Didn't explore the tide pools, wind caves, hiking trails, or natural hot springs (yet), or use one of the 41 campsites, but I loved the tall train trestle looking over the sandy, secluded beach, which can be seen in the excellent movies Sideways and 20th Century Women. Gaviota allegedly takes its name from Spanish soldiers who killed a seagull while camping there in 1769, though that story might be for the birds. Of the 2000 acres of backcountry, the steep Gaviota Peak Fire Road (2.5 miles from entrance) lleads to small sulfur springs, open to the public. Overlook Fire Road is a three mile round trip up a hill for a view of the Channel Islands. It's called Overlook because mountain lions were will overlook you with napkins stuffed into the collar holding knives and forks. read more

Gaviota State Park - The trails are windy AND windy. - Campgrounds Near Me - Gaviota, California

This is just for the campground, not the rest of the park. Stayed here for 1 night while traveling from NorCal to SoCal and wanted a little break. It's not typical of campgrounds I'm used to (like in Tahoe) where the sites are separate and there is some level of privacy. This is literally just a parking lot and there's some dirt behind the parking spot for you to pitch a tent. I can't really knock it because that's often typical of beach campgrounds. But just not my style. On the positive, it's like a 2 minute walk to the beach and it's nice to be next to the ocean. It does get a bit windy, so be aware of that. As an en route campground it's definitely not worth the $50 unless you need to shower. Probably should have just slept at a nearby vista point. But I can see it being great for families with kids who want to have beach time and then just walk back to the campsite. read more

Beautiful views but do NOT tent camp here, luckily our tent made it through the night but several of our neighbors tents did not. Wind gusts start at around 6pm and last until the morning reaching speeds of 25mph, we were coated in dust in the morning. Also for the money you pay to camp I'd expected cleaner facilities with toilet paper stocked and not on the ground, unfortunately that is not the case. Showers barely worked and the bathrooms were disgusting - they also close half the bathrooms at night. read more

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It was touch and go for a moment there! But cobalt made it to the first cave and wow! Worth it. Stunning view and beautiful landscape. I wouldn't recommend this hike for new hikers. That hill was pretty steep. But man if you do go just keep pushing. The view is worth it. Go a little further past the first cave for a beautiful ocean view. read more

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Single serve restrooms pretty clean Quiet beach We were here in November on a weekday and there were only 2 campers and a school bus of teens doing science There are really cool rocks here, some minor tide pools, train running overhead. It feels secluded from the highway but is right off of it read more

Gaviota State Park - Cool rocks - Campgrounds Near Me - Gaviota, California

This review is in regard to the wind caves... Foreword: Our hike was on a cool morning in early December, so some of our experience may not directly apply. We were pleasantly impressed with the hike. Although it starts out very unexciting, on an undulating fireroad, parallel to the 101, under the telephone lines. The actual trail probably doesn't start until you get off the fireroad, onto a trail, about half a mile in. This is where it gets fun and playful, climbing quickly. Pay attention as the trail isn't well marked, and there are often several routes. If you keep an eye on the caves and generally follow them you'll be alright. Additionally, there seems to be decent cell reception (at least on AT&T and Verizon) and Google Maps has a good glimpse of the trail. If you are a frequent hiker, this is probably a moderate hike, but if you are a bit greener, this could be considered a rather challenging hike. There is a bit of scrambling involved, especially in the final ascent to the caves. In the end, it is well worth the trip. The views as you ascend continue to impress. Keep at it. The caves are glorious. So pretty. Recommendations: - Depending on the season, be sure to bring plenty of water. There's a fair bit of climbing, and most sections don't offer much shade. - The hike is longer than you might think. It's about 2 miles out and another 2 miles back. There are some pretty steep stretches, and shoes with good grip are worth their weight in gold. - There aren't any cairns or obvious landmarks. So make mental (or physical) marks where the trail is. Keep your eye on where you're going. Enjoy your trail read more

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Gaviota is awesome! It's like a mix of the natural elements of the earth and industrial vibes with the bridge right over the beach. There is a lot to offer here- the ocean, camping, and hiking. Even though you are right near the freeway, it still feels like a little getaway and offers some incredible views of the mountains and ocean. Serious storms can cause the park to close, but it's worth the wait for it to re-open. The beach is well taken care of and they tend to always be busy with people camping. You do have to pay a fee to park within the state park area, but there is parking available nearby that doesn't require parking, just more walking. read more

