Sandy beach
Yes
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
No
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Gaviota State Park Beach lies in the main area of Gaviota State Park, which consists of a day use area, a campground, and not far from some of the park's hiking trail system.

Beside a spacious parking area which also has picnic tables and grills on a patio, bathrooms and showers, and a small market that is open during peak tourist season, Gaviota State Park Beach is a sandy shore bordered by two bluffs. A railroad trestle crosses above the edge of the beach, effectively separating the beach from the parking and day use area. 

A wooden fishing pier with a boat lift at the end stands at the western edge of the beach. The boat lift system costs $8 to use, with this being the only way to access several other nearby beaches. [As of 2021, the pier and boat lift remains in a damaged state and is closed to all visitors]

As an aside point of interest, the train trestle is rumored to be haunted, with visitors having claimed to have seen the ghosts of two girls in white dresses at night.

Dogs are permitted on leash in the day use parking area and campground, however are not allowed on the beach at all. Lifeguards are present during the summer months. Visitors should also be careful of tar deposits on the rocks and sand that can stick to you and your possessions.

There is a $10 fee per vehicle to enter the state park area. The day use area and beach are open from 7am to Sunset daily.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Day use fee

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Scenic. Access to boat lift.

Cons

Amenities only open seasonally. Tar deposits on sand and rocks.

Pets allowed

Allowed with Restrictions

Features

Picnic tables
Boat ramp(s)
Flushing toilets
Family friendly
Potable water
Fishing
Showers

Location

Nearby Adventures

Gaviota State Park, California
Santa Barbara + Sierra Madre/San Rafael Mountains, California
Santa Barbara + Sierra Madre/San Rafael Mountains, California

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Santa Barbara + Sierra Madre/San Rafael Mountains, California
Santa Barbara + Sierra Madre/San Rafael Mountains, California
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