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

📅 Friday, May 22, 2026
Today is an underwhelming day for a trip to the beach, as thick fog and chilly conditions make for a rather gloomy atmosphere. With a maximum air temperature of 20.1 °C and a sea temperature of 16.1 °C, the water is far too cold for swimming or comfortable wading. You will encounter brisk, blustery winds throughout the day, and the presence of choppy waves makes the shoreline less than ideal for relaxing. Although the sun may break through the clouds, the UV Index of 7.15 remains high, so protect your skin if you decide to visit. Given the combination of low temperatures, strong winds, and limited visibility, it is best to skip the beach today.
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Air

Low / High13.5°C/20.1°C
Feels Like (High)18.9°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature16.1 °C
Wave Height1.1 m
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Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset05:53/20:01
Sunshine Hours13.0 hrs
UV Index7.15
Cloud Cover18%
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Wind

Speed27.9 km/h
Gusts36.7 km/h
DirectionE

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