California State Parks Gaviota State Park Gaviota State Park is a popular spot for swimming, and picnicking. This section of the coast was first called Gaviota, meaning 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. The park is located 33 miles west of Santa Barbara on US 101, near Las Cruces, west of Refugio State Beach .