Surf Beach at Vandenberg AFB

Surf Beach is a public beach located on Vandenberg Air Force Base near Lompoc, CA. Access to Surf Beach is from the Amtrak train stop parking area along West Ocean Avenue. The areas north and south of Surf Beach are closed March 1st through September 30th to protect the Snowy Plover bird nesting spots. If nesting area human violation limits are exceeded, the entire beach will be closed for the remainder of the bird nesting season so read signs and avoid all nesting areas during this period. Vandenberg AFB keeps track of the beach closures on the plover update page. No fishing is allowed at Surf Beach as it is part of Vandenberg State Marine Reserve. Surfers and bodyboarders use this beach, but it has been the site of two fatal shark attacks in recent years so be aware. At minus tides it is possible to walk south on the beach to some amazing colorful sea caves. It’s too bad they are only accessible a few times a year (minus tides AND outside of the nesting season). It’s a three-mile beach walk in both directions to see the caves. From October to February you can also walk to Surf Beach from nearby Ocean Beach County Park which is an excellent bird-watching spot.

Address

W Ocean Ave
Lompoc, CA 93436

Park Name

Vandenberg State Marine Reserve

Owner

Military Base

Pet Details

No dogs allowed on beach

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Surfing, Bodyboarding, Beach Walking, Birdwatching

Amenities

Restrooms

Links

Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart