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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.

If you are interested in having a RV delivered and set up on your campsite at Carpinteria SB, El Capitan SB, Gaviota SP, or Refugio SB Campgrounds, the following Concessionaire is the approved contract provider: 101 RV Rentals (805) 210-7391. No business or private party may conduct business on State Park property without an approved contract. Twelve miles south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria State Beach offers a mile of beach for swimming, surf fishing, tidepool exploring and camping. The Spanish named the area Carpinteria because the Chumash tribe, which lived in the area, had a large seagoing canoe-building enterprise, or "carpentry shop" there. The tribe had chosen the location because of naturally-occurring surface tar which was used to seal the boats. Seals and sea lions can be seen in the area December through May, as well as an occasional gray whale. Tidepools contain starfish, sea anemones, crabs, snails, octopi and sea urchin.

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.