Favorite
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...
Favorite
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...
Favorite
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...
Favorite
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...
Favorite
Haskell’s Beach Trail This local surf spot has a long history and much of it is showcased in a series of interpretive signs that line the short trail down to the beach. A good place for a range of water sports, picnicking, beach walking or simply enjoying the view. Learn More → Article on the history of Haskell’s Beach at GoletaHistory.com Read more...
Favorite
Coronado Butterfly Preserve The Coronado Butterfly Preserve is home to native coastal sage scrub habitat, eucalyptus groves and numerous birds and wildlife that thrive in this urban community treasure. The 9.3-acre preserve includes Devereux Creek, woodlands and meadows as well as trails, an outdoor gathering area and classroom. The Preserve is protected open space and acts as a gateway to Read more...
Favorite
Pond Dune Trail The Pond Dune Trail (aka Pond Trail) begins at the northwest corner of the Devereux Slough. To get there you can park on the street where Storke Rd meets El Collegio Rd at the start of the Slough Road and walk 4/10ths of a mile through the student housing parking lot and continuing on along the Veneco Road that runs Read more...
Favorite
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...