Gaviota State Park - Views from the Gaviota Wind Caves - Campgrounds Near Me - Gaviota, California

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Worst camp hosts ever . Loud way past 1130pm. No Enforcement. Place is smelly from sewer showers don't work camp hosts don't even know showers were broken Worst camp hosts on West coast read more

We have been to this park several times over the years to do different activities. We have gone to the beach to sit, been up to the windcaves, and just walked on the trail to the trailhead to the windcaves hike. The beach is not the best beach in terms of beaches, but it is nice to sit on. It is small, the sand is just ok quality, and it can be crowded. Its best feature is that it is relatively close to Solvang so that you can go here and still have time to do other things in the area or back in town. The windcaves hike is pretty challenging for those who are not seasoned hikers or into rockclimbing. It is also unsuitable for children in our opinion. Teens and possibly pre-teens will certainly enjoy it with their families as much as these ages can enjoy anything with the families. The trail head is clearly marked, but the trail itself is sometimes unclear to inexperinced hikers. Further, it frequently splits and appears to just take two differernt routes to the same location. After you reach the first set of windcaves, the hike becomes more like light rockclimbing, scaling flat surfaces of rock rather than hiking on a drit or rocky-dirt trail. Additionally, some of the slopes are pretty steep. If you are young or are in at least reaosnably good shape, then you will enjoy this hike. Otherwise, and if you have small kids, then go to Nojoqui Park for a more kid friendly and easy hike or just walk on the raod to the trail head. The road that leads to the trail head for the wind caves goes a short distance past the trail head and ends. It looks like it is possible to keep going past the end of the path, but you might need to check with the ranger at the park entrance to make sure that you want to do that. Additionally, we have seen multiple snakes crossing the trailhead path so be careful. We have also seen bunnies and interesting birds. The outer trailhead marker warns of mountain lions so beaware. The signage also prohibits fire arms and air rifles/guns, so be warned that you will be unarmed. You may be able to take pepper spray and/or a stun gun that are legal to carry in CA, but this will only help to scare things away and provide little protection. The main trailhead can be hard to find, but it is the steep road up the hill to the right of the ranger gate to enter the beach/park. The whole area is nice to visit for the activities we have mentioned and possibly other things you can think of to do there. read more

Gaviota State Park - Main trail to trailhead. - Campgrounds Near Me - Gaviota, California

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Great little spot with plenty of parking, clean restrooms, and a lifeguard on duty. It's not a very big beach but it's cozy and easy to get to- parking and a straight, flat walk in- not always the case around here! We were glad for no stairs and that it is easy to get back and forth to the car and restrooms, which is a plus with young kids! Next time we'll bring a wagon. We would NOT want to camp here seeing how close the sites are and with nothing to create a little privacy (like trees) between spots I'd imagine it would be very noisy. read more

Please note this review is for a spectacular beach day had in May 2021. We did use the parking area and restrooms, but did not camp here. Gaviota State Park Beach is spectacular and I will absolutely be back to wander, search for shells, explore seaside caves, regard rock formations, observe pelican behaviors, and my favorite, stick my feet in the surf and let the sea heal. There is a lot to do here if you like to take walks on the shore, and that's why it's a 5 star beach in my shoobie opinion. It might be useful to note that is costs $45 a night to camp here. Additionally, buying a $10 cash day pass at any state park (including this one, where my bestie and I purchased ours) allows you access to any state park from Monterey on down the coast. We used our pass to hit three other beaches the same day, but none were as impressive in beauty and fun as this one. The folks hanging out here were also a good crowd, I thought. Friendly, but not overbearing. It helped there weren't really a lot of people out probably. Relaxing and chilling types, like myself. My buddy is into surfing, and the waves were just okay during our time here according to her. I am not in the know on this though so don't quote me on it. I don't think I've ever seen so many pelicans in my life, dang. All perched along the pier in neat rows (under construction?) looking for heads to poo on, or flying around looking for fish so juicy sweeeet. I watched one guy, let's call him Pete, swoop into the ocean and gulp up some lunch. Neat. The tide was out enough for us to discover some little pools inside boulders to the right of the beach past the pier. We also found neat little sea caves over here, as you can see by my pictures. They're not huge caverns, but big enough for a small group to hang out in for sure. The train bridge built bordering the beach offers a nice picture setting. This really is a pretty little beach. We had a great time here. There is plenty of parking. Restrooms are free, "clean-ish,"with TP and flush ability but no soap. read more

