Gulls, terns, pelicans, and shorebirds are found at the beach and at the creek estuary, while loons, grebes, and cormorants are found in the surf, and shearwaters are often observed from shore. Spring and fall migrant passerines or an odd vagrant may be seen in the shrubs in the campground area and in the willows lining Jalama Creek mouth.

Campers unleash (figuratively and literally) dogs here in the morning, so shorebirds are more likely very early in the morning. The same goes for the campground itself - it's a bit easier to bird before there is too much activity.

Snowy Plover, Short-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Elegant Tern, Black-vented Shearwater, Brandt’s Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant. Rarities have included Sabine’s Gull, Reddish Egret, Vermilion Flycatcher, Tropical Kingbird, Swamp Sparrow, White-winged Dove, Solitary Sandpiper, Plumbeous Vireo, Bank Swallow, Black-and-white Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, American Redstart, and Palm Warbler.

Jalama Beach is one of the few north coast beach access points in Santa Barbara County. It is situated mid-way between Point Arguello on Vandenberg Space Force Base and Point Conception to the south.

Camping is available at this location, and day-use fees apply. Day-use hours are from 6 am to sunset. General store on site. There is no cell phone reception but the store has free wifi.

There is a short trail along the creek.