Gaviota State Park
High Traffic Alert
This park experiences heavy crowds, especially on weekends.
Check out the similar parks below for a better experience
Popular destination, arrive early for parking
Best: Weekdays before 10am
Gaviota is a jewel of the Santa Barbara coast, combining a sandy beach, blufftop camping, and dramatic inland canyons in one park. Hiking trails climb through coastal sage and chaparral to wind caves and panoramic ocean overlooks. Hot springs within the park backcountry reward those willing to make the trek, and migrating gray whales pass offshore in winter.
Try These Instead
These parks offer similar experiences with fewer crowds
Border Field State Park
Southwest corner of U.S. where border fence meets Pacific Ocean with estuary birding.
Why go: Similar coastal scenery, wildlife viewing, off-the-beaten-path character experience
Around 223 miles away
