Visiting

Using the reserve for research, classes, or group field trips requires a reservation. Please read the appropriate reservation below. Public use is permitted without reservation on Sands Beach and the Pond Trail. Dogs are not permitted on the reserve, including Sands Beach. For more information on the reserve’s pet-free policy, please visit this page.

The Coal Oil Point Reserve is for day use only; there are no overnight facilities. UCSB has cottages for rent adjacent to the reserve.

Restrictions:

  • Grades 8th-12th. 
  • Beach activities in front of the Snowy Plover area
  • Use of drones
  • Dogs

Nature Center

Nature Center

The Nature Center at Coal Oil Point Reserve is available for meetings, workshops, research, and field classes.

 

Public Tours

Research

The Coal Oil Point Reserve can be used for research in any field, including ecology, evolution, geography, anthropology, geology, etc.

Classes

Coal Oil Point Reserve is used for field classes from UCSB, Santa Barbara City College, and other universities.  

Public Tours

Public Tours

Take a two-hour guided tour with a trained tour leader through the reserve’s eight habitats. The walk is easy and includes beach and trails.

Self Guided tour

Self-Guided Tour

The reserve is an excellent place to see unique wildlife and habitats.  Explore these habitats on your own along a two-mile loop trail.  

Google map

Directions

Coal Oil Point Reserve is located on UCSB’s west campus in Goleta, CA, USA. Google Maps