Surf, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Surf, California
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Unincorporated area
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Surf Amtrak Station
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 Surf, California
Location in California
Surf, California
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Santa Barbara |
| Elevation | 59 ft (18 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| Area code(s) | 805 & 820 |
| GNIS feature ID | 250152 |
| Surf Beach | |
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Surf Beach as seen from the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
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| Operated by | Vandenberg Space Force Base |
| Open | October to February (those sections affected by the nesting season of the western snowy plover) |
| Public transit access |  Pacific Surfliner at Lompoc–Surf |
Surf is a small, undeveloped area in Santa Barbara County, California. It is located right on the Pacific coast. This area is part of the Vandenberg Space Force Base, but it is open to the public. Surf is west of the city of Lompoc.
Surf started as a town for railroad workers. It grew the most after Vandenberg Space Force Base was created in 1941. Today, Surf mainly consists of Surf Beach and the Lompoc–Surf Amtrak Station. This train station does not have staff. California State Route 246 used to go to Surf. However, since 1984, the highway ends at Lompoc. The road from Lompoc to Surf is now called West Ocean Avenue.
Contents
Surf Beach: Protecting Wildlife
Surf Beach has special rules to protect a bird called the western snowy plover. This bird is protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Beach Closures for Nesting Birds
Parts of Surf Beach are closed every year. These closures happen from March 1 to September 30. This time is the nesting season for the western snowy plover. The closed areas might open earlier if all the baby birds learn to fly. This stage is called the fledgling stage.
Why Closures Are Important
The closures help keep the plover safe. If too many people break the rules, the whole beach can close. Currently, if there are 50 rule violations, the entire beach closes. This helps protect the birds and their nests.
History of Surf
Surf began as a railway town in 1900. The Southern Pacific Railroad built a station here for its Coast Line. The town grew to support the people who worked on the trains and tracks.
Early Days and Shipwrecks
In 1909, a cargo ship named the Sibyl Marston sank. This happened off the coast just south of Surf.
World War II and Population Changes
During World War II, the Surf station became popular. Many U.S. Army soldiers from Camp Cooke used it. Camp Cooke is now Vandenberg Space Force Base. The town of Surf once had 40 residents. Most of them worked for the railroad.
As trains became more modern, fewer people were needed. Surf's population went down. Eventually, Southern Pacific only operated a telegraph station there. This telegraph station closed in 1985.
The Modern Amtrak Station
The current Surf Amtrak Station was finished in 2000. This unstaffed station is the only building left in Surf today. It serves as a stop for the Pacific Surfliner train.
Beach Safety at Surf Beach
Surf Beach is known for its beautiful coastline. However, it is important to be aware of ocean safety. There have been a few rare incidents involving sharks near Surf Beach. For example, two incidents occurred in October 2010 and October 2012. Because of these events, Travel + Leisure magazine has mentioned it as a beach where caution is advised regarding sharks. Always follow safety guidelines when visiting any beach.
