Staff Report
The fall season at Cachuma Lake is filled with special events as well as opportunities for relaxation, boating, fishing, picnicking and overnight camping.
Fall migration also brings visiting birds to the lake, including over-wintering bald eagles.
Visitors to the park may also enjoy a new restaurant at the marina recently approved by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. Hook’d is air-conditioned with indoor and outdoor seating and a shaded patio. The menu includes hot and cold beverages, breakfast burritos, prime top sirloin barbecue sandwiches, and beef hot dogs and burgers.
Hook’d is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Park amenities include a general store, gas station, coin-operated laundromat, hot showers, playgrounds, lake cruises, nature center, fishing piers and hiking trails. The marina is open year-round and sells bait and tackle, fuel and fishing licenses. The marina also has a full rental fleet.
The Neal Taylor Nature Center will host its “Hooked on Books” sale at discount prices from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. Admission is free with $10 park admission per vehicle.
“Creepy Creatures,” an annual fall event, will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, on the front lawn of the Nature Center.
It offers a hands-on experience with living exhibits of spiders, scorpions, snakes and other creepy, crawly things. Brave visitors can touch and feel a collection of animal skulls and bones. The event includes live music, mask-making arts and crafts, and themed refreshments.
The event is free with $10 park admission per vehicle. For more information, call
805-688-4515.
Year-round programs at the lake include wildlife cruises, guided nature walks, a disc golf course, the Junior Ranger Program for kids 3 years old and older, and continuing displays and programs at the Neal Taylor Nature Center.
