Source: Harold Litwiler
Ventura is a coastal city that is often overlooked when visiting California. Only a few towns north of Malibu, one would never guess that the beaches in Ventura offer more than ever. From serene coastal views to adventurous surfing to sustainable living, the Ventura beaches should be at the top of your Californian bucket list. Visit these now before word gets out!
1. San Buenaventura State Beach
Source: Jeff Turner
This beach, which is also a State Park, is in the center of Ventura and spans down the coast for 2 miles. Play some volleyball or enjoy a picnic with friends and family. Beach yoga, surf camps, and pedal cycling are among the most popular activities. Do not miss the pier, where you can take in breathtaking views of the coast . Enjoy some of the best sunsets while dining on fresh seafood.
Information
- Name: San Buenaventura State Beach
- Address:
- 901 San Pedro St, Ventura, CA 93001
- Price: $10 for parking. Free street parking.
- Access: Right off the 101 Freeway; 5 minute walk from parking lot.
- Opening hour: Dawn
- Closing hour: Dusk
- Holiday: None
- Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=600
2. Surfer’s Point
Source: Snapper
Surfer’s Point, also known as C-Street, is true to its name. Hundreds of surfers visit this beach daily to catch the waves and do what they love – surf. This beach is great for people watching and sipping cold drinks in the sand. Umbrellas are available for rent if you prefer to stay out of the sun. Luxury hotels, such as the Embassy Suites and Crowne Plaza, are located right outside the beach for convenient accommodations.
Information
- Name: Surfer’s Point
- Address: California Street and Harbor Blvd.
- Price: $2 parking fee per hour. $8 parking fee for full day
- Access:California Street exit off US 101 North, 5 minutes to parking lot at Harbor Blvd.
- Opening hour: 8am
- Closing hour: 5pm or dusk in summer
- Holiday: None
- Website: http://www.fun-in-ventura.com/surfers-point.html
3. Surfer’s Knoll Beach
Source: Eugene Kim
Come to this beach to get away from it all. Surfer’s Knoll Beach is known for its lack of crowds and at the same time, its famous views of the Channel Islands. This beach is perfect for catching some sun in peace and quiet. The only other noise you may hear, aside from the waves, are the birds at the sanctuary. Do not be surprised to see pelicans and egrets while you are there
Information
- Name: Surfer’s Knoll Beach
- Address: 1596 Spinnaker Dr. Ventura, CA 93001
- Price: Free.
- Access: 10 minutes off of U.S. 101 – Seaward Avenue exit.
- Opening hour: 24/7
- Holiday: None
- Website: https://venturaharbor.com/directory/beaches/
4. Seaward Avenue Beach
Source: Neva Swensen
Seaward Avenue Beach is small compared to many other beaches on this list, but offers a delightful time for the traveler wanting a more private beach escape. Tides can be strong and jetties help keep the beach safe and intact from the waves. The surrounding town has a few dining spots to choose from. Combining a beach day and a shopping spree at the stores on Pierpont Blvd. is most common.
Information
- Name: Seaward Avenue Beach
- Address: 1175 S Seaward Avenue
- Price: Free.
- Access: 5 minutes off U.S. 101 Seaward Avenue exit
- Opening hour: 24/7
- Holiday: None
- Website: http://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/seaward-avenue-beach/
5. Harbor Cove Beach
Source: Wendy
What can be more fun than spending a day at Harbor Cove Beach and having access to the village right behind you? This is a great spot for families to come for the day, or entire weekend. Watch the boats leave the harbor. Run among the dunes. Actually go swimming at this beach – there are no rough waters! If you’d like to make your day extra special, go on a boat ride for a day excursion too.
Information
- Name: Harbor Cove Beach
- Address: 1878-1998 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura , CA 93001
- Price: Free.
- Access: 10 minutes off U.S. 101 Seaward Avenue Exit. Drive until you reach the end of Spinnaker Drive.