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This review is for the Gaviota Wind Caves Trail which was a 2 mile round trip. The trail starts at the top of Hollister Ranch Rd and there's free parking on the dirt road. Trail starts off on a paved road, then eventually becomes dirt and rocky. Hiking shoes recommended for the rocky areas. Some areas were overgrown and there were a few false trails. GPS for the trail ends around the first cave however it looks like you can go further and possibly find more caves. Overall an interesting hike with plenty of inclines / declines. read more

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The upper wind cave was pretty cool! It's a nice 2-mile hike. Flat in the beginning then becomes a bit rocky. It takes about 1.5-2 hours out and back. There seems to be a couple of wind caves -- we reached both the lower and upper ones. No dogs allowed. read more

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Such an beautiful beach away from the city. We stumbled upon this beach just out for a drive and pulling over. I've taken this drive plenty of time going up to the wine country and would always pull over on the side of the hwy where the train tracks are for pictures. And would always be so curious how so many cars are there but couldn't see anyone. Well there the main entrance where the parking lot is. When we went, main lot was closed but parking was available along side of the tracks. From there you just walk down to the beach which is cool as the tracks and bridge is above. That's the main part of the beach which is a little bigger but it goes along the cliff. More parking are along the tracks and hwy. From there, it is a little hike down the cliff. I believe there's a few different entrance from there. Once there, the beach is nice and mellow. Long stretch and not crowded depending on where you are. I'm not sure time on when this part opens and close. But leaving we did encounter some officer asking of people were still on the beach. Don't know if they're checking on closing time or scouting the beach. One of the hidden jewels that you stumble upon by accident. read more

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What a unique experience! We stayed at the the Gaviota State Park Campground two nights and hardly left the beach and grounds! Let me start with things to keep in mind....no potable water. If you plan to camp and especially if you have an RV or trailer, plan to stop at Carpinteria State Beach Campground and fill up on your way. This will also be the spot to dump (if you need to and at no charge) if you are camping at Gaviota! There are no electrical hookups, but generators are allowed. Gaviota does provide nice coin operated showers and decent bathrooms. It is .25 for 2 minutes at a time and the water gets nice and warm. For day use they charge $10 to visit. The campsites are a bit close together and this is the only reason I rate it a 4 instead of 5. When everyone has a campfire going and you are in the middle area of the campground, it is a bit smoky. I would suggest finding a site on the perimeter. Despite hearing about the notorious winds, we lucked out. Maybe the time of year or luck, but we experienced awesome weather. The beach is so close and accessible and while it is not a deep or a long beach, the rock formations and the pier (closed due to weather damage) make this such a beautiful place to enjoy. The pelicans and other sea birds flock to the pier and it is quite a site for nature lovers! Between the beautiful rock formations, train bridge (my toddlers were super impressed), aquatic life and nice beach, we were in heaven! Would definitely return to camp again. read more

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It was awesome, I was reading the reviews before booking and it would say it would get windy at times. Well the time I was there it was super windy only one day out of the 3 days, was beyond windy like 27mph winds could not hang outside had to be cooped up in the tent and hold for dear life the tent would not snap in two. But in the day time was nice, the beach was nice the camp ground was nice and the bathrooms clean and just over all the people where all super cool. I wish the wind wasn't as bad but its NATURE cant predict the weather sometimes things happen. read more

So I'm a review reader so I started getting really nervous as we were getting closer to our camping dates because from all the reviews... the wind at gaviota camping grounds can be pretty miserable. We got super lucky and had very minimal wind! The campground is small... but has clean bathrooms, hot showers, a beach attached with a lifeguard, dog friendly...... its a little loop.... and u can see most of the campground from all the campsites so it was great for the kids to be able to scooter/bike/make friends.... The last night it did get super windy from 2am to about 530am and I totally get why this place wouldn't be as attractive if it was windy all day. Also, the campground host was super sweet! OH : we camped monday-wednesday and apparently the campground store is closed on monday and tuesday..... so BRING FIREWOOD... .the closest store is about 20 minutes away. read more

