Surf Beach area has beautiful dunes, coastal flora, and abundant wildlife. Public access is at the Amtrak parking area. The areas north and south of Surf Beach are fenced and closed March through September to protect the Snowy Plover bird nesting spots. From October to February you can walk from Surf Beach to nearby Ocean Beach at the mouth of the Santa Ynez River with a wide lagoon that attracts many varieties of birds. From the beach there is a trail that ducks under a low train trestle and heads into Ocean Beach County Park.

No fishing is allowed as it is part of Vandenberg State Marine Reserve. Surfing and body boarding are discouraged as this beach has been the site of two fatal shark attacks in recent years. No dogs allowed.

Please note: The areas north and south of Surf Beach are closed March 1 through September 30 to protect the Snowy Plover bird nesting spots.