Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp Area, near Goleta, California, is a unique spot that offers a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean right from your campsite. This area is perfect for a quick stop or an overnight stay, especially if you’re looking to enjoy the beauty of the coastline without breaking the bank.

The location allows for easy access to the beach, and visitors have mentioned the breathtaking scenery, making it a great place to unwind. One camper noted, “It’s free and you are camping cliffside over the ocean,” which captures the essence of this spot. While amenities are limited—there are no toilets or electric hookups—there are trash cans available, and you can enjoy a peaceful night under the stars.

If you’re up for a little adventure, take a short walk over the nearby Amtrak bridge for some fresh air and a different perspective of the area. Just keep in mind that this is primarily a rest area, so it’s best suited for those looking for a brief escape rather than a full camping experience. Whether you’re passing through or planning a quick getaway, Arroyo Hondo Vista Point offers a memorable stop along the California coast.

Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area

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This is a California Highway rest area right off the 101 just north of Goleta/Santa Barbara.  As the sign says, one is allowed to park their 8 hours.  You’ll see many long haul big rig drivers there as well as campers looking for a quick respite.  
We decided on a whim to check it out coming from Studio City.  We made sure to get there early enough to get a spot looking over the Pacific Ocean.  Coincidentally the people next to us had their first time camping at ‘free site’ as well.  
We were concerned that since it was a rest area, we weren’t able to put out our folding picnic set but we were able to cook a quick meal right in front of our van before turning in for the night.
In the morning, we made a quick breakfast and took a short 15 minute walk over the Amtrak bridge that passes through a special trout canal.

Great view and Free Parking for 8 hours!

Easy to find, right on the highway one, some other campers were there. It’s not a place to stay for to long but for spending one night it’s perfect , we stayed for about 12 hours 

Great place for one night 

Awesome place to stop for a few hours. I would have slept in my car but I got there around 1pm and stayed til 4 then moved on. The place is beautiful and you can get down to the beach, and walk across the bridge. The only downfall is there is no bathrooms. 

Beautiful spot

It’s a nice easy stay, but for 8 hours only. Beautiful view of the sea. Has trash cans and is dog friendly. 

Nice

Small pull off behind the actual view point provides a small bit of camping but i would still apply the 8 hour parking rule! 

Closed due to storm that came through

Area was closed off. Couldn’t stay at this location

CLOSED

Can’t enter the site

This place really came in handy on our way north. Two notes! The entrance and exit are build for traffic going south, so you have to be comfortable doing a freeway u-turn if you're going north. Not a big deal, and there are lanes that are built for it, but those were my first two ever freeway u-turns. Also: I bet it's quieter if you park with the large "berm" between your car and the freeway. We didn't, and I heard the traffic noise all night long. Beautiful view in the morning.

Park near the berm

Nice place to spend the night for free. If you park so that the large berm is between you and the freeway it muffles the sound. There is a walk down to the old abandoned highway bridge and you can watch the Coast Starlight carrying passengers South to San Diego and North to Seattle.

Million Dollar View

Location was nice because of the view abc the ease of parking. But it is next to the main road, so it gets very noisy


Good location with a nice view, a bit noisy

Right on the ocean and couldn't be any better for a quick nights stay.

Great Overnight Spot

3 Stars because its free and close to Santa Barbara........ Tried to disperse near Gaviota, and was told by the ranger to come here it was late and dark so we went there, got a good nights rest and enjoyed My Coffee in the morning with an amazing view, fun walk on a cool little bridge that closed

Photos of Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area

Real photos from real campers