Gaviota State Park and Hot Springs


Gaviota State Park has three very special and distinct parts: the beach (to the south of the 101), the Gaviota Wind Caves area (to the west of the 101), and the Gaviota Peak and Gaviota Hot Springs region (to the east of the 101). Each area has a lot to offer and is worth visiting.

In the beach part of the park, there is camping, picnicking, swimming, surfing and surf fishing. Making camping reservations is highly recommended.

The hike to the Gaviota Wind Caves is popular and rewarding, featuring stunning sandstone caves carved by the wind.

In the third part of the park, hike, if possible, to the top of Gaviota Peak (2,458 feet), which is, in more ways than one, breathtaking. The views, wildflowers, other vegetation and wildlife are worth the elevation gain. Taking the loop route is especially rewarding, going up Trespass Trail and down Gaviota Peak Fire Road/Gaviota Hot Springs Trail. Here is a good trail description.

Before finishing the hike, visit and savor Gaviota Hot Springs. Or, just enjoy the relatively short hike to the Hot Springs as a stand-alone destination.


Details


Location

1595 US-101, Gaviota

Managed By

California State Parks

Distance from UCSB

23 miles (by bike)

How To Get There

Bike, Drive

Things To Do

Beach Activities, BBQ, Birdwatching, Camping, Hiking, Other Recreational Activities (Fishing), Picnicking, Relaxing, Running (trail), Surfing, Swimming, Viewing, Walking, Watchable Wildlife

Fun Facts

“Gaviota” is the Spanish word for seagull.

Other Information

This destination has accessible features; to review, click here.

Nearby Public Lands Worth Visiting

To the north of Gaviota State Park, and just 1.5 miles east of Highway 101, there is a beloved County Park – Nojoqui Falls Park -- which features a spectacular seasonal waterfall and lots of cooling trees, picnic tables, BBQ features, and places to play.

Best Time To Visit

All Year

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