Jalama Road Scenic Drive
Experience a legendary scenic drive to a secluded beach, famous for its iconic burgers and beachfront camping.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calmer winds, fewer crowds
Jalama Road Scenic Drive
Best Time
Calmer winds, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a legendary scenic drive to a secluded beach, famous for its iconic burgers and beachfront camping.
"Accidentally stumbled on this and it has been the highlight of my trip."
🚗 Embrace the Drive
The drive down Jalama Road is scenic but winding. Enjoy the views and be prepared for potential wind!
🍔 Don't Miss the Burger!
The Jalama Burger is legendary. Grab one at the store after your visit – it's worth the trip!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jalama Burger
Jalama Beach Store
World-famous burgers that are a must-try after a scenic drive or a day at the beach.
Beachfront Camping
Jalama Beach Campground
Camp right by the shore and wake up to breathtaking ocean views and stunning sunsets.
Scenic Coastal Drive
Jalama Road
A beautiful, winding paved road offering dramatic ocean vistas on your way to the beach.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Drive
Windy Conditions & Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
I’m camping at Jalama beach, what is a good plan B if the wind is unbearable?
🚗 Embrace the Drive
The drive down Jalama Road is scenic but winding. Enjoy the views and be prepared for potential wind!
🍔 Don't Miss the Burger!
The Jalama Burger is legendary. Grab one at the store after your visit – it's worth the trip!
Camping/Surfing Santa Barbara
🌬️ Pack for Wind
Jalama can be windy. Bring layers, a canopy, and be prepared for cooler temps, especially at night.
💰 Showers are Quarters Only
Bring plenty of quarters for the 3-minute showers at the campground.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Embrace the Drive
The drive down Jalama Road is scenic but winding. Enjoy the views and be prepared for potential wind!
🍔 Don't Miss the Burger!
The Jalama Burger is legendary. Grab one at the store after your visit – it's worth the trip!
🌬️ Pack for Wind
Jalama can be windy. Bring layers, a canopy, and be prepared for cooler temps, especially at night.
💰 Showers are Quarters Only
Bring plenty of quarters for the 3-minute showers at the campground.
🏕️ Book Camping Early
Campsites are popular! Reserve well in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Jalama Beach is celebrated for its stunning beachfront camping and the iconic, world-famous Jalama Burger. Visitors love the scenic drive and the feeling of seclusion. However, the strong winds can be a significant drawback for some, and occasional facility maintenance issues are noted.
"Such a beautiful place to camp and we camped here multiple times before.
Being able to camp right by the shore is always an amazing experience. Every evening we got to watch the sunset and each time it was a different experience. I appreciate how the restrooms were cleaned and they have running water. There’s even a playground for the kids also well stocked store at the site as which is a major plus and they certainly do make delicious hamburgers.
This place is pretty isolated so you really have the beach for mainly just the camper or whoever wants to make the long drive through the mountains to get to this beach. There’s a lot of cool colored rocks and a lot of tar, which you don’t want to step on."
Artyom
"Our most favorite place to camp!!! About a 20 minute drive from Hwy 1. We camped here last week, the first week of October. Had reservations for only 3 days, because we didn't reserve months in advance. On our 2nd day we were able to add a 4th night. YAY!!! Honestly i didn't want to leave after night 4 either. Beautiful scenery, and amazing beach weather. Tables and fire pits at every site. A gift/food shop on site. Famous for the Jalama Burger 🍔, but the chorizo breakfast burrito is pretty fire too. 😋 Anything you need they have. Newly installed flush toilets, showers $1.00 for 3 minutes. (QUARTERS ONLY)We bring a roll of quarters. Some sites have electric hook ups. We tent camped with an air mattress and we're completely comfortable. Bring shade such as canopy or umbrella for day time, warm clothes and blankets for night. Lots of wood, a quality cooler. Relax, enjoy, live your best camping life at Jalama we do!!!"
Rhonda Miller
"I've been going here for 40 years and it doesn't disappoint! It can be cold, foggy or windy, but it's always beautiful! And today was perfect! Walk far enough and you'll have the whole beach to yourself... even on a Saturday. And after that long walk, there's nothing better than a stop at the store for a cold drink and a world famous Jalama burger 😋"
Kerry Nechodom
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jalama Road is accessed from Highway 1. The drive itself is a paved, winding road with beautiful coastal views, though it can be narrow. It's about a 20-minute drive from Highway 1 to the beach.
Yes, the entire road leading to Jalama Beach is paved, making it accessible for most vehicles.
