Vista del Mar
Posted by Mark Wilkinson on Nov 10, 2010 in Beach Walks, Gaviota | 1 comment
BEACH WALK INFORMATION
Distance-.5 miles east to San Onofre beach; 2.5 miles west to Gaviota Beach
Topo-Gaviota
DIRECTIONS
The Vista Del Mar beach access is 7.6 miles beyond (west of) Refugio Beach. Continue to the Mariposa Reina turnoff (8 miles from Refugio), cross the freeway, then head back towards Refugio (east) on the freeway. The beach is a half mile and is marked by a Gaviota State Park sign.
A CAUTION
Look carefully for the parking area as it is hard to spot. Be careful crossing the railroad tracks when walking to and from the beach.
THE WALK
Vista Del Mar provides an access point to the beach between Gaviota and San Onofre. A narrow trail leads down to the bluffs. Below is a small quarter mile long beach that has a very remote feeling to it. The walk to (or from Gaviota) is a pleasant way to spend several hours. When you reach the bluffs from your car, go left (east) on the bluff trail for about a hundred yards to a rough dirt trail which leads down to the beach.
This is a great beach to come to with a beach chair, umbrella and a good book. The trail down is a bit rough but once you are down on the beach it is like having a small retreat all to yourself. It isn't as crowded as San Onofre Beach and somehow feels more rugged.
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Make sure to take a pair of trekking poles and good hiking shoes for the descent. It is hazardous and should not be attempted too soon after a rain. Even in dry conditions, there are sections where the rocks are like ball bearings. I would not recommend taking young children.
It is a beautiful hike on a minus tide day.