Summerland

Nestled just south of Santa Barbara, Summerland is a quaint seaside community that blends small-town charm with a rich and unusual history. Originally founded in the late 1800s by rancher Henry L. Williams, Summerland began as a spiritualist colony — a place where believers gathered to explore the idea that the living could communicate with the dead. Early residents, drawn by the movement, purchased land for as little as $25 and built a community that quickly became known as “Spooksville.”

Fate, however, had other plans. While digging for water, some settlers struck oil instead, sparking one of California’s earliest oil booms and even leading to the first off-shore drilling operations from wooden wharves over the Pacific. The frenzy eventually subsided, and Summerland returned to a quieter, more graceful rhythm of life.

Today, this charming coastal town is known for its breathtaking ocean views, eclectic boutiques, and relaxed beach-town feel. With its fascinating past and serene present, Summerland captures the essence of California’s coastal spirit — a peaceful hillside haven overlooking the sea.