Parks for hiking in Hollister, California

Ellwood Mesa Beach Parking Lot is a convenient and easily accessible parking facility located at 7729 Hollister Avenue in Goleta, California. Situated just a short distance from the beautiful Ellwood Mesa Beach, this parking lot provides visitors with a convenient place to park their vehicles while enjoying a day at the beach. The lot offers ample parking spaces and is well-maintained, making it a popular choice for beachgoers and visitors to the area. Whether you're looking to spend a relaxing day by the ocean or explore the nearby hiking trails, Ellwood Mesa Beach Parking Lot is the perfect place to start your adventure.

Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area is a popular park and tourist attraction located at 7800 Cienega Road in Hollister, California, United States. This unique park features over 6,800 acres and nearly 200 miles of trails in scenic and varied terrain, including oak woodlands, rolling hills, lush canyons, and seasonal creeks. Visitors can enjoy off-highway vehicle (OHV) opportunities as well as designated hiking, bicycling, and equestrian trails. The park is open 365 days a year, with vehicle operation and day use available from sunrise to sunset. Day use fees are $5 per vehicle, while camping fees are $10 per vehicle per night. Dogs are allowed on leash in both day use and camping areas, as well as in the Nature Area and Mudstone Ranch.

Pacheco State Park, located at 38787 Dinosaur Point Road in Hollister, California, is a beautiful wilderness park and tourist attraction at the top of the Coast Range. This park offers a variety of activities such as the Wildflower Hike, History Walk, and Indian Games for school field trips. The park is the last remaining portion of the Mexican land grant, El Rancho San Luis Gonzaga, and has a rich history dating back to 1843. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the Central Valley and Santa Clara Valley, as well as explore the 28 miles of trails for horse-back riding, hiking, and mountain biking. The park is home to a variety of wildlife including tule elk, deer, bobcat, coyote, fox, hawks, golden eagles, and more. Additionally, there are historic features such as an old line shack, part of the Butterfield Stage line route, and the remains of the original Pacheco adobe.

Santa Barbara is a charming restaurant located at 5665 Hollister Avenue in Goleta, California. Known for its delicious food and cozy atmosphere, Santa Barbara offers a diverse menu featuring a variety of dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you're craving a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a romantic dinner, Santa Barbara has something for everyone. With its friendly staff and inviting ambiance, this institution is a popular choice for locals and visitors alike. Come and experience the taste of Santa Barbara for yourself!

The Visitor Center at 7800 Cienega Road in Hollister, California is a local government office and travel agency. The center operates the Red Sticker Operation, open from October 1 through May 31 and closed from June 1 through September 31. Visitors can enjoy the center 365 days a year, with vehicle operation and day use permitted from sunrise to sunset. Day use fees are $5 per vehicle, while camping fees are $10 per vehicle per night. Dogs are allowed on leash in day use and camping areas, as well as in the Nature Area and Mudstone Ranch. Campsites in the Lower Ranch and Upper Ranch Campgrounds are first-come, first-serve based on availability and are currently non-reservable online. The only reservable sites are the 2 remote campsites in Hudner Ranch and the ADA campsites in Lower Ranch. The park is closed when wet due to its unique slick and sticky Adobe clay soil.

Upper Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area is a tranquil and picturesque park located in Hollister, California, United States. This beautiful wildlife area is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and observe a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. With its winding trails, lush vegetation, and serene creek, Upper Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy birdwatching, hiking, or simply relaxing in the peaceful surroundings, this park provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Visit Upper Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area for a refreshing and rejuvenating experience in the heart of California's stunning landscape.

Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located in Paicines, California, United States. The area features rugged terrain with rolling hills covered in dense brush, oak forests, and grassy meadows. Laguna Creek flows through the area, creating scenic waterfalls in the Gorge. The park offers campgrounds at Laguna Mountain and Upper Sweetwater, with various amenities such as RV pads, fire rings, picnic benches, and vault toilets. Dispersed camping is also available, with certain restrictions to protect the wildlife habitat. There are three trailheads within the area, offering hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian opportunities. Visitors can enjoy a 2.5 mile hike to view the waterfalls along Laguna Creek.

Sweetwater Campground is located at 15891 Coalinga Road in Paicines, California. It is a campground, lodging, and park facility managed by the Bureau of Land Management Central Coast Field Office. The Laguna Mountain Area offers rugged terrain with rolling hills, dense brush, oak forests, and grassy meadows. Laguna Creek flows through the area, featuring scenic waterfalls in the Gorge. The campground at Sweetwater offers several campsites with RV pads, fire rings, shade structures, picnic benches, vault toilets, and interpretive panels. There is no reservation or fee required, but there is a 14-day camping limit within any 28-day period. Dispersed camping is also available, with certain restrictions to protect wildlife and vegetation.