Beach Session Two-mile stretch of beautiful California coast that features great views of three Channel Islands. The Good: * It's a beach! * Volleyball * Surfing * Restrooms * Playground * Bike rentals available * Several restaurants, cafés, and even a brewery are all at your disposal. * Ventura Pier is great for fishing or a nice walk. * Paved trail that hugs the coastline. The Meh: * There is a city-owned lot and parking garage that I believe are $2/hr or $10/all-day. I saw something online about it being free if you have a State Parks Pass as well, but do not quote me on that. We were staying at a nearby hotel, so we did not have to worry about it. The Ugly: * Dogs are not technically allowed on the beach, but you would never know it based on the copious amounts roaming around unleashed. They are, however, allowed in "day-use" areas like the Pier. Conclusion: Great beach with tons of amenities. read more

See all

This beach is one of my favorites. My family and I always came here growing up. One thing to remember it tends to be cold until the clouds and fog lift. The beach is also home to 100s of squrriels. I have never seen a baby squrriel till now. Like I said 100s of them. Some are fat and some are about 3 inches in size. They hide in the rocks and under the rocks. All very tame and not afraid of you. The waves can be great. Lots of lifegaurds in case you get stuck. There is plenty of parking. Just remember to always pay. The train also runs right by. read more

Came late at night with friends on a random Monday night for fun. The breeze felt amazing, no trash anywhere, the sand and water looked gorgeous. Core memory for sure. Super jealous of the people in the beach houses nearby! Seeing that view everyday is a dream. read more

Nice beach to go for a bike ride or for a stroll to take in some ocean air. There is always a lot of activity here on this beach. San Buenaventura State Beach is located in Ventura right off the 101 freeway. The beach has a pier, places to eat, picnic tables, restrooms and rental shops. Wheel Fun Rentals is a popular shop to rent from if you want to hit the bike trails. The Omer Rains Coastal Bike Trail is a path along the coastline of Ventura that is very scenic. I took a stroll around Surfers Point at Seaside Park recently to enjoy the cool breeze while doing some people watching. read more

See all

So nice to wake up and see the beach in the morning. The sunrise was mesmerizing. The area was so clean, walkways was wide and not crowded. The beach was so serene and sand was so fine like grain of sugar. So pleasing to walk With your barefoot. The harbor was closed but it didn't stopped us to enjoy the place. Lots of restaurants along the shore. Surfers were so nice to watch as they wait for waves. It's a dog friendly beach. I wished I could have brought my two munchkins. Be back. read more

This was a really cute beach. I thought it was really clean and in a pretty nice location. As we walked along there were chairs in the sand so we got to sit down and watch the waves roll in. There were people out surfing and some were climbing rocks and some were playing frisbee and some were playing ball with their dogs. The sunset was my favorite part... The sky was gorgeous! We went for a quick visit and as we were looking for a good restaurant we ended up here... i am so glad we did. We will defenitely be coming back. read more

Ventura State Beach - Beautiful! - Beaches Near Me - Ventura, California

This is one of my least favorite beaches to visit. Parking is hard to get, it's windier than other beaches, and where are the restrooms? The only positives I found were the lack of crowds (it was practically empty) and the fact that there was minimal trash blowing about in the wind. read more

See all

Still a great beach park with the addition of multiple walkways up and over the dunes to connect the beach with the picnic area, bathrooms, and parking. Free parking may be found in Pierpont where the walkway and bike lane through the park ends, otherwise there is a $10 state park fee. Beach goes for miles either direction and connects with the pier and Seaward. My go to spot for spectacular sunsets, especially in winter, there are beach volleyball courts as well as long beach walks with crashing waves to keep you company. read more

Ventura State Beach - Walkways to the beach through the dunes - Beaches Near Me - Ventura, California

This is one of my favorite beaches easily. There is a ton of places you can walk that is not on the sand and at the same time you can enjoy the beach. I love the fact that there is an area where you can walk your dogs and just enjoy the beautiful sunshine. There is also grassy areas with seating so you can enjoy food or just relax for a moment. Don't forget about the boardwalk as well as some delicious restaurants. Overall, I really like this beach for walking and relaxing with the pup. read more

See all

This is a great place to bring your little kids. The waves here are so nice for boogie boarding and regular play/swim in the water. They also have a little playground for them. There is a nice waking area too. They do allow dogs here, but on leash only. I always see a bunch of dogs here. Some are not on leash though, but from what I've seen those dogs have good recall from their owners. I haven't seen anything bad in my visits. The bathrooms here are a hit and a miss. I've came before and the restrooms were very clean and other times you don't even want to walk in! The toilet are pretty small and the seats don't really fit the bowl properly. I think they recently have been changed. I do not remember them being that small. Bring disinfectant and your own soap just in case! I recommend coming here with your family if you have little kids and are looking for calmer waves. read more

Beautiful beach with close parking and bathrooms. Not too many rocks and fun to go in water. Very quite early in the day. read more

