
Knapp’s Castle Hike | The Hidden Gem Near Santa Barbara
In the mountains above Santa Barbara, there's a famous ruined mansion with fantastic panoramic views of Santa Ynez Valley. One of the many hidden gems near Santa Barbara, the so-called Knapp's Castle is a palatial estate that burned down over seventy years ago, and the remains are now a popular short hiking destination. It's a pretty easy hike, kid friendly, and less than a mile round trip, with about 50 feet of elevation change. Although it can be tricky to find the trail, the majestic views from this unique spot are worth the effort.