Beach Hike to Point Conception Lighthouse

Take the 101 North out of LA and follow it till it meets back up with the 1 just south of Lompoc where you make a left turn onto Jalama Rd. If you forgot supplies, continue to Lompoc where you can buy whatever you need.Follow the winding road all the way to the beach, where your only option is the campground. The Jalama Beach Store is known for its burger, so stop in during dining hours for a b...

Caves and epic views...need I say more?! That's what you'll encounter on this short 2.5 mile out and back hike to the Gaviota Wind Caves in the San Ynez Mountains, West of Santa Barbara. The Gaviota Wind Caves are a sandstone formation located 1 mile from the Pacific Ocean. One good thing about this hike is it's right off the 101 freeway...and cost free! The bad thing about this hike is that yo...

About 30 miles north of Santa Barbara on the 101 is a small state beach in the 90 person town of Gaviota. Most people pass right on through to San Luis Obispo or don't even make it past Goleta, but this gem is worth checking out either for a day trip or to camp for the weekend.Since it is a state beach there will be a gate guard ready for some payment for your time sleeping on the ground, but t...

Unfortunately, the falls have been inaccessible for a while due to dangerous conditions from a mudslide. Contact the County of Santa Barbara Parks Division for more information. The falls are a great daytime getaway. Granted it's a quick, short hike, so you won't get the same workout or sweat going from longer trails, but you will get to take in this 80-foot waterfall and relax without too much...

Enjoy meeting ostriches and emus alike!  Located just outside of Solvang, near Santa Barbara, you get the chance to stroll through a farm and feed the ostriches and emus.  Entrance is free, but there is a fee to feed them.  There are scenic hills and flowers all around the farm.  This is a great stop if driving down the coast on Hwy 1.  

Hike, mountain bike, or trail run the Rice Ranch Trail in Orcutt, CA. This park is relatively small, but a great place for a hike or run. I did a 3 mile loop and could easily have added on a couple more miles. Hike up to water towers at the top and enjoy views overlooking Santa Maria Valley and out to the ocean on a clear day.  Pro Tip - If you end up parking at the community center, take the p...