Gaviota State Park

Gaviota State Park is a protected natural area spanning 2,787 acres along California's Pacific coast in Santa Barbara County. The landscape extends from the shoreline to the Santa Ynez Mountains and includes beaches, hiking trails, and coastal bluffs overlooking the ocean.

The park was established in 1953 to protect a substantial portion of California's natural coastline. The landscape remained largely the same from the Spanish colonial era until modern times.

The Chumash people once used this coastal area as a seasonal home, leaving behind artifacts and remains that tell stories of their past ways of life. You can still find evidence of their settlements when exploring the park.

The campground provides 39 sites for recreational vehicles and tents, equipped with restrooms, showers, and picnic areas for day visitors. Hikers should bring sturdy footwear and prepare for changing weather conditions throughout the day.

The Gaviota Peak Trail ascends to the park's highest point at about 2,458 feet, where visitors may spot gray whales during their seasonal migration periods. This annual whale movement draws many observers hoping to witness this natural event from above.