Great spot for meditation, family events, fishing, surfing or just all around beach activities. For those who enjoy camping well you can do that too. They have fire pits on the camp ground that also has have a grill grate on top just in case you feel like cooking. All around the camp site you will find two camp host the first mobile home is located at the front entrance once you drive into the camp grounds and the 2nd one is located at the end of the grounds closer to the entrance of the beach. You can even rent an RV station hook up. Don't forget to bring plenty of quarters for the shower I used maybe six this way you will be able to enjoy around 10 to 12 minutes of hot shower time. And always take toilet paper, lysol and sanitizer so you can wipe the toilet seat down before use. MUSIC IS ALLOWED but by 10 pm you either have to turn it down very low or off because there is a residential area right around the hiking trail. This place is beautiful and I guarantee that you would never want to check out. And by the way that is at 11am. Oh yea don't forget your flash light it's pitch black at night and you can't see nothing but those beautiful stars. read more

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This is a good location but the beach was covered with dried sea kelp which gave an unpleasant odor. They need to clean the beach with a tractor once in a while! read more

Gaviota State Park - Campgrounds Near Me - Gaviota, California

This is for camping. The campground is dusty and beat down. Picnic tables in sites are a hazard to sit at. Restrooms dirty. Showers are a stupid pay by token system. But don't worry...the token machine is broken anyway. Given how ratty the showers are, maybe a blessing. All this for $45... because the state considers it a premium campground with showers. What an embarrassment. Too bad, because it's a nice spot. Just avoid camping there. read more

The park is old, run down and that bathroom smell! We were planning to stay one night at the campground, but upon arriving, we were greeted with a very old, weed filled parking spot with an old picnic table. The beach is about 300 yards away, but it is small and not very nice. We only stayed about 1 hour and high tailed it back to Buellton. The location is nice, but this place needs a serious makeover. I would recommend staying elsewhere. read more

Cool spot. We had zero wind when we went (7/17/22). Water was pretty glassy and calm, great for paddle boarding. Some guy caught a 3ft halibut. However, based on the landscape/geography of the area, I'm sure there are brutal winds that come down that river/inlet or whatever it is. Definitely check the weather reports and prepare for the worst. I'll be honest, the ranger at the entrance was set to annoyed by default (kind of stern/short), but I was nice to her and she returned the favor. I'm sure there's a reason she was like that, probably tons of people trying to complaint to her and/or break the rules. Campsites are pretty standard size for car/van camping. We literally had 5 tents set up [closely] and were just fine. We were on the fence closest to the day parking lot. We still had room to store our boards and stuff. There's a water spigot at each site, bathrooms close by with flushing toilets, and plenty of sinks with running water. Lots of trash dumpsters, you have everything you need. The little shop was closed when I got there so be sure to buy firewood ahead of time (I had to drive 20 miles up to Lompoc for wood!) Mostly families, no rowdy party people, we all slept well with the ocean waves crashing (waves were a bit loud honestly lol). The beach is nice, small and chill. The train tracks are super cool to look at (with the occasional Amtrack passing by). Some folks I met told me they jumped the barrier and went on the pier. It was ok, they said it smelled like bird poo and that there wasn't much to see there. Dogs are not allowed on the beach. However, once the lifeguard leaves at dusk, there's not really anyone left to enforce that policy. The moonlight was amazing at night, surprisingly nobody on the beach after dark. Very peaceful. Cool little spot, I'd say it's worth checking out. If you're like me, you want to hit as many campsites as possible for the experience but also to add the list of ones you're familiar with. read more

