COVID-19 Resources to Park and Beach Accessibility in Southern California

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Because many of us are experiencing a lack of access to our public parks and trailheads leading to the ocean and beaches due to COVID-19 closures, we have gathered a list of county and state websites that have been regularly updating the public on access. We have aggregated a mix of government and nongovernmental resources outlining what is open and closed from Santa Barbara to San Diego. The government based links should be updating information on a regular basis, but we always recommend validating the date of the posting for the most relevant information and/or validating with a second source as the rules and regulations are changing on a near daily basis.

State of California:

State of California Beaches and Parks closure information gives the broadest amount of information but may not be exact as cities may be responding differently than the State is requesting. It’s wise to check State, County and City websites. If you’re looking for more information from State of California Parks, check their resource and announcements page.

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San Diego County:

San Diego County Park Access website provides a broad view of accessible parks, trails and beaches. For the most part, San Diego beaches and trails are open with some possible parking lot and time constraints around access, but mostly open everywhere in the county.

Orange County:

As of May 8th most city beaches have a policy of limiting activity on the weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. with some county beaches across Orange County continuing to be completely closed. Residents of Huntington Beach and Newport Beach may find that authorities are not enforcing the beach closures. In this case we recommend that you speak with your local authorities and make your best judgement possible when accessing the beaches.

Dana Point has mixed rules depending on the beach. Doheny State Beach and Dana Cove are open for active use from 6 am - 10 am daily with parking lots remaining closed. Whereas, Salt Creek Beach, Strands, Baby Beach and Capistrano Beach are open daily for active use only.

The San Clemente website does a great job of outlining each beaches access points and restrictions. Currently, it says beaches are open for ‘exercise’. Fishing is not permiteed at San Clemente beaches. It however, does not mention anything about free-diving, snorkeling or spearfishing.

L.A. County:

L.A. County seems to be following the May 15th target date for lifting restrictions. Their website states that beach parking lots, bike paths on the sand, beach restrooms and showers along with access ways will remained closed for another week. However, there have been reports that trailheads to the ocean will begin opening this weekend as of May 9th.

Today, May 12, 2020 the city of Rancho Palos Verdes announced that trailheads and parks will open as of May 13, 2020 It’s best to check here to see what restrictions may continue to apply as the openings still have some constraints around them.

DO’s

  • Check the status of trails before you visit.

  • Follow all Preserve rules, regulations and posted access restrictions.

  • Stay at least six 6 feet from others who are not members of your household at all times.

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

  • Pack out all trash.

DON’Ts

  • Don’t use trails that you know are crowded.

  • Don’t leave your home if you are sick with a fever or respiratory symptoms or are currently under isolation or quarantine.

  • Don’t gather in groups or linger at any one location except as needed for brief rests.

  • Don’t share food or water while out on the trails.

Ventura County:

Ventura beaches are taking a similar approach to other Southern California beaches with walking, running, jogging and active movement to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine as approved activities. Ice chests, blankets, chairs, umbrellas, towels or day camping are not approved. For more details, visit Ventura County Parks on what is allowed and not allowed at beach parks along with special information listed on Ventura County beach front parks website.

Santa Barbara County:

Santa Barbara County beaches and access points are all open. Read their COVID-19 statement here. All they ask is that you “maintain social distancing guidelines; no group activities allowed; do not block high traffic areas such as access points, stairs, ramps and hard-packed sand… no loitering in parking lots.” Santa Barbra Parks reiterates the opening with caveat that they could potentially close if they see large surges in visitors.

Non-Government resources:

Although this is not State backed information and may not be relevant after May 8th there is ample information about what beaches, paths, walkways and trails are open and which are currently closed. The OC Register covers openings and closures from Malibu to San Clemente.

CaliforniaBeaches.com gives a breakdown of popular beaches throughout California and their most recent status updates related to use.

As of May 8. 2020 the Daily Breeze outlines L.A. County’s approach to opening beaches and parks next week.

We hope to see the opening of all beaches, parks and open-space for safe and responsible use in the coming weeks. It’s our belief that access to public green and blue space is more important than ever for the mental health and well being of our fellow citizens during these unprecedented times.