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Moderate ocean temperature at Emma Wood State Beach makes the area a great place for swimming, surfing and fishing. Catches include perch, bass, cabezon and corbina. A freshwater marsh at the southwest end of the beach attract raccoons, songbirds and red-tailed hawks. The beach also features the crumbling ruins of a World War II coastal artillery site. There is a grassy area for groups and a campground for hikers and bikers. The beach offers a view of Anacapa Island - and occasional dolphins.

Gaviota State Park is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking and surf fishing. This section of the coast was first called gaviota (seagull) by soldiers of the Portola Expedition in 1769. A pier on the west end of the beach is used by divers and surfers. A Southern Pacific railroad trestle crosses the creek above the day-use parking lot. Visitors can explore the upland portions of the park from a trailhead in the parking area. Gaviota Peak offers a view of the coast and the Channel Islands.

Fort Tejon State Historic Park is the site of a fort established by the U.S. Army in 1854. The post is one of the significant remaining links to the early American occupation period of California. The fort was designed to protect Native Americans living on the Sebastian Indian Reservation. There a restored adobes from the original fort and the park's museum features exhibon army life and local history. The park also has a number of beautiful 400 year-old valley oak trees. The site also has living history events held by volunteers in costume.