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Recreation AreaRecreation.gov

Point Sal

Guadalupe, California · Santa Barbara County

Point Sal is a 77-acre promontory on the coast of northern Santa Barbara County near the north end of Vandenberg Air Force Base. It is a fragile area, with sandy soil and a unique blend of wildlife. Sea lions, mussels, and deer can be found just yards from one another. Threatened or endangered species such as the pereg…

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34.90290, -120.67050
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About Point Sal

Point Sal is a 77-acre promontory on the coast of northern Santa Barbara County near the north end of Vandenberg Air Force Base. It is a fragile area, with sandy soil and a unique blend of wildlife. Sea lions, mussels, and deer can be found just yards from one another. Threatened or endangered species such as the peregrine falcon, California brown pelican, California least tern, southern sea otter, and California gray whale are regulars at Point Sal. The area is also a unique meeting point and transition zone for tidepool life and plant life common to the northern and southern coasts of California. There is abundant evidence of Native American occupation as recently as 250 years ago and as far back as 4,800 years ago. Rock rings where homes once stood, grinding stones, and other Native American artifacts are easily visible. Point Sal is managed by BLM as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

Plan Your Visit to Point Sal

Heading to Point Sal? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Point Sal?

No central reservation system listed for Point Sal. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1740) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Point Sal?

The site is located 5 miles west of Guadalupe, California.

How do I contact Point Sal?

You can reach the park at phone: 661-391-6000 or email: racooper@blm.gov.