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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Gaviota
State Beach Camping
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Gaviota
State Beach
is the last stop on Highway 101 before it turns inland
toward Buelton. The Southern Pacific train trestle travels
over the canyon which forms the beach. Amtrak and a few
freight trains roll over the bridge daily. Other that
the occasional train the only noise you will hear is the
waves crashing on the beach.
Gaviota pier is very popular for fishing and scuba divers
enjoy the surrounding waters. There is a small snack bar
with restrooms and the life guard tower is manned during
the summer season. Activities including hiking, fishing,
swimming, boating and camping.
There are e 41 developed campsites that can accommodate
tents, trailers up to 25 feet and Recreation Vehicles
up to 27 feet. Between October 1 and March 31, the campground
is open Friday through Sunday only. Camping reservations
can be made up to seven months in advance through Reserve
America. During the summer and holiday weekends
camp sites fill up fast so reserve early for best locations.
Gaviota Beach campground is next to the train trestle,
the beach is a short walk away. There is a hiking trail
near the parking lot where you can head inland and explore
Gaviota State Park inland areas. Gaviota Hot Springs is
about a three mile hike from the campgrounds. Gaviota
Peak Fire Road trail leads uphill to two small sulfur
springs which are open to the public. Nude bathing is
discouraged but it still happens at the springs.
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Train Trestle Gaviota State Beach |
Gaviota
State Park is located 33 miles west of Santa
Barbara, California along U.S. 101. Boating and fishing
are popular activities at Gaviota Beach. There is a public
fishing pier which is is equipped with an electric boat
hoist launching facility.
Check with park staff for rules on the use of the hoist
and if the hoist is working. Trails and dirt fire roads
and hiking trails lead into more than 2,000 acres of oak
woodland and chaparral back country. Check with park rangers
before starting your hike, conditions change frequently.
Gaviota State Park is mountain lion country and watch for
snakes in summer. Safety tips are available from the rangers.
Gaviota State Park offers hiking on
both sides of the pass. Eastside trail attractions include
a hot springs and connections to Los Padres National Forest
footpaths.
On the west side of the pass, the parks trail network winds
its way through the back country and offers hikers loops
of varying distances. |
Tent Camping Gaviota State Beach |
Gaviota State Beach Coast |
Adjacent to the park on
the west is a large region of private ranches known as Hollister
Ranch, which extends for almost the entire distance to Point
Conception (where the California coast turns to the north).
Access to this portion of the coast is tightly secured,
and possible only by water for non-residents. Singer Jackson
Browne owns a ranch adjacent to the park on the west.
You can travel along the Hollister Ranch road for about
a mile which gives you access to several secluded beaches.
Once you get to the Hollister Ranch gate house its time
to turn around unless your an invited guest. Gaviota
State Park is located 33 miles north
of Santa Barbara. |
More
Southern California Beach Campgrounds |
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Jalama
Beach 30 miles north of Santa Barbara.
RV camping and beach cottages. |
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