§ 54091 Public Beach Access Rights

Government Code·California

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Key Takeaways

•Public beaches must be open to everyone, no matter where they live or what they look like.
•People who don’t live in the city or town can still use the beach, just like locals.
•No one can be turned away because of their race, where they’re from, or other personal traits.

Example

A family from another town visits a beach in a different city.

The city can’t say ‘no’ just because they don’t live there. They have to let them use the beach just like everyone else.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 54091 Public Beach Access Rights

Any city, county, or other local agency that owns, operates, or controls any public beach shall allow the use of that public beach by all persons regardless of ancestry, residence, or any characteristic listed or defined in Section 11135. Nonresidents of the city, county, or other local agency shall be permitted to use that public beach upon the same terms and conditions as are residents of the city, county, or local agency. (Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 568, Sec. 33. Effective January 1, 2008.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

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References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Government Code. Section 54091.

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Key Takeaways

Example

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Related Statutes

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