$3,066,928Average Value$1,374Average Price per Sq Ft10Homes For Sale
Mountains meet the sea in Capitan-Gaviota
Capitan-Gaviota encompasses about 40 miles of undisturbed coastline in Southern California. While somewhat isolated, this nature-oriented area is a short drive from European villages and the bustle of Santa Barbara. This secluded cattle ranching community has abundant recreation with white-sand beaches and canyons along the Pacific Ocean. "It's one of the most beautiful places in California where the mountains meet the sea," says Gigi Gerritsen, an area local and real estate agent at Santa Ynez Valley Real Estate in Solvang. "We always have great weather. If they could afford it, everyone would live here."
Some of the most desirable beaches along the central coast are found in Capitan-Gaviota.
There are no shortage of beaches near Capitan-Gaviota.
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Contemporary homes on acre-lots with dramatic views
This area features traditional and contemporary ranch-style homes nestled throughout the mountains, and many houses have midcentury features like floor-to-ceiling windows to take advantage of the views. Single-family homes are about 2,700 square feet on average and sit on acre parcels. One of the area's most popular subdivisions is Hollister Ranch, a 14,000-acre gated community with dramatic views, private beaches and cattle ranches. The median home price is about $5.7 million, significantly higher than the U.S. median of about $415,000 and the state median price of around $900,000. "There are a lot of vacation homes and large parcels of land," Gerritsen says. "We're mainly an agricultural ranching community with horses and vineyards."Capitan-Gaviota has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4. Heavy rainfall can cause flooding in some areas, as water travels downhill toward the ocean. The location is also prone to wildfires that can affect native plant life.
Many larger homes are found on the hill tops in Capitan-Gaviota.
Contemporary style homes can be found tucked in the hills of Capitan-Gaviota.
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Beaches and hiking trails in Refugio State Beach and Gaviota State Park
In Gaviota State Park, hiking trails lead to unique sandstone tunnels known as wind caves, with open caverns that frame the scenic landscape. This nature preserve has a fishing pier and a scuba diving habitat. Refugio State Beach is on the shoreline, lined with palm trees, campgrounds and places to surf. Another rocky beach is at El Capitán State Beach, which sits below cliff bluffs offering distant views of the Channel Islands. Nojoqui Falls Park is known for its mile-long trail that traverses an oak forest and leads to a 164-foot waterfall. Also nearby, the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area includes a reservoir surrounded by the picturesque Santa Ynez Mountains, with fishing holes and boating areas.
El Capitan State Beach in Gaviota-Refugio is known for it's beauty.
Paddle boarding is a popular sport in Capitan-Gaviota.
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Dutch dining in the village of Solvang
The surrounding townships have a diverse range of cuisines and shopping areas. "The coastal communities are scenic and open, and it's a 10-minute drive to Solvang, which is a massive attraction," Gerritsen says. Solvang is a Danish village with Dutch and Tudor-style architecture up in the hills about 4 miles east of Buellton. The Solvang Restaurant is a Dutch eatery that serves bratwurst and aebleskiver, a Dutch jam-filled doughnut. Firestone Walker Brewing Company — Barrelworks is a warehouse brewery serving barrel-aged stouts, tacos and pub pretzels. In Goleta, the Camino Real Marketplace is a Spanish-style plaza with restaurant chains, a movie theater and a weekly farmers market with locally sourced produce every Sunday. Supermarkets like Smart & Final Extra! and Albertsons are along U.S. Highway 101 in Goleta.
Solvang is a quick get away option for those in Capitan-Gaviota.
Locals of Capitan-Gaviota head to Buellton for a beer with friends.
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Dual enrollment at Santa Ynez Valley Union
This community is in some of Santa Barbara County's highly rated school districts. The Vista del Mar Union School District earns a B-minus grade from Niche. It is known for its small class sizes and after-school programs for academic and athletic enrichment. The Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District receives an A. Its high schools offer dual-enrollment classes with college credit through Allan Hancock Community College.
Santa Ynez Valley Union High School is the closest high school to Gaviota-Refugio.
Vista del Mar Union School District is the best in the area near Gaviota-Refugio.
