Point Sal State Beach is a beach on the Pacific coast of California, located near the city ofGuadalupe, in the northwestern part of Santa Barbara County. There are approximately of property with of ocean frontage. The rocks around the headland constitute part of the Coast Range Ophiolite, one of the largest ophiolite terranes in the world. This beach is at risk of landslides as there are rocky shorelines and extremely steep slopes. Among the most popular activities are fishing, beach combing, hiking, nature study, photography, picnicking and sunbathing. Swimming is not recommended due to dangerous rip currents, absence of lifeguard service, and occasional shark sightings. There are also no recreational facilities Camping is prohibited due to security concerns involving Vandenberg Air Force Base. Camping can be subject to citation, arrest, and eviction by the Park Rangers and/or the 30th Security Forces Squadron.
Access
During the winter of 1998, portions of the access road to the beach were washed out by winter rains. As of June 2011, the road has not been repaired and remains closed to vehicles. Point Sal State Beach is accessible only to visitors who hike to the beach. One way is to travel west on Brown Road from its junction with Highway 1 approximately south of downtown Guadalupe. With cars parked at the trailhead, there is a hike of approximately to the top of the cliff overlooking the beach. Visitors should allow sufficient time to return to the trailhead on Brown Road by sunset. Alternatively, the strong hiker can trek to the state beach from Rancho Guadalupe Dunes County Park located to the north of Point Sal. The entrance to the park is accessed by driving approximately west on Main Street from Highway 1 in Guadelupe. The park closes at 7:30 pm, well before local sundown in the summer. The route involving going through Casmalia using Point Sal Road is no longer accessible to the general public since it requires traversing Vandenberg Air Force Base.
