All Outdoor Recreation

Surf Beach area has beautiful dunes, coastal flora, and abundant wildlife. Public access is at the Amtrak parking area. The areas north and south of Surf Beach are fenced and closed March through September to protect the Snowy Plover bird nesting spots. From October to February you can walk from Surf Beach to nearby Ocean Beach at the mouth of Read more...

Ocean Beach Park is where the Santa Ynez River meets the Pacific Ocean. Bird-watchers and nature photographers flock to this destination, where all kinds of migratory sea birds can be seen. Please note that access to the beach is closed to the public from March 1 through September 30 due to the Snowy Plover nesting season. Read more...

Goleta Butterfly Grove Monarch butterflies migrate to Goleta each November through February and this amazing sight is best viewed at the Goleta Butterfly Grove. The site is open sunrise to sunset with no admission fee, but the City of Goleta does accept donations to support the Monarch Butterfly Docent Program.  The grove is adjacent to the Sperling Preserve on the Ellwood Mesa. The 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...

El Capitan State Beach Campground amenities include picnic tables, fire rings with high metal sides, flush toilets, pay showers, potable water, and a general store. The most appealing amenity of course is the beach, where you can swim, surf, fish, play in the sand, and walk along the shore. For those who are not camping overnight, there is a day use Read more...

Refugio State Beach Refugio State Beach offers excellent coastal fishing and surfing as well as picnic sites. Palm trees planted near Refugio Creek give a distinctive look to the beach and camping area. The Aniso multipurpose paved trail connects Refugio State Beach with El Capitan State Beach. Scuba diving and snorkeling are also popular here. Camp Store hours Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday   9am-5pm Read more...

Sandpiper Golf Club This spectacular seaside 18-hole, 72 par, 7,068 yard course was designed by William F. Bell and opened in 1972 featuring rolling fairways and challenging greens in the seaside links style layout. The course has a championship rating of 74.2 and hosts several professional tournaments, such as the PGA TOUR Tournament Players Series, The LPGA TOUR Santa Barbara Women’s Open, and 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...

Gaviota Pier Fishing from the Pier The 529-foot Gaviota Pier is part of Gaviota State Park and is open 24 hours a day, but day-use visitors to the park must leave by closing time (which varies by season). Those camping at the park have access to the pier all night. Common catches are kelpfish, surfperch, bass, bonito, jacksmelt, sharks, rays, Read more...