Ocean Beach Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · River/Creek · Swimming · Views

After arriving at the parking area at Ocean Beach County Park, you'll head toward the shoreline over short dunes covered in tufts of grass. Once you reach the shore, turn left to head down the coast while noting the mouth of the Santa Ynez River enter the Pacific to the north.

After hiking along the sandy beach for about 1 mile you'll begin hiking in front of some large cliffs that make the trail feel desolate and dramatic. Since this beach is one of the very few public access sites within Vandenberg Air Force Base, the unique opportunity arises to catch a glimpse of rocket launch towers and pads on top of the cliffs as you continue south along the beach. You'll soon pass the striking Point Arguello, which overlooks the rough ocean below that has been the cause of numerous shipwrecks throughout history.

After passing Point Arguello you'll come across a small reef near Point Pedernales that stops you from hiking any further along the coastline, thus ending the Ocean Beach Trail.

Thanks to John McKinney, The Trailmaster, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about trails in California, check out his guides at The Trailmaster Store.

European beach grass, hottentot fig, ice plant, sand verbena, are all plants that can all be found along this hike. Harbor seals and snowy plovers may also be spotted on the hike.