This is not the same as Gaviota State Park which is located even farther west. Gaviota beach is a very long stretch of sand overlooked by impressive cliffs.
Whales swim by in some seasons.
Wear shoes to avoid getting oil slicks on your feet. From Santa Barbara, head west on 101. When you pass the oil refinery, you're too far. Hang a u-turn, go back and check for the cars parked along Amtrack's rails. Pull off, leave no valuables in the car, go over the tracks and head down to the beach through the draw.