Jalama
Exposed sand-and-reef beachbreak at Jalama Beach County Park, west of Lompoc on the open Santa Barbara County coast. Fully exposed to North Pacific swell above Point Conception.
When it’s on
Jalama works best on a WSW to NW swell. Light offshore wind from the east, most often early. Mid to low tide window.
Spot intel
- Parking
- County park day-use lot with a posted fee, at the end of Jalama Road off Highway 1.
- Crowd
- Light. A long road in and persistent wind keep the numbers down.
- Beginner-friendly?
No.
Full open-ocean exposure, persistent strong wind, powerful shorebreak, strong rips, cold water, and a documented white-shark presence on this coast. Not a beginner wave.
- Famous for
- The most exposed beach park on the Santa Barbara County coast, reached by a fourteen-mile county road off Highway 1 north of Point Conception.
- Lineup etiquette
- Beachbreak priority is per-wave from the peak, not by lineup position.
Where it breaks
- Coordinates
- 34.5100, -120.5000
- Shore faces
- WSW
- Region
- Lompoc, California
Common questions
- What swell direction is best for Jalama?
- Jalama works best on a WSW to NW swell.
- How big does Jalama need to be?
- Jalama is best in the 3-10ft range on a 10-18s period.
- What are the best conditions at Jalama?
- Light or offshore wind under about 8 knots, with the tide around 1-4ft.
- Where is Jalama?
- Jalama is a exposed beach + reef in Lompoc, California. The beach faces WSW.
- Does GhostFingers forecast Jalama?
- Yes. GhostFingers grades Jalama with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, winter 2026.
Nearby spots
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