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California Coastal Trail

Gaviota Coast: SoCal's Celebrated Rural Shoreline

Season 1 Episode 21

The Gaviota Coast features one of the most coveted shorelines in the state. It is Southern California's largest stretch of undeveloped coastline, containing approximately 50 percent of its remaining rural shores. Located in Santa Barbara County, this 76-mile swath of pristine beaches and idyllic landscapes passes through National Forest lands and five state and county parks. Recreational opportunities abound on the Gaviota Coast, which is why the California Coastal Trail plays such an integral role in the region's future. "The California Coastal Trail has been a complete success as a planning tool to increase coastal access," remarks environmental advocate and author John McKinney.

With plans to expand the trail, it is hoped that the Gaviota Coast will become more accessible to the public, contributing to a greater experience of this tranquil strand.

Support Provided By
Newport Beach: A Lifeguard's Story
2:41
Gary Conwell is a lifeguard officer for the city of Newport Beach for the past 18 years.
Marin Headlands: San Francisco's Backyard
5:02
Marin Headland's Golden Gate National Recreation Area hosts rich biodiversity.
San Francisco: Land's End
6:07
Lands End is a popular hiking destination at Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Crescent City Harbor Trail
6:28
Del Norte County is home to the cleanest river in the continental U.S., the Smith River.
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
5:26
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park hosts sea-side bluffs above ancient redwoods.
Connecting Communities on the Humboldt Bay Trail
6:03
The Humboldt Bay Trail is a network of trails that will connect Humboldt's largest cities.
Haul Road: MacKerricher State Park
5:59
The Fort Bragg Coastal Trail sees as many as 12,000 people per day on holiday weekends.
Restoring Coastal Access at Noyo Headlands Park
6:48
In Fort Bragg, California, an industrial mill site closed off the coastline for 150 years.
Pelican Bluffs and The Art of Trail Design
6:55
The Mendocino Land Trust has just completed the two-mile Pelican Bluffs Trail.
The Sea Ranch: An Environmentally-Planned Community
7:58
The Sea Ranch is an environmentally-planned private community along the Sonoma Coast.
Ownership of Tribal Land Restored at Kashia Coastal Reserve
8:10
In 2015, the Trust for Public land helped establish Kashia Coastal Reserve.
Discovering Russian History on the California Coast
5:28
Decades after the Russians withdrew, Fort Ross was acquired by the state in 1906.
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