Seasonal restrictions are in place for Surf, Wall and Minuteman beaches annually from March 1 to September 30 as part of the annual program to protect the threatened Western Snowy Plover and its nesting habitat under the Endangered Species Act.

During plover season, the general public can still find plenty of beach access available at a designated portion of Surf Beach at the end of Highway 246. Recreational beach access is also available at portions of Wall Beach and Minuteman Beach on base for the Vandenberg community. Beach restrictions include the prohibition of dogs, horses and kites.

Entry into any posted restricted areas counts as a violation and violation limits for Wall and Minuteman beaches are imposed. Violators can be fines up to $5,000 in federal court. Violators of the Endangered Species Act (e.g. crushing eggs or chicks) can face fines up to $50,000 in federal court and imprisonment for up to one year.

Open hours at Surf Beach are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Beach access at Wall and Minuteman is from sunrise to sunset.

To ensure continued access to these beaches, we ask that the community take care of our beaches and abide by the requirements so we can maintain recreational access for everyone. Continue to read and follow the rules on posted signage to avoid violations and beach closure.

The Snowy Plover (PDF)

• Rattlesnake Safety Flyer (PDF)
• Vandenberg Snake Guide (PDF)
• Tips to keep snakes away from military housing (PDF)
• Living with venomous reptiles in the Southwest (PDF)
• Snakes - Environmental Management of VSFB (Video)

Coyotes are active year round in our region at night and during the day. By nature, coyotes are fearful of humans. However, VSFB employees and guests need to observe some best practices to protect themselves, their families, pets, and property from coyotes.

Things that we can do as a community to deter animals: 

• Store garbage in a secure area
• Keep garbage containers tightly closed
• Do not feed coyotes or other wild animals
• Feed pets indoors—do not leave food dishes, even empty ones, outside
• Clean grills and meat smokers with a degreasing detergent and store them in a secure area
• Keep overhead doors closed when not in use
• Do not leave pets or small children outside unattended

If you do come into contact with a coyote, make loud sounds: honk vehicle horn, shine bright lights and for those who carry pepper spray or similar products, used them in a safe manner and/or throw rocks in the animal’s direction to deter it from coming closer.

• The Coyote at Vandenberg (PDF)