Gaviota State Park and Beach Activities

Although there are lifeguards on duty during the summer months, visitors to Gaviota State Park's beach should use caution in the surf. Rip-currents and rogue waves can be a hazard there. At low tide the tide pools offer some interesting exploring. Games such as volleyball are not permitted on the beach or in the campground.

Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.

Surfing at Gaviota Beach

Experienced surfers take to the waves, wary of the mixture of sand and rock bottom that awaits them. Most head north or south of the park to pick up better waves. Three miles south is Molina Point which at times can have a good break.

Many surfers prefer the waves north of Gaviota Beach along an area of coast from the state park north to Point Conception, often referred to as The Ranch. Private ranch property along that section of the coast restricts beach access, so more adventurous surfers either make the long trek along the water's edge during low tide or use boats to reach their favorite surfing spots.

Gaviota Pier and Boat Hoist

Notice: Pier and Boat Hoist were closed in 2023 due to storm damage. With more storm damage in 2024, they may not be open for a time. Check with the park.

A key feature on the pier is the boat hoist. In order to use the hoist to launch recreational boats, owners and their assistants (known as Deckhands) must complete the Hoist Operator Training. After completion of the training and payment of a $150 annual use fee, trained personnel will receive a Hoist Operator Identification Card. Boat owners must also pass vessel inspection and obtain a Hoist Proximity Card which activates the card reader at the hoist.
Gaviota State Park Boat Hoist Handbook

Fishing from the Gaviota Pier

The 529-foot Gaviota Pier is open 24 hours a day, but day-use visitors to the park must leave by closing time (which varies by season). Those camping at the park have access to the pier all night. Many are hoping for halibut. More common catches are kelpfish, surfperch, bass, bonito, jacksmelt, sharks, rays, and mackerel. Kelp beds can interfere with fishing at times.

A scattering of lights along the pier help night fishermen, but many bring their own lanterns. On shore are fish-cleaning stations and restrooms. Bait and tackle are available in the park store.

Jalama Beach Activities

Into the Surf

High winds and rough surf make Jalama Beach a place to be wary when venturing into the water. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer. Many visitors enjoy a variety of water sports, including surfing, kite surfing, boogie boarding, and swimming.

Surfing, Kiteboarding and Windsurfing

The reliable winds bring many kiteboarders (or Kitesurfers) and windsurfers to this stretch of beach. Several recent shark attacks at Surfer Beach to the north along the Vandenberg Air Force Base coast have made surfers and others wary of venturing too far north from Jalama. Surfing right at Jalama is best in the morning before the wind picks up. To the south is a spot known as Tarantulas where waves are triggered by a rocky reef.

Kitesurfers face high winds, which is why it is recommend it for experts only. Kite leashes are considered mandatory. The launch area for kitesurfers is behind the store and upwind from there to the river.

Surf Fishing at Jalama Beach

Surf fishermen along the Jalama Beach coast have good luck landing kelpfish, cabezon, perch, bass, and even halibut. Bait and tackle are available in the Jalama Beach Store.