Shalawa Meadow, California

Shalawa Meadow is a protected coastal reserve spanning about three acres with native California plants, situated east of Santa Barbara. The site features walking trails, open grassland dotted with native shrubs and trees, and views toward the Pacific Ocean.

The meadow served as a burial ground for the Chumash people, who occupied the South Coast region of Santa Barbara County for millennia. This archaeological significance marks an important place in the area's indigenous past.

The site carries a name rooted in the indigenous heritage and continues to function as a gathering place where the local community performs ceremonies that preserve knowledge and traditions. Visitors come here to connect with ancestral practices and participate in celebrations tied to natural cycles.

Access the site via the Hammond Meadow Trail from the southern end of San Ysidro Road, near the Eucalyptus Lane beach entrance. Plan your visit during good weather, as the coastal location can be windy and the terrain is open grassland with little shade.

This is the only Chumash site within the coastal zone recognized on the national register of historic places, underscoring its exceptional significance. This distinction reflects its status as a location of nationwide historical importance.