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.

Find the best nearby activities

What to do near San Onofre Beach at Gaviota State Park?

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, July 11, 2025
It's an average beach day at San Onofre Beach. The maximum air temperature will be 22.8 °C. The sun will be strong with a UV index of 7.65, so be sure to apply sunscreen. There is a bit of fog, but it shouldn't impact your visit too much. The sea temperature is 18.5 °C with moderate waves. The wind might be a bit strong at times.
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Air

Low / High12.5°C/22.8°C
Feels Like (High)22°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature18.5 °C
Wave Height1.1 m
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Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset05:57/20:15
Sunshine Hours13.4 hrs
UV Index7.65
Cloud Cover9%
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Wind

Speed29.2 km/h
Gusts38.2 km/h
DirectionSE

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