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Drive to Santa Barbara and take the Pacific Surfliner Amtrak
The Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District provides limited public transit. The Pacific Surfliner Amtrak route stops in Buellton, Solvang and Santa Barbara. Solvang is about 25 miles north on U.S. Highway 101, and Santa Barbara is roughly 25 miles east on state Route 1, but because Capitan-Gaviota is so large, residents might live much farther away or much closer. The Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara is the nearest emergency room. The Santa Barbara Airport is about 15 miles east on SR-1.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Capitan-Gaviota
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Capitan-Gaviota Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Capitan-Gaviota, Gaviota sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Capitan-Gaviota, Gaviota over the last 12 months is $2,707,500, down 32% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Set within the coveted Rancho Embarcadero enclave, just moments from the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Bacara, this extraordinary estate captures the essence of refined Santa Barbara living—where privacy, scale, and resort-caliber amenities converge. Behind a serene setting, the property unfolds into a private retreat complete with a championship-style tennis court, sun-drenched pool, and spa, evoking
Steven HellerBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
10-acre unique El Capitan Ranch offering. Exclusive coastal gated community with access to a private beach. The 4500-sf contemporary ranch home is also privately gated and features 5 bedrooms and 5 baths, including a guest suite and media/game room. It is open, light, and bright, with vaulted ceilings, chef's kitchen, butler's pantry, 3000-bottle temperature-controlled wine room, solar w/battery
Kerry MormannBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Opportunities like this rarely come to market so close to Santa Barbara. This versatile AG-II property offers the combination buyers are constantly searching for but seldom find: two residences, a permitted 30' x 40' shop with 240V power, usable acreage, and tremendous flexibility for agricultural, equestrian, business, hobby farm, or multi-generational living. AG-II zoning is intended to support
Anthony BordinBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
CONTACT KYLIE for more info and reports 805-402-3969. Buyer is advised to verify the accuracy of the information provided, including square footage, lot size, and/or bedroom/bathroom count.
Set on 6.29 acres between Windemere Ranch and the Los Padres National Forest, this serene estate offers unmatched privacy and panoramic views converge in a setting that feels worlds away, yet is just 20 minutes from town. Completed in 2011, the thoughtfully conceived mini-compound is a masterclass in architectural harmony with the land. The 2 BD/2BA main house is designed to integrate seamlessly
Stunning Mediterranean estate with panoramic ocean & mountain views! Set on 6 peaceful acres in Santa Barbara, this 6,145 sq. ft. retreat offers 9 beds, 7 baths PLUS studio, across 6 self-contained units ideal for multi-gen living, guests, or income. The main level (4 bed/3 bath) features vaulted ceilings, 12-ft pocketing glass doors, and a chef's kitchen with Viking range, Bosch dishwashers, and
''Rancho Dos Vistas,'' meaning two views, was derived from its panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and its eternal view of the Santa Ynez Valley and beyond on the other. It's no wonder that late President Ronald Reagan chose the ranch adjacent to ''Rancho Dos Vistas'' to be his coveted ''Western White House'' while he was in office. Its beautifully appointed ocean view main house of
HOLLISTER RANCH - This LLC has ownership of a 1/6th Interest in 107 acres - 10 other partners - no development yet - within the Hollister Ranch Subdivision that allows access to 8.5 miles of pristine Southern California Coastline - and ownership in the land = call listing broker for more details on the parcel and the Hollister Ranch Rules and Regulations =
81+ Acres | Ocean Views | Near Refugio State Beach & Santa Ynez Valley - Set along the storied corridor of Refugio Canyon, this exceptional property offers expansive ocean vistas, complete privacy, and close proximity to the coast. The land includes multiple structures-a primary ocean-view cabin and a separate rustic mountain home, along with gently graded, usable areas that invite expansion,
This rare compound with a modern ranch farm style home is a 1/3rd partnership share beautifully designed with 4-bedrooms, 2 full baths and 2 half baths that span approximately 4,200 sq ft. The layout consists of a large great room with huge vaulted wood beam ceilings, covered stone patio with beautiful views. The kitchen opens to the great room and formal dining area with beautiful finishes
Daniel JohnsonBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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