2026-02: Jalama Beach

Milestones

• 38th time camping in 38 months (SHOW ON MAP)
• 3rd time camping in Santa Barbara County (SEE 2nd)

Films and productions shot near Jalama Beach in Santa Barbara County include the romantic drama “A Walk in the Clouds” (1995). The rugged Cojo-Jalama Ranches have also hosted numerous commercials, music videos, and fashion shoots.

Wine Tasting at Peake Ranch

Normally, I camp alone. But, this time Luke McClelland joined me, and as a sommelier, he had a few upgrades to my typical rough-n-ready style.

Before getting wet sand in every corner of our clothes, hair, food, equipment and bodies… Luke suggested that we visit Peake Ranch Winery. Apparently, every great camping trip starts with wine tasting…. or at least that’s my newest “working” theory!!!!

This vineyard was originally part of the 1,600 acre Rancho Jabali, located in the Santa Ynez Valley established in 1939 by artist Channing Peake. Known as a premier working ranch and artistic hub, it later became a renowned vineyard area in the Santa Rita Hills. Pioneer vintner, Richard Sanford purchased parcels in 1982. Of the 44 people enshrined in the Vintners Hall of Fame, only one has made his career in Santa Barbara. That man is Richard Sanford. John and Gill Wagner purchased 107-acres in 2012 from this same property and established Peake Ranch Winery in 2012. John, a former physicist and hedge fund manager, and Gill, a philanthropist, developed it into a vineyard focused on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.

The tasting room at Peake Ranch Winery was featured in the 2004 film Sideways. Specifically, the movie filmed at the old, rustic building with a corrugated tin roof that previously served as the tasting room for Richard Sanford’s Alma Rosa Winery, which is now part of the Peake Ranch property.

From the Vineyard to the Coast

We drove 30 miles from the winery, through farmland, to reach our campground. It was such a gorgeous day.

Amazing Beachside Campground

Once we turned the last corner, we could see the beach below us. The view was spectacular, especially because the couple of days before… it had rained 2 inches at the campground.

Camping 50 feet from High-Tide

Essential provisions were made available from the start.

California’s “golden hour”, the one-hour before sunset DID NOT DISAPPOINT.

Dinner was cooked over an open fire. The temperature wasn’t really very cold, but the warmth of the fire was fantastic. Luke told me I was sitting too close to the fire, and I would end up smelling like smoke. He wasn’t wrong. I slept soooooooo gooooood.

The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner route hugs the California coastline between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. We caught one after dinner. I was amazed at how quiet the train was. This was the last one of the evening. No late night awakenings. Watch the cool video.

Waking Up the Next Morning

Fishermen were out before 7am.

This seagull sat on this picnic table. I got up to within 30ft and took a picture… then 20ft… then 15ft. He didn’t move. He owns this part of the planet, I just visit it.

Driving out of the campground, we passed along the same railroad track that the train rolled along from the previous night. So wonderful.

This ranks as the best beachside camping trip I’ve ever had. Other campgrounds I have stayed at were not so close to the water. This was the best experience yet.