Cojo Bay Beach in Jack & Laura Dangermond Preserve

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

Owner

The Nature Conservancy

Fees

No public access

Activities

Beach Exploration, Surfing, Tidepooling

Amenities

Lighthouse, No Facilities

Links

Water Temps
Tide Chart
Cojo Surf Reports