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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...