Coal Oil Point Reserve also known as Devereux Beach stretches for the sun set to the far west of Isla Vista. Generation after generation Coal Oil Point has provided local surfers with soft peeling waves, a sunbathing sanctuary for the industrious university student, a plethora of bird species for the keen watcher,and breathtaking views inspiring artists from all over to capture the ever-changing light. Looking out to sea, the the rocky reef harbors thick kelp beds that frame distant views of the channel islands. On a low tide this same reef becomes exposed where a bounty of tide pools appear glistening under the warm winter’s sun. After parking along the dirt lot hugged by a row of towering eucalyptus trees explore the abundance of paths that meander their way out to the tip of the point. If you are feeling less inclined for a walk there are excellent views facing east and west a mere 100 meters or so from the public parking lot. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous you can hike your gear out to the tip of the point and around the corner where extended views of the Gaviota coastline appear and rhythmic waves lull the shore of Sands Beach, yet another beloved hangout for local beach goers. Please note there may be less tree coverage here
than some previous spots depending on where you set up so be sure to pack sunscreen and waterCoal Oil Point Reserve also known as Devereux Beach stretches for the sun set to the far west of Isla Vista. Generation after generation Coal Oil Point has provided local surfers with soft peeling waves, a sunbathing sanctuary for the industrious university student, a plethora of bird species for the keen watcher,and breathtaking views inspiring artists from all over to capture the ever-changing light. Looking out to sea, the the rocky reef harbors thick kelp beds that frame distant views of the channel islands. On a low tide this same reef becomes exposed where a bounty of tide pools appear glistening under the warm winter’s sun. After parking along the dirt lot hugged by a row of towering eucalyptus trees explore the abundance of paths that meander their way out to the tip of the point. If you are feeling less inclined for a walk there are excellent views facing east and west a mere 100 meters or so from the public parking lot. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous you can hike your gear out to the tip of the point and around the corner where extended views of the Gaviota coastline appear and rhythmic waves lull the shore of Sands Beach, yet another beloved hangout for local beach goers. Please note there may be less tree coverage here

than some previous spots depending on where you set up so be sure to pack sunscreen and water.

If you are interested learning more about the fascinating history of Coal Oil Point our beloved Goleta historian Tom Modugno from goletahistory.com has dug up and compiled an excellent overview. You can view this article here:
https://goletahistory.com/coal-oil-point-campbell-ranch-and-devereux-school/information

Directions:

Traveling southbound on the U.S. Highway 101:

Follow US-101 S until you hit Los Carneros Rd in Goleta, take exit 107 and make a right onto Los Carneros Rd. Follow Los Carneros Rd until you hit El Colegio Rd and make a left. Next make a left onto Camino Corto until you hit Del Playa and turn right. Follow Del Playa to until it meets Camino Majorca and find parking anywhere along the dirt parking lot under the eucalyptus trees or anywhere within the neighborhood nearby.

Traveling northbound on the U.S. Highway 101:

Follow US-101 N until you hit Los Carneros Rd in Goleta, take exit 107 and make a left onto Los Carneros Rd. Follow Los Carneros Rd until you hit El Colegio Rd and make a left. Next make a left onto Camino Corto until you hit Del Playa and turn right. Follow Del Playa to until it meets Camino Majorca and find parking anywhere along the dirt parking lot under the eucalyptus trees or anywhere within the neighborhood nearby.

Please enjoy your time creating, stick to the trails, and be sure to pack all your trash.

Happy painting!

If you are interested learning more about the fascinating history of Coal Oil Point our beloved Goleta historian Tom Modugno from goletahistory.com has dug up and compiled an excellent overview. You can view this article here: