St Augustine Point (Santa Barbara County)

St Augustine Point is a remote, fairly exposed beach-and-reef surfing spot on the Gaviota Coast near Santa Barbara. It’s known for being difficult to access (private property) and for working only inconsistently—often without a strong seasonal pattern—so arrivals need realistic expectations. Wave-wise, the break is described as a beach and reef setup with exposed character, where conditions can range from small and infrequent to clean rideable surf when the swell and wind align. A right-hand point/reef style is reported, with best performance tied to the right swell direction and generally offshore-grooming winds from the north to northeast. Safety is a major consideration. Submerged/exposed rocks and sharks are cited hazards, and the shoreline includes reef areas, kelp beds, and shallow rocky sections. The area is remote with no on-site lifeguard presence and extremely limited rescue support—so plan for a self-sufficient session. Water temperatures are cool year-round, with the spring/winter wetsuit guidance emphasizing a spring-thickness suit for most riders, and warmer thermal gear (including boots) for extended sessions in colder months. Overall, it’s a quiet, low-crowd spot where respecting local/private access rules is essential.