Santa Barbara, California, United States of America

San Onofre Beach at Gaviota State Park

San Onofre Beach is a coastline situated in Gaviota State Park, located in Santa Barbara County, USA. Previously, visitors were allowed to opt for clothing-optional beach activities, but it is now prohibited.

The beach can be accessed through a pull-out parking area located along Highway 101, adjacent to the railway tracks in the eastern part of the park. To reach the beach, one must cross the tracks and navigate through a rough terrain until the point where Canada San Onofre Creek intersects.

Plan your visit to San Onofre Beach and find accommodation options nearby to enjoy the rugged beauty of the boulder-lined coast.

The beach is narrow and primarily comprised of rounded boulders. It is advisable to refer to a tide table and plan a visit during low tide for a better experience.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight that visitors enjoy the natural beauty and seclusion of the beach, as well as amenities like parking, public restrooms, and convenience stores. However, visitors complain about the seaweed and lack of activities, as well as issues like the smell of stagnant sulfur, the closure of the pier due to safety concerns, and the inconsistency of the water in the natural sulfur hot springs.

Where to Stay near San Onofre Beach at Gaviota State Park?

If you’re planning a trip to San Onofre Beach at Gaviota State Park, consider staying in nearby towns like Santa Barbara or Goleta, which offer a range of accommodations. Most visitors include the beach as part of their itinerary while exploring the attractions in the Santa Barbara area.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is San Onofre Beach at Gaviota State Park?

Latitude: 34.4892739 / Longitude: -120.2304511

San Onofre Beach at Gaviota State Park is located in Santa Barbara. The following map of San Onofre Beach at Gaviota State Park shows the exact location.

San Onofre Beach at Gaviota State Park: Weather Today

📅 Monday, September 7, 2026
This is an average day for a beach visit, offering plenty of sunshine but requiring a bit of patience with the breeze. With a maximum air temperature of 32.3 °C, it will feel quite warm on the sand, so be sure to seek shade when possible as the UV Index is 7.35. The sky will remain mostly clear throughout the day. While the sun is inviting, please note that the sea temperature is 20.8 °C, which remains on the cool side for swimming. Additionally, moderate winds and somewhat choppy waves are expected, which may affect your comfort while lounging. If you do head out, remember to reapply sunscreen frequently to stay protected during your time at the shore.
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Air

Low / High18.5°C/32.3°C
Feels Like (High)31.7°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature20.8 °C
Wave Height1.3 m
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Rain

Rain Chance2%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:38/19:18
Sunshine Hours11.8 hrs
UV Index7.35
Cloud Cover3%
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Wind

Speed25.7 km/h
Gusts31 km/h
DirectionNE

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