Gaviota sits 33 miles west of Santa Barbara on Highway 101, with a sandy beach, an iconic railroad trestle overhead, and a deep backcountry extending into oak woodland and chaparral. The hike to Gaviota Peak (2,485 feet) delivers panoramic views of the Lompoc Valley, and a 2.5-mile trail reaches natural sulfur hot springs. The pier is currently closed indefinitely. The campground is seasonal, operating April 1 through September 30.
Details
- 🏞️Type
- State Park
- 🏛️Managed by
- California State Parks
- 📍State
- CA
- 🗺️Address
- Goleta, CA, 93117
- 📞Phone
- (805) 968-1033
- 🕐Hours
- Day Use 7:00 a.m. to Sunset
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📡GPS
- 34.49074, -120.23690
The Place
Gaviota is a large coastal state park in Santa Barbara County with an unusual range of terrain. The beach end is classic Southern California coast — sand, ocean, the landmark railroad trestle crossing the creek mouth — but the park extends well into the inland hills, where oak woodland and chaparral cover the slopes rising toward Gaviota Peak and the Santa Ynez Mountains. The combination of beach access and serious backcountry hiking in a single park is rare on the Southern California coast.
When to Go
Spring and fall are the best seasons: mild temperatures, lower weekend crowds, and the campground in operation. The campground is seasonal, open April 1 through September 30 and closed the rest of the year. Day use is year-round, 7 AM to sunset.
Getting There
US-101, approximately 33 miles west of Santa Barbara. Well-signed exit. RVs up to 27 feet and trailers up to 25 feet are accommodated. A camp store operates during the camping season.
What to Do
The Gaviota Hot Springs Trail (about 2.5 miles round trip) leads to natural sulfur pools in the backcountry. The springs are lukewarm, the setting is rustic, and there are no facilities at the springs themselves. The Gaviota Peak Trail (6 miles round trip, strenuous, 2,485 feet elevation) rewards with wide views of the Lompoc Valley and the surrounding coast. Both trails start from the backcountry trailhead.
On the beach: swimming, surfing, windsurfing, scuba diving, fishing, and picnicking. Dogs are allowed in the campground and day-use areas but not on the beach. Horses are welcome on multi-use trails.
The pier is currently closed indefinitely — whether to repair or replace the existing structure is under review. Do not plan to fish or walk the pier.
Reservations & Fees
Day use is $10 per vehicle. Camping reservations through ReserveCalifornia (open when the campground is in season, April–September). Book ahead for summer weekends; fall bookings are generally easier.