Best Surfing Beaches In Ventura

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4.15

South Jetty Beach

United States, California, Ventura

South Jetty Beach is located at the southern end of Ventura, California, offering a beautiful stretch of golden sand approximately 1.2 miles long. The beach is a popular spot for surfers, with fast, walled waves that attract experienced riders. It's also a great place for swimming and sunbathing, thanks to its gentle waves and clear waters. The beach is close to Ventura Harbor Village, providing easy access to restaurants and hotels. However, it lacks some amenities like restrooms and lifeguards, making it less family-friendly compared to other nearby beaches.

Despite these limitations, South Jetty Beach is a haven for birdwatchers, with species like peregrine falcons and western snowy plovers calling the area home. The beach's proximity to attractions like the Ventura Pier and Surfers Point Park adds to its appeal. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing and surfing, making it a vibrant spot for those who love the ocean.

The beach's scenic views and nearby amenities make it an attractive destination for both locals and tourists. While it may not offer all the amenities one might expect, its natural beauty and recreational opportunities make it a worthwhile visit.

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Emma Wood State Beach

United States, California, Ventura

Emma Wood State Beach is a picturesque coastal destination located in Ventura, California, on the Santa Barbara Channel. It offers a serene environment with sandy shores, rocky tide pools, and diverse wildlife, making it a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The beach is named after Emma Grubb Wood, a prominent figure in Ventura's history, and it was established as a state beach in 1957. Visitors can enjoy activities like swimming, surfing, and fishing, while also exploring the nearby Ventura River estuary, which attracts a variety of birds and other wildlife.
The beach features a primitive campground for recreational vehicles, though it lacks hookups for RVs. Additionally, remnants of World War II artillery installations are present, adding a historical dimension to the site.
Emma Wood State Beach is easily accessible by car and offers stunning ocean views, making it an ideal spot for both day trips and extended stays.

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Surfers Point Beach

United States, California, Ventura

Located near the Ventura Pier, Surfers Point Beach – also known as Promenade Park Beach – is a large beach that is a part of the Seaside Park located in the city of Ventura. There are large dunes present on the western part of the beach, while the eastern portion of the beach is rocky. The Ventura River also meets the ocean near the western end of surfers Point Beach and sometimes forms a lagoon here. The beach has light brown sand and sparse amounts of vegetation.

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4.1

La Conchita Beach

United States, California, Ventura

Located around five miles east of the city of Carpinteria, La Conchita Beach is a narrow beach with light brown sand. Parts of La Conchita Beach are fixed with man-made rocky embankments to prevent erosion.

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Mondos Beach

United States, California, Ventura

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.