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10 Best Beaches in Ventura CA

Ventura's beaches are a true coastal gem, offering an array of sandy retreats surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you're an avid surfer, a sun worshiper, a fan of leisurely seaside strolls, or simply enjoy building sandcastles, these shores promise something for everyone. From serene hideaways to bustling family-friendly spots, the best beaches in Ventura cater to all tastes and activities. Without further ado, let’s dive into the best beaches this stunning destination has to offer!

Mondos Beach

10 Best Beaches in Ventura CA

Training ground for surfers and paddleboarders, the Mondos Beach Ventura is situated between Faria Beach Park and Solimar Beach. The beach is mostly empty with rows of houses, and the parking is totally free, which gives a good reason for visitors to visit on weekends and enjoy all sorts of water activities.

Harbor Beach

10 Best Beaches in Ventura CA

Perfect for families, the calm and safe waters of Harbor Beach Ventura make it an ideal swimming spot for kids and non-swimmers. The beach is also called Mothers Beach by the locals, due to its safe environment. The major amenities at the beach include volleyball nets, washrooms, lifeguards, and showers. Apart from facilities visitors also appreciate the beautiful views which adds to the experience.

Solimar Beach

10 Best Beaches in Ventura CA

The quiet, peaceful, and uncluttered shoreline of Solimar Beach Ventura, which is close north of Emma Woods State Beach, is perfect for strolling and picnics. Parking is quick and easy, also it's close to the Pacific Coast Highway and its upscale residences. However, there are no lifeguards or restrooms so take care of your safety and needs by yourself. Although there isn't much sand to explore due to the high tide, it's still a nice place for a quick PCH break or to sit in a chair and enjoy the sea breezes.

Mussel Shoals Beach

10 Best Beaches in Ventura CA

Found on the northern side of Ventura County Coast, Mussel Shoal Beach is said to be a small community of beaches. There are almost 50 houses between the Ventura Highway and the beach. The parking is a bit of a hassle, as you can easily end up with a ticket if you accidentally park your car on residential property. The southern part of the beach is worth checking out for its rocky coastline with beautiful views and the north is mostly sandy with low tides, so choose your side according to your mood.

San Buenaventura State Beach

10 Best Beaches in Ventura CA

Prepare yourself for unlimited fun with two miles of shoreline, volleyball nets, picnic areas, year-round lifeguards for safety, and the famous 1,600-foot Ventura Pier—perfect for fishing at Ventura's San Buenaventura State Beach. The beach is traversed by the Omer Rains Coastal Bike Trail, which leads south to parking lots, grassy spaces, and sandy coasts. The route turns onto the bustling Ventura Promenade north of the pier, passing surfers' favorite Surfer's Point and palm-lined walkways, offering a beautiful view of the coast as it continues north to Emma Woods State Beach.

Mandalay Beach

10 Best Beaches in Ventura CA

As you move towards Southern Ventura, you end up at gorgeous Mandalay Beach, a long shoreline, where nature rules itself. That means visitors should expect zero pathways to walk, no restrooms, security, lifeguards, and other important beach facilities. The beach is all about wetlands, sandy dunes, and habitat for birds and other native wildlife. So if you are interested in raw beach experience, this one might surprise you.

Emma Wood State Beach

10 Best Beaches in Ventura CA

Mostly occupied by RV campers with self-contained cars, Emma Wood State Beach on the north side of Ventura City is located off Highway 101. The park, which is only open to RVs under 40 feet and has no connections, is set back from the coast by a rock wall that surfers frequently use. A day-use park with picnic areas, beach access, and smooth rock shorelines may be found near the southern end. There are many recreational options in this area as well, including group camping and the starting point of the Emma Wood River Trail perfect for hiking.

Rincon Point

10 Best Beaches in Ventura CA

Popular not just in the USA but around the world, Rincon Point attracts surfing enthusiasts from around the world. The beach is called Queen of the Coast due to its idyllic landscape and strong surfing waves. The beach has two parking lots available and is famous with RV campers as it offers breathtaking ocean views, just like a place where you can sip on coffee and observe the sky.

McGrath State Beach

10 Best Beaches in Ventura CA

Nature lovers are in for a treat at McGrath State Beach as it offers a window into the wildlife sanctuary of California that feels like stepping into another world. The moist wetlands and diverse species of birds make it a raw beach experience. Photography lovers can get some award-winning shots due to its unique views, just watch out for mosquitos as they are also passionate about this habitat just like you are!

Oxnard Beach

10 Best Beaches in Ventura CA

Take a drive 10 miles from Ventura to iconic Oxnard Beach, famous for its big space, huge parking facility, walking trails, and beautiful palm trees, so if you want aesthetics, you’ve got it! Families can enjoy an amazing time thanks to the beach kids' playground and picnic spaces.  Don’t forget to join the trails as they end up with beautiful dunes, which are a favorite spot for fitness lovers to exercise.

Wrapping up:

Beaches in Ventura offer much more than a scenic spot to catch some sunlight, they are hubs of entertainment, activities, relaxation, and fun, perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers. So if you happen to fall in love with the city and its beaches and want to extend your stay, the hotels in Ventura CA, are here to provide you with comfortable accommodation at the best prices, especially Victoria Motel. And what better way to explore these amazing beaches than by getting a car rental in Ventura CA to make your trip even more convenient and memorable?

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  • Alex Dormer

    Alex is a successful travel blogger; he gives great tips to travel enthusiasts regarding how they can save money on their vacations. He's been to 40 + countries, and he mainly focuses on how to cut down costs during travel. 

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