POINT SAL BEACH STATE PARK
Point Sal State Beach (SB) is located in the northwestern part of Santa Barbara County, near the city of Guadalupe. The park consists of approximately 80 acres and includes just over 1 1/2 miles of ocean frontage. Lands above the beach and rocky shoreline have extremely steep slopes, and numerous landslides are evident. Prime examples of coastal sage and chaparral communities occur on these slopes. Giant coreopsis is abundant in the area and dominates wildflower displays in the spring.
Views of the coastline, beach and rugged mountain slopes are exceptional. Lion Rock, located offshore, is an important bird-roosting site and is also used by sea lions and other marine mammals.
Recreational activities at Point Sal SB include fishing, beach combing, hiking, nature study, photography, picnicking and sunbathing. Because of extremely dangerous rip currents, occasional shark sightings, and the absence of Lifeguard service, swimming is not recommended. Persons found camping in the park are subject to citation, arrest, or eviction by Park Rangers. Because of security concerns at adjacent Vandenberg Air Force Base, Air Police also strictly enforce the no camping rule at Point Sal SB. The park has no picnic tables, toilets or other recreational facilities.
Located in Santa Barbara County, California, the park is named after its prominent feature - Point Sal. The Chumash people originally inhabited this area for thousands of years before European contact.
In 1769, Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portola discovered it during his expedition along the coast of Alta California. It was later claimed by Mexico following their independence from Spain and then became part of U.S territory through a treaty signed at end of Mexican-American War in 1848.
The land transitioned into state ownership when Governor Edmund G Brown Sr designated it as a State Park on September 28th,1960 to preserve its natural beauty and wildlife habitat.
Over time erosion has caused landslides which have led to closure or restriction access points making accessibility challenging but not impossible with proper planning ahead.