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Southern California Region
Point Sal Beach State Park
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POINT SAL BEACH STATE PARK
POINT SAL BEACH STATE PARK
2295 Purisima Road
Lompoc, California   93436

Phone: 805-733-3713
Reservations: 805-733-3713
Point Sal State Beach (SB) is located in the northwestern part of Santa Barbara County, near the city of Guadalupe. The park consists of approximately 80 acres and includes just over 1 1/2 miles of ocean frontage. Lands above the beach and rocky shoreline have extremely steep slopes, and numerous landslides are evident. Prime examples of coastal sage and chaparral communities occur on these slopes. Giant coreopsis is abundant in the area and dominates wildflower displays in the spring.

Views of the coastline, beach and rugged mountain slopes are exceptional. Lion Rock, located offshore, is an important bird-roosting site and is also used by sea lions and other marine mammals.

Recreational activities at Point Sal SB include fishing, beach combing, hiking, nature study, photography, picnicking and sunbathing. Because of extremely dangerous rip currents, occasional shark sightings, and the absence of Lifeguard service, swimming is not recommended. Persons found camping in the park are subject to citation, arrest, or eviction by Park Rangers. Because of security concerns at adjacent Vandenberg Air Force Base, Air Police also strictly enforce the no camping rule at Point Sal SB. The park has no picnic tables, toilets or other recreational facilities.
History of the Area
Located in Santa Barbara County, California, the park is named after its prominent feature - Point Sal. The Chumash people originally inhabited this area for thousands of years before European contact.

In 1769, Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portola discovered it during his expedition along the coast of Alta California. It was later claimed by Mexico following their independence from Spain and then became part of U.S territory through a treaty signed at end of Mexican-American War in 1848.

The land transitioned into state ownership when Governor Edmund G Brown Sr designated it as a State Park on September 28th,1960 to preserve its natural beauty and wildlife habitat.

Over time erosion has caused landslides which have led to closure or restriction access points making accessibility challenging but not impossible with proper planning ahead.


Location
Point Sal Beach State Park is located near Grover Beach, Nipomo and Santa Maria

Trails
- Point Sal Trail: A 10-mile round-trip hike that leads to the beach, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

- Buckhorn Ridge Pathway: This trail is approximately a mile long and offers stunning vistas over Santa Maria Valley.

- Windmill Falls Track: An easy walk along an old ranch road leading to a small waterfall; it's about two miles in length.

- Casmalia Hills Passage: Roughly three miles long with moderate difficulty level, this path winds through rolling hills before descending towards the ocean.

- Rattlesnake Canyon Route : Approximately four-miles-long challenging route featuring steep inclines and declines as well as breathtaking coastal scenery.

- Beach Access Trail : Short half-a-mile track providing direct access from parking area down to sandy shores of Point Sal State Beach.

- Vista Del Mar Waypoint : One-and-half mile looped pathway showcasing diverse flora fauna while also giving glimpses into local wildlife habitat areas.

- Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Overlook Walkway - About one mile out-and-back trail presenting unique sand dune landscapes alongside sweeping sea views at certain points on clear days.

Note that some trails may be closed due to weather conditions or for maintenance purposes so always check ahead before planning your hiking trip.

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Area Campgrounds
Pismo Sands RV Park
2220 Cienaga
Oceano, CA
805-481-4190
Pacific Dunes Ranch Campground
1205 Silver Spur Place
Oceano, CA
805-489-7787
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
- From Highway 101: Take the Clark Avenue exit in Orcutt.
- Head west on West Clark Avenue towards Dominion Road for about six miles.
- Turn left onto Brown Road and continue straight until you reach Point Sal Beach State Park.

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California
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California State Parks

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