2018 Map of Point Sal

About this map

The coastline of the Pacific Ocean dominates this 2018 survey, where the rugged promontory of Point Sal juts into the water. This coastal landscape is defined by its dramatic topography, including the Point Sal Ridge and the Casmalia Hills further inland. Just offshore, Seal Rock and Lion Rock mark the maritime boundary of this protected area. The northern section of the sheet captures the mouth of the Santa Maria River as it enters the ocean from the Santa Maria Valley. Roads like Point Sal Rd and Brown Rd provide limited access to this sparsely settled reach of the Santa Barbara County coast, which remains largely undeveloped. The interface between the steep coastal hills and the beach at Mussel Point illustrates the natural character of this section of the Central Coast, preserved from the urban expansion seen in nearby valleys.