Located off US Highway 101, Gaviota Pass is a natural gap between the formidable mountains that frame Gaviota State Park. Today a California Historical Landmark, this pass was also used by the early settlers for transportation. It was also the site where Mexican forces planned to catch John C. Frémont and his army off guard during the Mexican-American War. Gaviota, which is Spanish for seagull, with its peculiar name and intriguing history, makes for a scenic drive flanked by dramatic views of the mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
Rising from the ocean like a sentinel of time, the Arch Rock seems to preside over Anacapa Island's stellar seascape. This 40-foot (12.19-meter) high natural seabridge is one of the many unique geological formations birthed by erosive activity over millennia, and is also Anacapa Island's most iconic landmark. Its majestic form is visible from afar.
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A bight on the northeastern end of Santa Rosa Island, Bechers Bay operates as the only access point to the island. The Santa Rosa island, part of the Channel Islands National Park, offers a range of recreational and outdoor activities to visitors, including hiking and kayaking.
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Gaviota Tunnel is a tunnel on the US Highway 101. The tunnel was constructed in 1953. A part of Gaviota State Park, the tunnel is 420 feet (128 meter) long. Popular action-adventure game 'Grand Theft Auto V's' 'Braddock Tunnel' is believed to be inspired by Gaviota Tunnel.
Deriving its name from the Spanish term for seagull, Gaviota State Park is a stretch of wilderness that is quite a popular spot for tourists. Fun activities ranging from picnicking and surf fishing to scuba diving and hiking can be enjoyed here. The park is also home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna, with prairie, riparian, and chaparral habitats defining its ecological landscape. Adventurous tourists also hike up to the Gaviota Peak, from which spectacular vistas of the surrounding wilderness, Channel Islands, and the coastline can be admired.