- Opening hour: 24/7
- Holiday: None
- Website: http://www.ventura.com/activities/beaches/harborcove/
6. Emma Wood State Beach
Source: Kathleen Luschek
Camping on a Californian beach is where it’s at when you visit Emma Wood State Beach. There are 90 campsites to choose from. Be sure to make reservations in advance as this is such a popular site. Weekends include first come, first serve for last minute campers. Among the ocean, kitesurfing and fishing are popular. Look out for dolphins as well. Keep the marshmallows flowing and the fires going.
Information
- Name: Emma Wood State Beach
- Address: 900 West Main Street
- Price: $8 per day use, $20 per night for camping.
- Access: 10 minutes off U.S. 101 North State Beaches exit or Seacliff from 101 South.
- Opening hour: Dawn
- Closing hour: Dusk
- Holiday: None
- Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=604
7. Hobson Beach Park
Source: West Hills Judi
The highlight of this beach is the natural tide pool. Make sure to catch it during low tide near the reef. If you arrive any later, decide to spend the night and camp. This beach has 31 sites for camping (tents and RV’s) and grilling and a portion include full hook-ups. Surfing is great here as well as laying out in the soft sand during the daytime.
Information
- Name: Hobson Beach Park
- Address: 5210 W. Pacific Coast Highway
- Price: $30 and up depending on camping needs.
- Access: 5 minutes off U.S. 101 Seacliff Exit
- Opening hour: 7am
- Closing hour: Sunset
- Holiday: None
- Website: http://www.ventura.org/beach-front-parks/hobson-beach-park
8. Solimar Beach
Source: Doc Searls
Only 1 mile north of Emma Wood State Beach, Solimar Beach is a narrow strip of paradise with few homes near it and little sand. It is a great spot for those who are beginner level surfing. This is a spot to walk amongst the big rocks and catch a glimpse of Anacapa Island in the distance. Bring all you need with you as there are no businesses or shops here. This beach can be all yours if you come at the right time.
Information
- Name: Solimar Beach
- Address: 2808 Pacific Coast Hwy, Ventura, CA 93001
- Price: Free
- Access: 10 minutes off U.S. 101 Exit 72 – 4 miles north of downtown Ventura.
- Opening hour: Dawn
- Closing hour: Dusk
- Holiday: None
- Website:http://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/solimar-beach/
9. Marina Park
Source: Joy Holland
One of the most scenic and enjoyable beaches in Ventura is Marina Park. The waves are calm enough to go swimming yet strong enough for kitesurfing. A playground keeps the kids happy while adults can stroll down the many walking paths. Ventura Harbor is nearby which allows for boat watching and a picnic area gives everyone the chance to host quite the barbeque and party.
Information
- Name: Marina Park
- Address: 290 Pierpont Blvd.
- Price: Free
- Access: 10 minutes off U.S. 101 Seaward Avenue exit.
- Opening hour: Dawn
- Closing hour: Dusk
- Holiday: None
- Website: http://www.fun-in-ventura.com/marina-park.html
10. Rincon Point
Source: Snapper
At the north tip of Ventura, you will find Rincon Point. This is a surfer’s paradise where the swells are quite huge. Watch expert surfers catch the waves as many have come here at one time or another. Enjoy the small strip of sand outside beautiful, gated homes. This beach is one for watching others out on the ocean and enjoying the surrounding sights.
Information
- Name: Rincon Point
- Address: Rincon Point Rd, Carpinteria, CA 93013
- Price: Free
- Access: 2-3 minutes off U.S. 101 Bates Road exit.
- Opening hour: 6am
- Closing Hour : 9pm
- Holiday: None
- Website: http://www.californiabeaches.com/rincon-point-surfing/
From adventurous waves to dining on the piers to views of nearby islands, the beaches in Ventura have everything to choose from. Be sure to not miss one of these beaches on your next trip to California! The sunshine state always has something in store for us.
Have a good trip and travel!
