Gaviota State Beach
Gaviota State Park takes its name from the Spanish word for seagull, given to the area by soldiers of the Portola Expedition who supposedly killed a seagull while camping here in 1769. Marked by a tall Southern Pacific railroad trestle that crosses Gaviota Creek high above the day-use parking lot, the park is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, surf fishing and camping, despite high winds that often blow through the area. A pier on the west end of the beach is used by anglers, and scuba divers and surfers use a boat hoist on the pier to access the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel. Visitors can explore the rugged upland portions of the park from a trailhead in the parking area. Ambitious hikers can climb to Gaviota Peak that offers a spectacular view of the coast and the Channel Islands.
The Chumash Casino Resort
The casino’s action-packed gaming floor has been expanded by almost 30,000 square feet and now features 2,300 exciting slot machines, dozens of thrilling table games and a luxurious new high limit room.
Lake Cachuma
Set amidst acres of wilderness flanked by the picturesque Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains, lies glimmering Cachuma Lake. Here you will find practically everything you need for a relaxing getaway in the great outdoors. Mild temperatures, typically sunny skies, and celebrated fishing conditions make camping here during winter months exceptionally rewarding.
The County entered into a long-term lease with the Federal Bureau of Reclamation in 1953 to manage the 9,000 acre Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. Cachuma Lake was formed by the construction of Bradbury Dam in that same year.
Located off scenic Highway 154 in the Santa Ynez Valley, Cachuma Lake is midway between the beaches and bustle of Santa Barbara and the Danish Community of Solvang. At any age… in any season… you’ll find that the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area offers a fun and relaxing getaway.
Solvang
Spend some time in the Danish village nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley that looks and smells like Christmas year-round, with twinkling lights at night and baked goods served fresh every morning. Solvang, a quick 45-minute drive from Santa Barbara, is a truly unique village rife with activities, seasonal festivals, wine-tasting rooms and delectable dining. Bring the whole family — including the pooch! — or plan a couple’s getaway.
Refugio State Beach
Refugio State Beach offers excellent coastal fishing as well as trails and picnic sites. Palm trees planted near Refugio Creek give a distinctive look to the beach and camping area. Lifeguards patrol the beach year around while lifeguard towers are only staffed roughly from Memorial day weekend through Labor day weekend. Beach wheelchairs are available for use by the public at no cost. With this specially designed chair, wheelchair users may access the beach at several locations. Contact a ranger or lifeguard for additional information.
Visitors can get a unique perspective of the coastline by taking the kayak tours offered by State Park Lifeguards. There are tours available for intermediate and beginning kayakers, and are held roughly from Memorial Day weekend through August.
Los Alamos
Surrounded by ranches, farms and vineyards at the northern “entry” to the Santa Ynez Valley, Los Alamos (population 1,890) is located at the junction of US Highway 101 and State Route 135 (the main thoroughfare known as Bell Street) It’s only seven blocks long yet reflects as much Old West heritage as any small town on California’s Central Coast. Founded in 1876, two ranchers each donated part of their land to create the town site. Named Los Alamos (Spanish for “the cottonwoods” that still grace the area) it looks and feels vintage yet with a burgeoning food, wine, arts & antiques scene.
One-of-a-kind lodging includes the historic 1880 Union Hotel, a Victorian-style bed & breakfast with six incredible theme suites, an inn with a view and a classic motor court. Buildings old and new house art galleries, antique shops, food and wine tasting rooms and a surprising variety of restaurants for every type of diner from locavore to carnivore. The Los Alamos Third Saturday Stroll every month offers themed special events. During the last weekend of September, Los Alamos Old Days honors the town’s western heritage with a celebration including arts & crafts fair, BBQ, car show, dance and parade – an excellent time to wrangle a visit with free fun for the whole family.