Life's a Hidden Beach!

Camp at Jalama Beach

08.17.2015

You want your California beach camping to be off the beaten path? Just add Jalama! Tucked away in Lompoc, about 60 miles west of Santa Barbara, Jalama Beach County Park has a hidden beach with 119 campsites, 7 cabins, and an old- fashioned storefront, slinging burgers and breakfast burritos, and offering anything you forgot from home (firewood, beer, deodorant…). Because it's tucked between Vandenberg Air Force Base and other private properties, this is one secluded slice of paradise. Try to nab one of the beachside sites on the horseshoe around Abalone Point (see PDF map) where you can set up camp right on the sandy shore. Even if you don’t end up with a front-row view, there's really not a bad site: they're all located mere steps from the sand. Rather go for the wood cabins? They're located a short walk up the hill and are equipped with a full kitchen, electricity, and even satellite TV (ahhh, nature! Tip: the best show you can watch is the stellar ocean views from your cabin porch). The waves at Jalama Beach make this campground a surfer's dream, but for those who prefer to hang out rather than hang ten, it's also a great spot for kicking back, breathing in the fresh salty sea air, and admiring the gorgeous ocean sunsets.

Heading north on HWY. 1, make a left on Jalama Rd. and drive for 13 miles until you dead-end at Jalama County Beach. Sites and all cabins can be reserved; 16 sites are first-come, first-served. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View

  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View

  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

    View