Where is the Best Family Picnic Area in Santa Barbara, California ?

     A perfect picnic ground in Santa Barbara, California is Gaviota State Park.  US- and-Philippine-based family members were in California and a picnic in Gaviota was deemed a most appropriate way to bond. For one, Lori and Aunt Heidi were residing in Lompoc, 21 miles away from Gaviota. Lan and Kiko were just 27 miles away from LA. Portia amd family (Philippine residents) were visiting with their Mom, Ate Heidi and son, Alex, in Lompoc. I was there, too, to attend my daughter Trina's graduation. Gaviota State Park is the best place for a picnic because it is the only beach near Lompoc, its grounds are ideal for outdoor adventures and the weather is conducive for a great family bonding activity.

Photo of a Sea Gull inside the circle.

     Seagull or "Gaviota". Sea gulls abound in Gaviota State Park, this why the first Spaniards who set foot here named the place Gaviota, Spanish term for seagull. Picture above shows one of the seagulls in Gaviota.

Photo of the pier in Gaviota State Park.

     Pier. Gaviota State Park includes a fishing pier with an electric small boat hoist launching facility. The pier faces south. On the west are rocky bluffs and on the east, a small sandy-beach area where swimmers and surfers could enjoy this favorite location. The Pacific Ocean to the west is a direct route to the Philippines. Picture above shows our visit to the pier (L-R: adventurous-Pinay, Lani, Oliver, and Pria).

Photo of us while fishing in Gaviota. 

     Fishing. Accordingly, the surf area produces good catches of barred surfperch, rays and sharks. “Outside the surf area, where water is free of kelp, halibut is the most frequently found species. In the same area, but especially around the kelp and the pilings, anglers will land small rockfish, bass, seaperch and an occasional sculpin (scorpionfish). The far end yields more pelagics: mackerel, bonito and jacksmelt. The deeper water is also better for the bigger sharks (http://www.pierfishing.com/resources/index.php?id=piers:gaviota_pier). I tried my hand at fishing, but no luck. The teen (on red shirt above) caught one, but we're not sure of what species.

Photo of our family bonding in Gaviota.

     Family bonding. After, fishing, the other members of the family arrived. They came later than us because they had to go to the supermarket to buy food for the picnic. I love this picnic because while the sun was shining to its full splendor, the temperature was cool enough to allow long-sleeved jackets and shirts for protection from the harmful UV rays. You cannot do this in the Philippines or else suffer from heat stroke.

Photo of our barbecue while grilling.

     Barbecue. The best food to eat on a picnic is barbecue. Mostly, it was Satur who lit the fire and grilled, the others just watched. Thanks, Satur, I heard you complained all the time, but did it any way!!!

Photo of our family bonding in Gaviota State Park.

      From the fire to the table. Nothing could be happier to the Filipino family than mixing food and a good banter. So we all munched and talked and joked at the same time (above).

Photo of Oliver's perfect smile while enjoying his grilled hot dog.

     Perfect Smile. The smile on Oliver’s face (above) shows the fun of eating his favorite food, grilled hot dog.

Photo of the kids and their Daddy Ohmar playing frisbee.

     Sports. There were more activities that families may enjoy doing in Gaviota State Park. In fact, the boys found time to play frisbee with their Dad, Ohmar (back to the camera,above).

Photo of the train, part of the Southern Pacific railroad.

     Train.  While in Gaviota State Park we witnessed the train crossing the parking lot where we were (above). This is part of the Southern Pacific railroad trestle that crosses the creek. 

     Mountain View. Another reason to like Gaviota is its view of the mountain . Visitors can explore the upland portions of the park from a trail head in the parking area. Gaviota Peak offers a view of the coast and the Channel Islands (http://www.beachcalifornia.com/gaviota.html). 

     Camping. Gaviota is also a good camping ground. There are 41 developed, first-come, first-served campsites that may accommodate tents and trailers up to 25 feet and RVs up to 27 feet. Between October 1 and March 31, the campground is open Friday through Sunday only (http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/606/files/gaviota.pdf). Other facilities in Gaviota State Park include rest rooms with showers and a store for emergency supplies. If you plan to go on a picnic, the car fee is $10, open from 7 am to sunset.