We camped here from 9/26 - 9/28 in site #28. This campground sits deep in a 3 sided mountain canyon. The campground is not beachfront and you cannot see the water from it. There are only 2 campsites I would recommend and/or use if I was camping here - SITES #28 & #31. All of the other sites are way too close together and those sites have a lot of, "shared spaces" in regards to where your fire pit and table are located. Your neighbor is right on top of you. The amount of dogs in the other spots added to the close proximity of the sites, just doesn't make for a relaxing experience in my opinion. As people have their dogs on pretty long leashes while we were there. Site #28 is an end, corner spot so you have a ton of privacy. Site #31 is also an end spot against the back creek wall so you can nestle in that one with a bit of privacy. Being that we camped during the summer of COVID-19, ALOT of people were there with 2-3 tents per site and ALOT of young kids. The "QUIET HOURS" NOISE was unbearable! One night we could barely sleep because of all of the quiet time noise until well after 3AM. We could hear whole political conversations, drunk hooting and hollering, kids running around etc! Now, I don't mind a good camping time party but well into the early morning loud shenanigans are a bit much! The park hosts were very friendly and helpful although really no enforcement when it comes to this and I know they heard it because their site is right in the heart of the campground lol! The campground is right next to a huge beach day use, boating overflow parking lot. This parking lot gets alot of traffic as day users come and go. We saw some shady individuals sitting in their cars watching children play in that lot as we walked our dogs. They also use the campground bathrooms and showers even though there are beach bathrooms available. While there we noticed alot of people walking around the campsites after watching them park in the day use. This isn't good as most campers go to the beach during the day leaving their things around their campsite unattended. We even had an alert of a person taking things from sites and a strange person sitting at a camper's pic nic table smoking. We also noticed a male staying inside of the campground at night after the day use parking lot was closed and he did not have a campsite. The store is closed due to COVID. You can buy firewood at the host site. The beach is small and rocky but nice. The pier is still closed due to damage. No dogs on the beach. The back sites sit against a stagnant ocean overflow water creek which produces a ton of annoying little flies. Our dogs were covered in them and couldn't relax for the biting of these flies. The sites are dirt and there are some trees for shade. The bathrooms were clean as were the showers which had very hot, strong water flow. A quarter for 2 minutes. There are also outside sinks at the bathrooms to use for washing of pots etc. I dont think we will camp here again but there is nothing wrong with the campground per say, just a personal preference. read more

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We camped at Gaviota campground during Memorial Day 2019. The lady at the ranger station was friendly and let us check in a couple hours early since the other campers already left. That was a huge plus. The bathrooms were clean and had warm water from the faucets. The campsites themselves were tight, but we got to know our neighbors. Each site had a nice fire ring and picnic table. The best part was that the beach was within walking distance! The beaches were incredible at low tide. Because sites are right near the beach, the winds at night were intense. They started picking up around 7PM. We usually camp in a tent, but glad we opted for a van on this trip with the winds. We checked out the hot springs across the hwy, which were awesome and a must see. A short 15- 20 min hike from the parking lot. The trails were a bit muddy with the recent rains, so I'd recommend closed toe shoes, but the two pools were so pretty. read more

Gaviota State Park - Low tide at GAVIOTA - Campgrounds Near Me - Gaviota, California

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This camp site is amazing!!! It's small. The sites are very small. However, you're a stones throw from the ocean. There is not a tremendous amount of shade in the majority of sites so make sure you bring your own shade. There is running water on the side of the bathroom building to wash your dishes and a coin operated shower. Bring flip Flops for shower!!! read more

SUPER windy and cold on 5/18/2018. A very small beach with a pier . The day we went , we couldn't walk on the pier because it was gated and locked. It's pretty cool in a way, there's a train track bridge right on the beach and you have to walk under it to get to the beach. It's sort of like an arch you walk under ( although it's not actually an arch ) from the parking lot. The beach is very very small , it's not at all like Grover Beach or Pismo . It's nice and cozy but I prefer Grover beach. The day we were there, some people went sailing on their small sailboat and they capsized out in the ocean . They were rescued by some fishermen from the near by fishing boat but the sailboat drifted far into the ocean. We got to watch the Santa Barbara Fire Dept and the lifeguards pulling in the rescued sailboat. We all clapped in excitement when they pulled it in. It was a cool experience. In my opinion, $10 entrance fee is a bit too much for this tiny beach. It's still pretty cool . read more

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If there is a beach nearby we usually never miss it. This beach is only 25 minutes away from Solvang and no the name Gaviota is not Dutch. Gaviota is a Spanish word for seagull. You can find a pier here however it is currently closed due to storm damage but pelicans absolutely don't mind that there are no people walking around  because they have taken over the pier. It is a beautiful sight to see so many pelicans in one place. Nevertheless, there is plenty of room to run around and explore the beach even if it is a pretty small beach compared to some of the other ones we have been to. There are a few picnic tables to choose from so you could send many hours here relaxing and eating. There are also a few trails at this park but it was too hot for hiking when we came here. We came before dinner ( 3 pm) so we just enjoyed the beach this time. It is opened 7am to sunset. There are restrooms and parking near by which is nice if your planning to spend the day here. We came thanksgiving week here and around 3pm and there were about 15 people here. It wasn't crowded when we came. This beach is pretty small but still a nice place to chase the waves and play at. Located on US-101, Goleta, Ca 93117. read more

