Lompoc California Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is one of three beaches in Lompoc. The other two are Surf Beach and Jalama Beach which is operated by Santa Barbara County Parks. Ocean Beach is located outside of Lompoc, California a few miles along a country road where the famous flowers once grew. The Central Coast beach is located near the edge of Vandenberg Air Force Base, which wields influence on local beaches in this region of Santa Barbara County. During missile launches or when a beach closure is enacted, employees of Vandenberg generally regulate and enforce rules.

Each year the Western Snowy plover, a tiny bird, is protected from public exposure during nesting season through closure of Ocean Beach. While compromises have kept the beach open, there are a certain number of encroachments that are given warnings and after the maximum is reached, the beach is permanently closed to the public during the prime summer months when tourists and locals most want to go to the beach.

Other nearby beaches providing access include Surf Beach, also on the perimeter of Vandenberg.

The ocean waters off these beaches can be quite turbulent and warnings about swimming are offered--swim at your own risk!

Ocean Beach includes beautiful sand and small dunes much like you'll see further north at Oceano and Grover dunes in San Luis Obispo County.

Getting to Ocean Beach: From downtown Lompoc head straight down W. Ocean Ave. till the road forks near the beach. At the juncture, take a right on Ocean Park Road to go to Ocean Beach Park. A left turn on Lasalle Canyon Road takes you to Surf Beach.