Overlooking the Pacific, a colorful past from this hillside village emerges with real estate speculator and Spiritualist Henry Lafayette Williams, founding the area in 1883 with plans to make the town a Spiritualist center.

Summerland, as it was later known to be called, was named after the heaven believed among this religious group. Throughout the 1970’s the town attracted artists, surfers and free spirits partially due to its relatively affordable cost of living. Today, Summerland has retained its charming and rustic character with a mixture of architecturally unusual and newly built homes, along with an array of antique shops, cafes and bed and breakfasts. The area also offers some of the most unobstructed views of the Pacific and is home to Lookout Park with views of the coastline, bird watching, picnic areas and beach access.