See all

Labor Day Monday. Lifeguard station 11 was friendly, attentive to duties. Crowded beach, cool breeze, took some pics, fish at Eric's, super day! read more

See all

This is the go-to beach when I get off work and want to take a walk or watch the sunset with the fam. It's really close to my house, really friendly regulars walk here so it's always very peaceful. Nice local beach read more

Love this beach and we come here quite often in the summertime. Although i live in Orange COunty. But its nice to come out here and fish and surf. Nice small community beach in the heart of all of Ventura. Many other good state beaches to. Just get here early in the morning during summer. The parking fills up fast with a charge. NIce restaurants and other eateries here to enjoy the day. Always a pleasure for us. read more

Beautiful beach with lovely places to walk in town and along the beach. Lots of views of mountains, marshlands, ocean. Great to walk about and view the historic homes, churches - great fish tacos at Spencer Mackenzie's! Lots to see and do - and lots of space during Covid. read more

See all

Love it here!! I used to go when I was super young I have good memories, but recently went as an adult with my family and we all had such a great time!!!! .. it's a park and beach in one. You can rent bikes, you can BBQ, fly kites, kick a soccer ball, and you walk over the dunes and you're on the beach!!! Everything you need in one location!! Just no playground but my toddler still had a blast! My nieces who are pre teens also had a great time! ... pack well!! Bring anything you'd take to a picnic, beach and even camping (like soap, extra chairs, etc) read more

I always have love for a great beach. This is one of my favorite beaches to go enjoy a nice beach day checking out the sunrise and some beautiful waves. The atmosphere is always on point and the weather is perfect for a walk along the coast or a nice walk to main street for some shopping and back to the beach. This is a nice place to take you and your better half to enjoy the day. read more

I grew up here in Ventura. The state beach area is one of the best kept secrets of ventura county. You can walk along tje beach for miles. There's a few camping grounds close by if you're into camping and surfing. I love this spot! read more

Ventura State Beach - Beauty at the sea! December! - Beaches Near Me - Ventura, California

I have to say we came to the end of seaward Avenue and presto there was a small parking lot and there was parking. Now who can beat that period so I walked on the beach a little bit enjoyed that broad expanse of Pacific Ocean beautiful expansive S bands of sand and say well with a sunset going on what more could you ask for will of course a restroom and they've got that as well so Hey As far as beach goes this is a good stop. I'm sure the parking can be a little crazy on the weekends, but how should I know I just came in Got prompt parking watch the sunset it was beautiful. Thank you Is Pacific Ocean and Ventura.. It was wonderful read more

Dogs are allowed on the sidewalk only and are not allowed on the beach. There's a sign saying "dogs not allowed." Wish I knew this before booking the hotel! read more

What a beautiful beach!! It is well maintained and clean. There was this cool boat on the sand that you can sit in or take pictures. The parking sucked and we had to park far away in a neighborhood read more

It was hard funny parking but the state parking for $10 was very good place to go. Quiet wasn't crowded picnic tables restrooms although the showers didn't work. read more

I recently discovered this place and came two days in a row! The water is clean and the color of the water reminded of me of the waters of Hawaii as the waves crashed. The beach is uncrowded and parking is free in the lot for two hours. Similar to the feel of the uncrowded, secret beach I go to in Malibu, except this one has restrooms and a shower. One of those places that gives you a feeling of a vacation. It's a laid back environment and a low key crowd that doesn't feel like anything like LA. The reason I love the Oxnard and Ventura areas. Only a 45 minute drive from home to escape the Valley heat. The Valley was a scorching 104 degrees and decided to cool off at the beach. Once we arrived in the Camarillo area, it was overcast, gloomy, and a temperature was very cool at 75 degrees. One of the many secret beaches I love in Oxnard and Ventura. My favorite quick escapes out of LA. read more

See all

Enormous state beach. Always a place to catch waves. Dog friendly. Ample parking and amenities. Walking distance to a variety of restaurants and shopping. read more

Ventura State Beach - Ventura State Beach - Beaches Near Me - Ventura, California

See all

We had so much fun in Ventura! Eclectic antique shops, lots of fun & unique small businesses (which we love to see), plenty of "thrift" stores for wonderful causes, tons of yummy food, beautiful beaches, and so much more!! Though we did not partake, one can rent bikes. If you are interested in gaining a historical perspective, there are museums and a beautiful mission. The town is dog friendly. Most restaurants and shops had water dishes outside. Many even allowed dogs inside or on the patio. read more

I stumbled upon this beach today (specifically near Inn On The Beach on Seaward Ave/lifeguard station 6) and had a great time! I found a small free parking lot right by public beach restrooms (free for 2 hours). The walk to the water was pretty short and there were lifeguards on duty. A con would be that to get to the water there were a lot of little sticks in the sand but we managed to get across. Great small beach that wasn't too crowded! read more

