Coal Oil Point Reserve (Sands Beach)
Goleta, CA
Free; no reservation needed
Curated by Simir Shah
★★★★★4.7(89 Google reviews)
A UC Santa Barbara natural reserve on the West Campus coastline with a self-guided wetland loop and docent-led viewings of nesting snowy plovers on Sands Beach — a real working research reserve that's also a quiet, easy family walk.
Good for
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 10+
Happening near here
- 1st Thursday Art WalkSanta Barbara · 10 mi · 1st Thursdays 5–8pmFree
- Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts ShowSanta Barbara · 11 mi · Sundays 10am–duskFree
Slough Rd, Isla Vista, CA 93117, USA
Map
What visitors say
- Maureen Colleran Battey★★★★★
Beautiful stretch of beach north/west of UCSB. A reserve which protects native plants, dunes and shorebirds. Especially the adorable Western snowy plovers. Docents are on the beach, available year round, to provide background on the history of the nature reserve and point out shorebirds and baby chicks during the snowy plover nesting period which is( March-September) . Area for recreational play, surfing allowed, but leave your dogs at home. New policy as of 4/24, to help the nesting and thriving of chicks who are on the State endangered species list. The fresh water, Deveroux slough provides additional birding and a beautiful Open Space for trail walks. A special place for beach walks, surfing, and birding. Rules for a protected habitat are posted.❤️
a year ago
- Rachel S★★★★★
Beautiful natural preserve and beach. Plover nesting, shore birds, kelp beds and associated wildlife. Check restrictions for dogs and activities ahead of time.
3 months ago
Showing 2 of 5 Google reviews · Read them all on Google Maps