San Onofre Beach at Gaviota State Park

San Onofre Beach is a gorgeous little-known beach on Gaviota State Park property in Santa Barbara County. In the past it has been known as a clothing-optional beach, but the state parks department has made it clear that they don’t want this happening on their land. The access to this beach is not via the main park entrance. There is a pull-out parking area along Highway 101 next to the railroad tracks east of Gaviota State Park.

From Santa Barbara drive west on the 101 and take the Mariposa Reina exit then cross over and take the south-bound lanes to where the highway gets close to the tracks (about a mile). To get to the beach just walk across the tracks and follow a rugged path out to the point where Canada San Onofre Creek ends.

A tall rock sticks up out of the beach where the trail meets the beach. This stretch of beach is narrow except at low tides so the entire sandy part of the beach might be wet when you get there. Behind the sandy part of the beach, it’s all round boulders in most spots. Check a tide table and try to get here when tide’s out.

Address

El Camino Real
Goleta, CA 93117

Park Name

Gaviota State Park

Owner

State Park

Pet Details

No dogs allowed on the beach

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Beach Walking, Beach Exploration

Amenities

No Facilities

Links

Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart
Aerial View of San Onofre Beach