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Not worth the ten bucks entrance. Would not recommend. Too many big rocks on the beach and not clean

Came across this adventure and decided to do a quick road trip this weekend. It was a nice hike, but a little intense with the incline. Please wear appropriate shoes for this hike and bring water. Although, the hike may appear short with distance, there's no shade on the trails and very warm in the area. Once at the top, you can enjoy an amazing view and nice breeze inside the caves. Enjoy your hike and protect our environment. read more

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BEAUTIFUL AREA. Also mid summer on a Saturday there was maybe 4 or 5 people there and the campground had vacancies! Nice beach and pier. Wonderful for photography. Highly recommend. read more

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Our relatives reserved a campsite here over Easter/Passover weekend when El Capitan was full. My first impression upon arrival was OMG it's so crowded! The campsites are squished very close together so if you like space or privacy, this is definitely not the place for you. Overall, the relatively small grounds was convenient in terms of easily accessible restrooms and potable water (despite all restrooms running out of TP by Sunday. However, like some reviewers mentioned, wind is not your friend here. On the first night, our friends sleeping in tents could feel them shaking the entire night as if they would fly away. My friend who stayed in an RV couldn't get any rest because she felt like the Rv would tip over! We camped in a tent the following night and the wind was not a problem. We just got lucky with the weather. I highly suggest only camping here if you checked wind forecast ahead of time. NOTE: the walkable stretch of beach is minimal and dogs are not allowed. read more

Low key beach park that is dog friendly. Nice place to take a stroll or have lunch by the sea

I love this place, I have a lot of memories here. I love this corner of California, the scenery, the way hwy 101 curves right towards Gaviota pass & goes up. I've never camped here, usually come for the day. Lots of hikes around the park, you can go to the hot springs or Gaviota peak or walk on Hollister Ranch road, hang out on the beach or just drift around aimlessly. I love that railway trestle & the sound of trains rolling by. For me its a lot of nostalgia & little things. Yes it can be very windy around here, be warned. But overall its a nice place. For those who don't want to pay the parking fee drive up to the top of Hollister Ranch road, there's a few parking spaces & the views are gorgeous ! Finally there's the pier which was closed when I last visited a year ago due to storm damage. Everyone's gotta love a pier ! read more

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The beach park sucks. I don't like it there. I come here for the hiking. The wind caves is a simple hike. less than an hour. There's two ways to go up, i usually took the harder route if i didn't go all the way to the abandoned radio tower. The venture to the radio tower was a three hour hike... I was considered a strong hiker b4 my knee gave out so you can judge for yourself on the timing. Definitely take water cause it can get dry real quick when u go a bit inland. The wind caves are sick. If u go early enough, like get there at 6a, by 7a you are at the caves with minimal disturbance. When i needed some reflection time, i took my folding chair, some food, a book and a couple cigars and half gallon of water (with back up in the car). I will say, if u decide to smoke anything up there to dig a ditch for the ashtray cause the surrounding shrubs are arid which means muy peligroso if u not careful. Also ventilation in the caves suck~! This area is quite isolated so come prepared and don't fall off the cliff~! read more

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So sad, this beach was covered, I mean COVERED with drying and rotting kelp, and thousands of annoying flies everywhere! The lifeguards said there was a bad storm that significantly damaged the pier and a huge wave brought in all this kelp, killed a bunch of seals and left this big mess on the beach. There were dead and rotting crabs, flies, dead eels, and other rotting creatures that covered the beach. They haven't had enough funding or volunteers to help clean it up. What made me extra sad was that a big population of seals and dolphins also got washed up and died all the way to the parking lot. :( Fishing was also prohibited on the pier, which was also badly damaged from the storm. Mother Nature, you're so bipolar. Ugh, we couldn't take the amount of flies so we packed up our stuff after ten minutes and went for another beach. read more

Gaviota State Park - Mounds of drying kelp. Thousands of flies not pictured. - Campgrounds Near Me - Gaviota, California

