroyo Hondo Preserve is a magnificent canyon located west of Santa Barbara between Refugio State Beach and Gaviota State Park. The old ranch is rich in early California history and has an abundance of outstanding natural features.Within its steep canyon walls is a hidden place of extraordinary beauty 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...

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...

Las Cruces Adobe Las Cruces Adobe. The home of Miguel Cordero family members, probably constructed in the 1850s or earlier. A kiosk at the site tells more about the history of the Cordero family and the adobe building. Learn More → Article in Wikipedia Article by Michael Redmon published at Independent.com Report by Santa Barbara County Planning Department on the Las Cruces 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...

Vista Del Mar Union School In 1927, Vista del Mar School was built on land deeded from the Hollisters after three nearby schools were combined. The school, with its signature jet fighter aircraft on the playground, served generations of children until it was closed down in 1986 because of safety concerns associated with an oil-processing facility Chevron was constructing nearby. Read more...