Lompoc Visitors Guide

Lompoc Valley Visitors Guide 19 S urf Beach is a public beach located on Vandenberg Air Force Base near Lompoc, CA. Access to Surf Beach is from the Amtrak train stop parking area along West Ocean Avenue. The ar- eas north and south of Surf Beach are closed March 1st through Sep- tember 30th to protect the Snowy Plover bird nesting spots. If nest- ing area human violation limits are exceeded, the entire beach will be closed for the remainder of the bird nesting season so read signs and avoid all nesting areas during this period. Vandenberg AFB keeps track of the beach closures on the plover update page. No fishing is allowed at Surf Beach as it is part of Vandenberg State Marine Reserve. Surfers and body - boarders use this beach, but it has been the site of two fatal shark attacks in recent years. At minus tides it is possible to walk south on the beach to some amazing colorful sea caves. It’s too bad they are only ac- cessible a few times a year (minus tides AND outside of the nesting season). Address: W. Ocean Ave. Lompoc, CA 93436. Park Name: Vandenberg State Marine Reserve Owner: Military Base. Activities: Beach Walking, Bird watching. Amenities: Restrooms Pet Policy: No dogs allowed on beach. Fees: Free parking It’s a three-mile beach walk in both directions to see the caves. From October to February you can also walk to Surf Beach from nearby Ocean Beach County Park which is an excellent bird-watching spot.