The drive is often described as scenic and fun, with ocean vistas. However, it is narrow and winding, so drive cautiously.
Services are limited until you reach Jalama Beach. The beach area has a store and snack shack.
Yes, the road is paved and suitable for standard vehicles. Just be mindful of the winding turns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically a day-use fee for accessing Jalama Beach and its facilities. Camping requires separate reservation and fees.
Jalama Beach is generally open year-round, but specific facility hours (like the store) may vary. It's best to check current hours before your visit.
Reservations are highly recommended and can usually be made online through the county parks website or a designated booking platform. Book well in advance!
The scenic drive is part of the public road leading to Jalama Beach. Fees are typically associated with beach access and camping, not the drive itself.
Yes, you can visit Jalama Beach for the day. There is a day-use fee for beach access and use of facilities like picnic tables.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy the beach, go for walks, camp, and savor the famous Jalama Burger. The drive itself is also a major attraction.
Yes, Jalama Beach offers beachfront camping with amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and restrooms. Be prepared for wind!
Facilities include a store, snack shack (famous for burgers), picnic tables, fire boxes, restrooms with running water, and showers (coin-operated).
Yes, there's a playground for kids, and camping right by the shore can be an amazing experience. Just be mindful of the wind.
Bring warm clothes, blankets, shade (canopy/umbrella), a cooler, wood for fires, and quarters for showers.
🍽️ 🍔 Food & Dining
The Jalama Burger is world-famous and highly recommended. They also offer other items like chorizo breakfast burritos and drinks at the store.
There's a popular snack shack and sundry store that serves food, most notably the famous Jalama Burger.
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. There are picnic tables available, and if camping, you'll have your campsite.
The Jalama Burger is the absolute must-try. The chorizo breakfast burrito is also a popular choice.
The Jalama Beach store is well-stocked with essentials, but for a wider selection, you'd need to drive back towards Lompoc or Santa Maria.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the winding coastal road, dramatic ocean vistas, sunsets over the Pacific, and the unique beach landscape.
Early mornings offer softer light and calmer conditions. Golden hour before sunset provides stunning light for beach and ocean shots.
The iconic Jalama Beach sign, the rugged coastline, and the expansive beach itself are great subjects. The drive offers many pull-offs for scenic shots.
Jalama is ideal for landscape, seascape, and sunset photography. It also offers a classic, nostalgic beach vibe.
Be prepared for wind, which can affect tripod stability. Protect your gear from sand and sea spray.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be mindful of the wind, which can be strong and make it challenging for very young children. Packing extra layers, a sturdy canopy for shade, and having a 'plan B' if the wind becomes too much is advisable. The convenience of the store for snacks and essentials is also a big plus for families.
🚗 Day-Trippers
Spend your day exploring the beach, collecting unique rocks, or simply relaxing by the ocean. Remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, and sun protection, as services are limited until you reach the beach. Be prepared for potential wind, especially in the afternoon.
🏕️ Campers
Campers should prioritize booking reservations well in advance, as spots fill up quickly. The most critical tip is to be prepared for the wind. Bring a robust tent, a strong canopy or umbrella for shade, and plenty of warm clothing for cooler nights. Quarters are essential for the showers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Jalama Burger Experience
Beyond the famous burger, the store is surprisingly well-stocked, offering a range of essentials, snacks, and even souvenirs. This convenience is a major plus, especially given the beach's somewhat isolated location. For those camping, the store provides a vital resource for forgotten items or a quick meal. The chorizo breakfast burrito is another highly recommended item for early risers.
Camping at Jalama Beach: Pros and Cons
However, Jalama is also known for its significant wind, which can be a major factor, especially for tent campers or families with young children. Some reviewers mention that the campsites might not be as 'cozy' as other campgrounds, and occasional issues like empty soap dispensers have been noted. It's crucial to be well-prepared for windy conditions by bringing adequate shade structures, warm clothing, and blankets. Despite these challenges, many visitors consider it their 'most favorite place to camp' due to the unparalleled beach access and beautiful scenery.
Navigating the Jalama Road Scenic Drive
Travelers often recommend enjoying the drive at a leisurely pace, taking advantage of any safe pull-offs to admire the scenery. The isolation of the road means services are minimal until you reach the beach itself, so ensure you have enough fuel and any necessities before you begin. The drive can also be a factor in the wind conditions at the beach, with some suggesting that the wind picks up significantly as you get closer to the coast.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit