San Onofre Beach at Gaviota State Park
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About San Onofre Beach at Gaviota State Park in Goleta, California
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


Nearby Beaches
Vista Del Mar Beach
0.5 miles away
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Gaviota State Park Beach
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Arroyo Hondo Beach
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Nearby Attractions
Gaviota Hot Springs
2.5 miles away
Gaviota Hot Springs is just up the highway from Gaviota State Beach and Campground. It’s more of a warm...
Las Cruces Adobe
3.1 miles away
Las Cruces Adobe is a unique attraction in Gaviota State Park. If you are visiting Gaviota State Beach or...
Nearby Lodging
Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort
6 miles away
You’ll be hard pressed to find a more lovely place than the back roads of Solvang where Alisal Guest...
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