A bird species found nowhere else in the world except Santa Cruz Island is one of the Santa Barbara County’s surprising natural wonders: the Island Scrub-Jay. The coast also rewards a closer look, with beaches, tide pools and vegetated hillsides offering a variety of landscapes.
Coast, Beaches and Routes into the Hinterland
In the northwest of Santa Barbara County, Point Sal State Beach offers views of the coast, beach and rugged mountain slopes. The slopes are home to typical coastal sage scrub and chaparral communities. Fishing is permitted here. Public access is via Brown Road; motor vehicles and bicycles are not permitted at Point Sal State Beach, and camping is prohibited. Access conditions may change, so check the latest information before your visit.
At El Capitán State Beach, a sandy beach, rocky tide pools and sycamore groves come together. Swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking and camping are all possible there. The beach is 17 miles west of Santa Barbara and is accessible via Highway 101, Exit 117. At Gaviota State Park, surfing is just one way to experience the landscape: hiking and multi-use trails lead into oak woodlands and the chaparral hinterland. The park also has natural sulfur springs.
Wine Experiences and Mission History
There are several ways to discover wine in the region. The Urban Wine Trail in downtown Santa Barbara is walkable. Several tour operators offer guided tours with transportation to the Santa Ynez Valley. Santa Barbara County has seven federally recognized American Viticultural Areas (AVAs); the Santa Maria region is the northernmost AVA in Santa Barbara Wine Country. Visitors can choose between a walking tour downtown and guided tours with transportation to explore the region’s wines.
The grounds of La PurĂsima Mission State Historic Park were home to the Chumash for thousands of years. Public tours follow a historic loop trail of about one mile, taking in mission buildings and outdoor areas. Tours last approximately 90 minutes. On Saturdays, tours are offered at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; the 1 p.m. tour is also offered Wednesday through Sunday. Check the current tour schedule before your visit.
Island Highlights
Channel Islands National Park is accessible only by boat or aircraft operated by park concessionaires, or by private boat. Access regulations may change, so check the latest options before your trip. There is no transportation on the islands. Visitors can reach all areas on foot, by kayak or by private boat.
Guided sea kayaking tours are offered at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island; there is no kayak rental on the island. Basic camping is available at Scorpion Canyon Campground, which has 31 sites. A site costs $15 per night, and reservations are required. Check prices and availability when planning your visit.
Explore more destinations: Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Solvang, Goleta, Lompoc, Buellton, Santa Ynez, Los Alamos, Montecito, Los Olivos, Mission Canyon, Mission Hills, Toro Canyon.
For the main travel overview: California.
