Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park


This tiny, off-the-beaten path historic site shelters pictographs painted by Chumash tribespeople over 400 years ago. The sandstone cave is protected from graffiti and vandalism by a metal screen, so bring a flashlight to get a good look. The turnoff is off Hwy 154 below San Marcos Summit, about 6 miles from Hwy 101. The 2-mile twisting side road to the site is extremely narrow, rough and steep (no RVs). Look for a small signposted pull-off on your left.

Parking is very limited.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

5.6 MILES

Take a soul-satisfying jaunt around this 40-acre botanic garden, devoted to California’s native flora. Miles of partly wheelchair-accessible trails…

3. Old Mission Santa Barbara

6.29 MILES

California's ‘Queen of the Missions’ reigns above the city on a hilltop perch more than a mile north of downtown. Its imposing Ionic facade, an…

4. Goleta Beach County Park

6.6 MILES

Good beach for sunbathing, swimming and picnicking (nab a prized shaded spot if you can), or strolling the 1500ft-long pier for views out to the Channel…

5. Santa Barbara Museum of Art

7.4 MILES

This thoughtfully curated, bite-sized art museum displays European and American masters – including Monet, Van Gogh and Degas – along with photography,…

6. Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum

7.4 MILES

Stuffed with a hodgepodge of historical written artifacts, this detour is for history nerds and book and literature lovers. One of a dozen Karpeles…

7. Santa Barbara County Courthouse

7.42 MILES

Built in Spanish-Moorish Revival style in 1929, the courthouse features hand-painted ceilings, wrought-iron chandeliers and tiles from Tunisia and Spain…

8. Arroyo Burro Beach County Park

7.5 MILES

Swim (lifeguards on duty), stroll or just picnic on this gem of a stretch of sand, also known as Hendry's Beach, 5 miles southwest of Santa Barbara. It's…