Sandy beach
Yes
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
Yes
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Nicholas Canyon County Beach sits just north of Robert Meyer Memorial Beach and a mile south of Leo Carrillo State Beach. While it definitely gets crowded, it is often less congested than its popular neighbors. Surfers enjoy this beach because of its point break, but you will also find people swimming, diving, and windsurfing in the water. The tide pools are bursting with fascinating sea creatures, the sand is ideal for sunbathing, and the scattered picnic tables provide a convenient place to eat your lunch. If you visit during the summer there will likely be a food truck parked nearby. Lifeguards are on duty in the summer as well. The beach has public restrooms and showers, and it is open during daylight hours. Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted at Nicholas Canyon County Beach.

Long before Los Angeles County owned this land, it was the home of the Chumash Native American tribe. Some archaeologists believe that the tribe was living here as long ago as 4000 BC. The Chumash hunted, fished, and gathered their food. The tribe primarily passed along their history orally, and they developed an intricate monetary system that involved beads. Children played games that helped them to develop important skills and a sense of good sportsmanship. 

The Wishtoyo Foundation maintains Chumash Village, a site where the Chumash tribe once lived.  The village has been recreated for educational purposes, and visitors can book an appointment for a guided tour or presentation. There is a form that you can fill out on the Wishtoyo website, and you should receive a response within 24 hours. Visiting Chumash Village is a hands on experience that is fun and informative for people of all ages. Many local school districts take advantage of the opportunity to help their students learn about the history of the area.

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

General Day Use Fee

Pros

Open sandy beach. Picnic areas.

Cons

Dogs, alcohol and campfires are not permitted on beach.

Features

ADA accessible
Picnic tables
Surfing
Whale watching
Wildlife
Bird watching

Location

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