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California Coastal Trail
Santa Barbara
Season 1
Episode 23
"Santa Barbara is so full of history, you can't throw a stick without hitting history around here," boasts historian and author Neal Graffy. From the native Chumash to Spanish explorers to American settlers, this Mediterranean slice of California coast has a rich past that dates back thousands of years. And there's no better way to follow in the footsteps of history than to travel the California Coastal Trail. Established approximately along original trade routes that connected oceanside settlements, the trail offers the chance to wander the coast like early explorers. Whether toured by bike or on foot, Santa Barbara and the California Coastal Trail are windows into a fascinating past and glimpses of a bright, interconnected future.
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5:08
Pristine conditions along this area are a result of decades of work from activists.
6:35
Devil’s Slide was a treacherous section of Highway 1 until a landslide closed it for good.
4:34
Once upon a time, Wilder Ranch State Park was a dairy known for its delicious butter.
3:54
West Cliff Drive is one of the most beautiful features of Santa Cruz.
4:39
The Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
6:48
This popular segment of the California Coastal Trail almost didn’t happen.
5:07
East Cliff Drive is one of the newest sections of the California Coastal Trail.
6:53
This "Serengeti of the Sea" offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world.
5:56
Big Sur is a precious jewel that remains pristine, rugged and remote.
5:27
It's not every day you get to witness 5,000-pound elephant seals charge each other.
6:00
This section of the California Coastal Trail has only been open to the public since 2007.
5:10
Pismo Beach is set to become a major destination for outdoor recreational activity.