Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Ventura

Located along the Ventura waterfront, San Buenaventura State Beach is a two-mile-long state-protected beach with light brown sand and sparse vegetation. This large beach is one of the most popular beaches in the city of Ventura. It is important to note that some of the southern parts of San Buenaventura State Beach have recently become rocky and pebbly as the sand here has been blown away by frequent winter storms. Multiple rock jetties are also present along the beach shoreline. A grassy park is also present near this beach. San Buenaventura State Beach also has a 1,600 feet long pier named the Ventura Pier. 

Located adjacent to the breakwater at Ventura Harbor, Harbor Cove Beach is a beach with light brown sand and small patches of vegetation. Harbor Cove Beach has four alternative names - Mother’s Beach, Peninsula Beach, Mom’s Beach, and Marina Play Cove. The water near the beach is calmer than other beaches in the city of Ventura due to the presence of multiple jetties present nearby. 

Located in the community of Mussel Shoals, Mussel Shoals Beach is a long and narrow beach situated in the northern part of Ventura County. A part of the beach is lined with a row of houses situated side-by-side and has light brown sand. The beach also has a gradual slope, and parts of Mussel Shoals Beach have been fixed with rocky embankments to prevent erosion. The southern part of the beach is narrower than its northern part, and there are also patches of vegetation on the beach. An artificial islet spread over two acres called Rincon Island (which was previously used for extracting oil) is present near Mussel Shoals Beach. This island is located around 3,000 feet away from mainland Ventura County and is connected to the mainland via an oil pier (known as Richfield Pier) situated near the southern end of Mussel Shoals Beach. However, it is important to note that both Richfield Pier and Rincon Island are currently off-limits to public. 

Located six miles north of Ventura, Mondos Beach is a small yet popular spot along the Ventura County coastline. Known for its mix of rocky and sandy areas, Mondos Beach offers generally calm waters with mild waves, making it ideal for beginner activities. Residential areas flank the beach to the east and west. There are no lifeguards or major amenities, so it’s best to come prepared. Dogs on leash are welcome at Mondos Beach. You can find it easily at 3674 Pacific Coast Highway, with a free parking lot across the highway. Please be cautious when crossing, as it’s a busy road. The western end of the beach has a rocky access point, so suitable footwear is recommended.

Mondos Beach is well-loved for its variety of water activities, such as surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. For beginner surfers and paddle boarders, the beach offers a sandy surf bar with gentle, crumbly waves that are perfect for practicing. However, the water near Mondos Beach can have rip currents, so it’s essential to exercise caution. Wildlife enthusiasts might spot seals, sea lions, dolphins, and even migrating grey whales from December to April. Mondos Beach was one of the preferred surfing spots of Mary Monks, also known as "Mondos Mary," a pioneering female surfer from Ventura County. Her legacy is celebrated in an exhibition at the Museum of Ventura County.

For anyone new to surfing, Mondos Beach is often highlighted in surf guides like the "mondos surf guide" for its beginner-friendly conditions. The guide covers tips on the best times to visit, equipment to bring, and safety precautions specific to Mondos Beach. For more insights, exploring the mondos surf guide can be helpful to plan your experience.