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About Cojo Bay Beach in Jack & Laura Dangermond Preserve in Lompoc, California

UPDATE: Cojo-Jalama Ranch has been purchased by The Nature Conservancy through a generous $165M donation from the founders of ESRI. The beach in Cojo Bay and the lighthouse at Point Conception are still off-limits to the public, but at least the property won’t be sold off in private lots like nearby Hollister Ranch. Maybe one day we’ll get to see Cojo Bay in the newly named Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve. It is unlikely to be opened to the public, however, if you are a scientist, educator, or possibly a volunteer, there is a chance you can visit the preserve in a capacity that matches up with the new conservation strategies. Docent-led walks inside the preserve are possible too if you want to contact the preserve.

Cojo Bay Beach is a long sandy beach near Point Conception in Santa Barbara County. The beach is completely surrounded by 24,364 acres of private property in the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve (formerly called the Cojo-Jalama Ranch and Bixby Ranch). The only roads into this area are gated to keep out the general public.

Cojo Bay’s sandy beach is in a south-facing cove that is protected from the west by Government Point. The beach, like all California beaches, is public property below the mean high tide level, but getting to Cojo Bay is only possible by boat from Gaviota Beach unless you are granted access to the preserve.

This area has several surfing areas with names like Cojo, Perko’s, and Government’s, that are worth boating into when conditions are right. East of Dangermond Preserve is Hollister Ranch which is also privately owned and gated at the entrance. In years past before the Hollister gates were locked, surfers enjoyed the many breaks along this long private coast.

Near Cojo Bay is Point Conception which has a lighthouse that few ever get to see in person. The lighthouse is on Coast Guard property so it’s still not part of the new Dangermond Preserve.

If you are in the area and want to visit a public sandy beach, Jalama Beach is an excellent choice (and your only option).

Address
10000 Jalama Rd
Lompoc, CA 93436
Phone
415-777-0487
Park Name
Jack and Laura Dangermond Nature Preserve, Cojo-Jalama Ranch
Other Names
Big Coho Beach, Point Conception, Governments, Perkos, Bixby Ranch, Jalama Creek, Cojo Anchorage, Wood Canyon, Damsite Canyon, Canada del Cojo
Fees
No public access
Activities
Beach Exploration, Surfing, Tidepooling
Amenities
Lighthouse, No Facilities
Map of Cojo Bay Beach in Jack & Laura Dangermond Preserve
Lompoc, US
8:46 am, March 28, 2024
temperature icon 54°F
L: 51° H: 60°
Feels like 52.66 °F overcast clouds
Wind gusts: 3 m/s
UV Index: 1.08
Precipitation: 0 inch
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 6:53 am
Sunset: 7:19 pm
Humidity 70 %
Pressure1020 mb
Wind 3 m/s

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