Ocean Beach Park

Ocean Beach Park is a Santa Barbara County park located at the mouth of the Santa Ynez River and surrounded by Vandenberg Air Force Base near Lompoc, CA. The river backs up into a wide lagoon that attracts birds and birding enthusiasts. Ocean Beach is backed by dunes that extend in both directions from the river. South of Ocean Beach is Surf Beach (open to the public) and north is Wall Beach (on Vandenberg AFB). Unfortunately, Ocean Beach Park is completely closed to entry from March 1st to September 30th for Snowy Plover nesting season. The neighboring beaches also have seasonal restrictions for nesting birds, but are not completely closed off.

To get to Ocean Park, turn west onto Ocean Ave from Highway 1 (H Street) in downtown Lompoc. From the parking area a walking trail ducks under a low train trestle and heads to the beach. This path might be under water when the river estuary is high. A dirt trail climbs up and over the railroad tracks for access when the paved route is all wet. Note that this area has had two separate fatal shark attacks and signs caution to swim and surf at your own risk.

Address

Ocean Park Rd and Ocean Ave
Lompoc, CA 93436

Park Name

Ocean Beach County Park, Vandenberg State Marine Reserve

Owner

County Park

Pet Details

Dogs allowed on leash

Fees

Free parking year-round, but beach is only open October - February

Activities

Beachcombing, Birdwatching

Amenities

Restrooms, Dunes, Train Trestle, Picnic Tables, BBQs

Links

Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart