Ocean Beach County Park

General Description of Beach:

This beach is long, wide sandy beach with easy access from the paved parking lot, although it is a bit of a hike. The beach does face the open ocean so the surf here can be very large at times with resulting riptides. There aren't any lifeguards and there usually isn't very many people visiting so swimmers need to be very experienced.
Vandenberg Air Force Base borders it, so there aren’t any amenities at the park beyond picnic tables and a bathroom facility. Due to the usual westerly wind conditions found on this stretch of coastline, the park planners protected the picnic tables from the ravages of the wind by placing all of them on the East side of the raised railroad tracks and then recessing them as well behind earthen berms. Lompoc is the closest city, about 5 miles away.

Surf, Tides, Climate, Water Temp:

Since there aren’t any barrier islands, or anything else for that matter, hindering swells coming from the east and this area of coast sees nearly constant big surf conditions. Rarely ride-able because of the high winds common to this area, still worth a trip to see and experience Mother Nature. Bring a sweatshirt or a windbreaker in case it’s colder than expected! Water temperature varies between 50 and 58 degrees; wetsuits are mandatory for swim times longer than 5 minutes!

Beach Activities:

Beachcombing, sunbathing, fishing, surfing and bird watching are the most common activities that this beach is known for. Hundreds of pieces of driftwood are between the parking lot and beach, which makes for some very fun, searching for decorative pieces of wood. This beach is home to the threatened Western Snowy Plover and is closed to the public during breeding season from March 1st to September 30th. The beach itself is accessible from Surf Beach which is about a mile south during breeding season.
There is also a small play area for kids near the picnic tables.

Scenery and Wildlife:

Bird watching is very easy here, with many different species calling this part of the coastline home. Loons, pelicans, herons, snowy plovers are just a few of the birds that one can observe in a short amount of time. The scenery is spectacular as there are very few man-made structures to obscure the view. No large trees grow here, mostly shrubs and other low-lying plants as the wind takes a toll on anything that stands up straight for too long, although there are a few pine trees in the picnic area giving it a go. Their windblown shapes are mute testimony to the power of the wind here.
Bring your binoculars and cameras!

Places to Stay and Eat:

If you want warm food and place to stay, you will have to return to at least Lompoc, as there are only Air Force buildings and a few farms to be found on the road between the coast and the town. Lompoc is no longer the sleepy little town that it was just a few short years ago as the house prices in nearby Santa Barbara have made commuters out of her workers, who in turn have helped create a thriving, albeit, isolated community.
Some of the hotels in Lompoc:
http://beachcalifornia.travelhero.com/index.cfm/country/US/state/CA/city/LOMPOC/aid/68/
http://arestravel.com/856/-/city/viewer/g3462
Restaurants:
http://lompoc.areaconnect.com/restaurants/

Pets and Rules:

Due to the sensitive nature of all the birds found at this beach, particularly the Western Snowy Plover, dogs are not allowed. Parking is free.

Local Flavor, Crowds, well known local events:
At the end of April there is the annual Spring Arts Festival featuring free entertainment on the outdoor stage, a variety of food booths, Beer Garden, carnival rides, classic/antique car show, a motorcycle exhibit, sanctioned chili cook-off and barbecue shootout.
The Lompoc Flower Festival draws thousands every year with their incredible displays of colors in all the local growing fields, which is held every year in mid-June.

Best times to visit:

The best time to visit Ocean Beach is in the fall since there is less coastal fog during this season and it is after the Western Snowy Plover's nesting season (Oct 1st). The weather can change fairly quickly so it is wise to come prepared for cold.