Ventura State Beach - Beaches Near Me - Ventura, California

This beach is great! It was the beach my mom took us to as kids. She would rescue us from the high temps of the desert to cooler and overcast climate of Ventura. Loading the station wagon with the siblings and friends to risk the perils of "Dead Man's Road". Thank GOD they made the 126 wider and safer. Sunburns. Sun in. The picnics. The times we went in sweat pants when it was cold. The time my mom found a box of rubbers under the pier. Ventura feels like home. Mom made it our summer home. As an adult person I truly enjoy this beach. I actually prefer it over the southern beaches. You can pack your lunch or head to fine dining off Thompson or Main Street. Cafe Fiore is one amazing place within walking distance of the beach. Busy Bee cafe is a great place to eat after a visit to the beach. Do yourself a favor and visit Ventura! read more

See all

Wonderful state beach with lifeguard on duty. Sand is clean, the crowds are everywhere else and there are public restrooms and an outside shower to rinse off. If you are looking for a pier or for shopping go a couple miles down to the Ventura Pier. If you are looking for a nice place to come with your family and enjoy the water and view this is your place. read more

See all

Just an awesome beach. Camping available nearby and an overall clean environment. One of my favorite beaches when im in the area. read more

Ventura State Beach - Just a nice beach. Always clean and calm. - Beaches Near Me - Ventura, California

Ample parking, not crowded, great beach for hanging out, we loved it. Long stretch of bike path and if you don't have your own bikes, rent them! We take long walks with the kids just to get out of our lockdown bunker and it's beautiful. The pier is fun to walk and watch the fisherman psarades bring up their catch. Have fun! read more

So pretty! I came here with my BFF and we just walked and talked. So relaxing, very pretty. It was clean and the people were really nice. Not crowded at all. read more

Got to love it here. This beach is great! It was the beach I came with my family as a kid, and always had great memories of it (Especially the memory of how cold the water are lol). So I can say that this beach for me feels like home. I know every part of it, and today I can say that just to lay by the water, and not looking back is enough. Enough for me to come back here, and relive a childhood memory for moment. Love it. read more

Such a great beach! We come here a few times to catch the sunset and always have a blast! This year we spent Valentine's day dinner here with a pizza and the sunset. It was perfect! The beach is big, clean and pet friendly. read more

See all

The best beach to see ocean in its glorious colors of varying blue. Absolutely loved the beach. read more

Nice and relaxing, during my 3 day visit the beach was never crowded. Beautiful and sandy and the water temperature was perfect and depending on location along shore either ran into rocks 5 to 10' out or it was clear. Very well maintained and the restroom wasn't far. read more

Ventura State Beach - Another beautiful Ventura Beach sunset. - Beaches Near Me - Ventura, California

See all

Nice clean beach; not crowded on a gorgeous Sunday morning, and really easy access for our 13 year old black lab. We will be back! There's also a semi clean bathroom and shower, and a great coffee shop a block up Seaward. If want a full meal, or a burger to take to the beach, Duke's is in that same 1 block up and AWESOME. read more

Very nice beach area with nearby restrooms, shops, restaurants, free parking and beautiful scenery. It's a great place to relax - laid back, not crowded and clean. There are also hotels on the beach , a lifeguard on duty and it is pet friendly. Had a great day here with my best friend on my vacation to California to visit her. Weather was perfect for a day at the beach - high 60s & sunny. We walked along the shore but the was the water was too cold for us to get in but there were several people bodyboarding & swimming in the ocean. Only thing that would make it better is if they had a beverage vending machine in the restroom/parking area since it's right by the beach so make sure to bring a cooler to keep your drinks cold...we forgot ours. Went to to this beach on my last trip also and will definitely return on my future visits to California. Afterwards we went to Duke's seafood restaurant just a few steps away for delicious food at a reasonable price. Can't wait for my next visit. read more

Great beach. It's very clean and well cared for. Not crowded and fairly easy to find parking. There's a place to rent surf boards, body boards, chairs, etc. Also various places to eat and drink. Great for families. read more

If only we good live here...! Stopped by on my road trip. Great big beach for dogs, where you can leave them off leash. No body said anything, and locals told me if was okay to leave ur dog off leash. Definitely better than Santa Barbara because 1. Way less crowded, 2. Not as expensive, 3. Very dog friendly town, 4. there is a great hiking trail, 5. Friendly locals, 6. Easy parking, 7. I just loved it I will definitely go back as I have promised myself and my german shepherd a 2 day trip just for Ventura! read more

Ventura State Beach - My GSD on Ventura State Beach. - Beaches Near Me - Ventura, California

Beautiful weather and ocean. There's less sand than I expected but it was probably due to the area we went to. There was a lot of rocks to climb down. Did not know the tides could get so high. We had fun running away from the coming tides and racing to keep out things from getting wet read more

Ventura State Beach - Beaches Near Me - Ventura, California