California State Parks Near Santa Barbara

Chumash Painted Cave SHP protects a sandstone cave decorated with colorful Chumash pictographs. The park offers interpretive displays and a unique cultural experience just outside Santa Barbara.

Carpinteria State Beach features a mile-long sandy beach ideal for swimming, camping, and exploring tide pools. The park is renowned for its gentle surf and coastal wildlife, making it a favorite for families and nature lovers.

Refugio State Beach features sandy beaches, shaded picnic areas, and a popular campground nestled along the Pacific coast. Visitors enjoy swimming, kayaking, fishing, and exploring tide pools in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.

San Buenaventura State Beach features wide sandy beaches, a picturesque pier, and excellent facilities for picnics and recreation. Its coastal location makes it ideal for swimming, surfing, and enjoying ocean sunsets.

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Clara River, McGrath State Beach is renowned for its pristine beaches, coastal dunes, and vibrant birdlife. The park provides a peaceful retreat for camping, fishing, and wildlife observation.

Mandalay State Beach offers a pristine stretch of coastline, coastal dunes, and native vegetation. The park is perfect for beach walks, wildlife watching, and enjoying the natural beauty of California’s coast.

La Purísima Mission SHP is renowned for its authentic restoration and immersive living history programs. Visitors can explore original adobe structures, gardens, and interpretive exhibits set amid rolling hills.

Oceano Dunes SVRA is renowned for its open sand dunes, vehicle recreation, and direct beach access. It offers camping, picnicking, and a variety of outdoor activities along the scenic Central Coast.

Point Sal State Beach features dramatic coastal bluffs, a remote sandy beach, and abundant wildlife. Its challenging access rewards visitors with solitude and breathtaking scenery along California’s Central Coast.