Ocean Beach County Park
Lompoc, CA
Ocean Beach County Park stays open year round, though the beach itself closes seasonally to protect nesting snowy plovers on this remote stretch of the Santa Barbara County coast. It's a quiet, undeveloped stop near the mouth of the Santa Ynez River, worth checking current closure status before making the drive.
A genuinely quiet, remote stop for a stretch of coast most visitors drive past, though the seasonal closures mean checking ahead is a real necessity.
How we score beachesCheck current seasonal closure status before visiting, the snowy plover nesting closures here are real and enforced, not just suggested.
Free parking is available at the park.
A path leads from parking down to the beach.
Dogs are allowed on leash at Ocean Beach County Park, but the entire beach closes each spring and summer for snowy plover nesting season.
Spring and summer bring snowy plover nesting season and possible beach closures, while fog is common most mornings year round.
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