Point Sal State Beach | |
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Location | Guadalupe, California |
Coordinates | 34°54′08″N 120°39′17″W / 34.902311°N 120.654622°W |
Area | 80 acres (320,000 m2) |
Named for | Hermenegildo Sal |
Governing body | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
Website | https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=605 |
Point Sal State Beach is a beach on the Pacific coast of California, located near the city of Guadalupe, in the northwestern part of Santa Barbara County. There are approximately 80 acres (320,000 m2) of property with 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of ocean frontage. The rocks around the headland constitute part of the Coast Range Ophiolite, one of the largest ophiolite terranes in the world. This beach is at risk of landslides as there are rocky shorelines and extremely steep slopes.
Among the most popular activities are fishing, beach combing, hiking, nature study, photography, picnicking and sunbathing. Swimming is not recommended due to dangerous rip currents, absence of lifeguard service, and occasional shark sightings. There are also no recreational facilities (toilets, picnic tables, etc.) Camping is prohibited due to security concerns involving Vandenberg Space Force Base. Camping can be subject to citation, arrest, and eviction by the Park Rangers and/or the 30th Security Forces Squadron.[1]