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We ended up here because it was the last spot that had camping availability in the Santa Barbara area. We had checked El Capitan and Refugio State Beach- but they were both full :[ The camping price is $45 (a little steep considering the other spots are $15). Keep in mind it is super super windy at night and it will probably always be like that, after asking some locals. DO: - The Gaviota Wind Caves! It is literally right next to the camp site on a small trailhead with a warning sign. It's off: Hollister Ranch Rd and you won't miss it- it's a semi-popular trial, yet a little difficult to find. If you still have trouble, try downloading 'All Trails,' it will give you the correct trailhead with the right pathways. It could get somewhat difficult if you keep walking down the pathway, so make sure you make a quick left up the steep hill when - Buy what you need to buy, food-wise, supply-wise, etc, since there is absolutely NOTHING in the area for about 10+ miles. So come prepared! DON'T: - Have a crappy tent that can easily fly away with the glorious winds of Gaviota State Park. We had a neighbor who set up in 30 minutes and after another 30 minutes had their tent snap with no more support left. - The pier is closed so don't try being a badass and climbing or walking down the pier, there's always a reason why these things temporarily close! Overall, enjoy your time at the park, choose your nights wisely, browse around at other locations before you commit to a $45/a night camping spot (when there are easily $15 ones a few miles away), and HAPPY hiking! read more

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The numerous warnings you'll read in other reviews of Gaviota State Park are true - the winds here are CRAZY strong, and if you pitch a tent it's highly unlikely it'll stay up through a whole night... The winds not withstanding, if you stop here you can enjoy a very scenic walk along the water. They have BBQs, picnic tables, showers, and even a small general store. Note: There's also a place nearby you can go boat fishing, and there's even a short hike you can take that leads to a cave. read more

Moderate to strenuous hike depending on your fitness level! Walk up paved for a short time then up a steep single track! 2 miles and 600 feet elevation gain! A Beautiful hike with gorgeous views of Gaviota Pass and The Pacific Ocean! Caves are awesome! Great rock climbing and exploring them is fun! Directions to GAVIOTA WIND CAVES From Santa Barbara, travel west for 30 miles on the 101 Freeway. Take the Gaviota Campground exit (just before the rest area and the Gaviota Tunnel en route to Los Olivos). Just before the campground entrance, take Hollister Ranch Road up the hill to the right. Almost immediately, Gaviota Beach Road turns to the right and there are gravel turnouts on both sides of the road. Park here. The trailhead is on the right next to a mountain lion warning sign. Trailhead address: Hollister Ranch Road, Gaviota State Park, Goleta, CA 93117 Trailhead coordinates: 34.471706, -120.229656 (34° 28′ 18.14″N 120° 13′ 46.76″W) read more

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If this had been my first time camping, I'd think all of you campers were absolutely nuts for putting yourself through this misery. It's my own damn fault. I read all of the one- and two-star reviews, but we decided to go ahead with our camping trip this weekend anyway, knowing the risks, but somehow thinking they were overblown. Maybe Yelpers are all a bunch of wind babies or something. I can't be defeated that easily! No, you're not kidding. People, if you're reading this and wondering whether you should go here, make it a day trip, because the beach and pier are the only things worth seeing here and the weather is far more calm during the day. This is not anywhere anyone should be tent camping if they want any chance of a meal that doesn't consist of at least half sand or crunchy teeth or, hell, a good night's sleep. And I can sleep through anything. Our tent stood up to the wind like a brave soldier, but the rest of us just huddled inside, trying in vain to sleep and stay warm. I'm just grateful that we weren't there a few nights ago. A worker told our friend that there had been 40 mph sustained winds with 60 mph gusts. So, think about that. Still, if there were no wind, the other misery here is that you're nut to butt with the other campers. My husband swears he heard breathing all night. And they're not a quiet group. Although quiet time officially ends at 6 a.m., I don't think that means it's officially time to whoop it up. Go somewhere that couldn't double as a NASA wind tunnel if you're going to stay overnight, okay? Trust me. Otherwise, you just might find yourself home a day early from vacation writing on Yelp about how you should have listened to me. read more

Gaviota State Park - These are the campgrounds. Looks relaxing, right? - Campgrounds Near Me - Gaviota, California

We had another great weekend here! The weather was great, beach was nice. It was little bit windy, but thanks to our favorite site, bushes blocked us from strong gust of wind. The day time felt like 85 degrees. It was pretty hot. We saw some people going to the water. The night time, it dropped around 60-65 degrees, but it was not as bad as we thought. We never really had to use the winter jackets we brought. First night, some campers were playing really loud music. I was worried that the noise will disturb my son's sleep, but ranger came and took care of it. The second night was totally peaceful and quiet. We love this place! We will definitely come back. read more