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Ready to Ride Some Waves?
Locals know that Ventura County Coast is one of the best places to surf in the country, but they’re not the only ones. Surfer.com, the digital version of shredding mainstay Surfer Magazine, has named Ventura and its surrounding cities some of the best surfing towns in America.
Now is the perfect time to experience firsthand the killer curls off our beautiful coast. Whether this is your first time riding the waves or you’re a seasoned pro, Ventura County Coast’s breathtaking surf spots have something for everyone.
California Surfing Day
Don’t forget that Sept. 20 is #CaliforniaSurfingDay! Show us how you celebrate by tagging @venturacountycoast and @VisitCalifornia in your #CaliforniaSurfingDay posts. What beach will you be visiting on the 20th?
County Line Beach
County Line Beach has good waves to surf year-round. Not only will you get amazing views of the California coastline, you can see dolphins, seals, and even whales. It’s a great spot for beginner to intermediate surfers because of the variety of waves that break there.
Whichever location you choose, you’re sure to have a blast surfing the waves and soaking up the sun on Ventura County Coast!
Vibe Check
Skill Level: Beginner – Advanced
Best Time of Year: All Year
Swell Direction: All swell directions
Equipment: shortboard, fish, funboard, longboard
Note: Busy surf days at County line can increase the vibes at this spot.
PARKING
CROWD VIBES
LOCAL VIBES
SPOT CHECK
Port Hueneme Beach
With consistent foam, Port Hueneme Beach is a trustworthy surf spot any time of the year. It’s often uncrowded with plenty of peaks and an incredible beach break. This top Ventura County Surf Spot has A Frames in the fall and hallow waves when the swells hit perfectly!
Vibe Check
Skill Level: Advanced – Expert
Best Time of Year: Summer – Fall
Swell Direction: South, South/Northwest Swell Mix
Equipment: Boogie Board, Shortboard
Note: This is usually an empty beach. Be sure to give surfers space in the lineup at this spot.
PARKING
CROWD VIBES
LOCAL VIBES
SPOT CHECK
Silver Strand Beach
Silver Strand Beach in Oxnard is a favorite surf spot for the locals. This mile-long beach is split into three sections: The Jetty, The Bowl, and La Jenelle. The areas to the side (The Jetty and La Jenelle) are more suited for those new to surfing, swimming, or boogie boarding because of smaller waves and swells that typically stay around 3 to 5 feet. The Bowl has much harder sandbar waves which are great for Boogie Boarding and Shortboards.
Vibe Check
Skill Level: Intermediate – Expert
Best Time of Year: Winter
Swell Direction: West Northwest
Equipment: Boogieboard, Shortboard, Fish, Funboard, Longboard
Note: The lineup at this spot can get crowded quickly which makes the vibe dynamic.
PARKING
CROWD VIBES
LOCAL VIBES
SPOT CHECK
Oxnard Shores
Oxnard Shores is a world class surfing destination that provides hallow, walled, and hyper fast waves! It’s not uncommon to see pro surfers doing 360 degree aerial maneuvers at this spot when a good swell hits the coast. This mile long surf spot begins at the Mandalay Beach Resort and ends at 5th street in Oxnard. This location has a local vibe with plenty of peaks to choose from.
Vibe Check
Skill Level: Advanced – Expert
Best Time of Year: Late Summer through Fall
Swell Direction: South, Northwest Swell Mix
Equipment: Fish, Shortboard
Note: Find a parking spot and choose an open peak to surf.
PARKING
CROWD VIBE
LOCAL VIBE
SPOT CHECK
South Jetty
A local favorite for experienced riders. South Jetty is a similar break to Oxnard’s Silver Strand Beach. Here you’ll find fast, walled waves with size. This break can get crowded during major swell events so be sure to plan ahead. South Jetty is located directly across the street from Ventura Harbor Village, Hotels, and Restaurants.
Vibe Check
Skill Level: Intermediate – Advanced
Best Time of Year: Fall – Winter
Swell Direction: South, Northwest Swell Mix
Equipment: Boogie Board, Shortboard
Note: Parking on weekends may be a challenge.
PARKING
CROWD VIBE
LOCAL VIBE
SPOT CHECK
C Street/Surfer’s Point
C Street/Surfer’s Point has three main breaks with multiple peaks on each break. Near the Ventura Pier, C Street/Surfer’s Point is one of the most well-known spots to surf in Ventura. Right-hand waves come from the west and curl consistently around the point. It’s a popular spot for longboarders and shortboarders who want to catch a long wave toward the pier. Check out Ventura Surf Shop for rentals and far-out swag.
Vibe Check
Skill Level: Intermediate – Advanced
Best Time of Year: All Year
Swell Direction: All Directions
Equipment:
- Longboard: C Street/Cove
- Shortboard – Longboard: Surfer’s Point Park
- Shortboard, Fish: Ventura Point
NOTE: Parking can be challenging any day of the week. Local vibes can change quickly. Bring your best surf ettiquette.
PARKING
CROWD VIBE
LOCAL VIBE
SPOT CHECK
Emma Wood State Beach
Featured on our Camping on PCH Guide, Emma Wood State Beach is one of the most consistent surf spots in Ventura County. Here you’ll find several surf breaks. On the inside break you’ll ride an A Frame peak which is perfect for goofy foot and regular foot riders. The outer reef is known as Ventura Overhead is considered the biggest wave on the Ventura County Coast. Ventura Overhead features 2 outer reefs that generate a massive wave with an equally massive foam ball.
Vibe Check
Skill Level: High Intermediate – Advanced
Best Time of Year: Summer, Fall, Winter
Swell Direction: All Directions
Equipment:
- Shortboard, Fish, Funboard: Inside Break
- Shortboard, Gun: Ventura Overhead Reefs
Note: Park above the railroad tracks for amazing views and easy access to the surf spot.
PARKING
CROWD VIBE
LOCAL VIBE
SPOT CHECK
Summer’s Beach
Summer’s Beach is a Soul Surfer’s dream. This small stretch of sandy beach provides small to medium sized waves for Surfers of all skill levels. Even on a crowded day you can pick a spot and have waves all to yourself. This beachbreak gives out consistent waves throughout the summer months. Parking is limited on the weekends but plentiful during the week.
Vibe Check
Skill Level: Beginner – Advanced
Best Time of Year: Summer – Early Fall
Swell Direction: South Swell
Equipment: Boogie Board, Shortboard, Fish, Funboard, Longboard
Note: Parking is very challenging on weekends. The lineup is wide open on the busiest days.
PARKING
CROWD VIBE
LOCAL VIBE
SPOT CHECK
Solimar Beach
Solimar is a favorite Surf Spot for locals and visitors. Solimar Beach is a long sandy stretch that provides consistent waves throughout the year. This is the perfect place to spend the day at the beach, catch waves, get sunshine, and mingle with friendly locals. There’s plenty of parking during the weekdays but parking can fill up as early as 6am on weekends. Be sure to get here early and bring the family! No matter how busy the beach is, there will be plenty of open surf peaks to choose from.
Vibe Check
Skill Level: Beginner – Advanced
Best Time of Year: All Year
Swell Direction: All swell directions
Equipment: Boogie Board, Shortboard, Fish, Funboard, Longboard
Note: This beach fills up quickly on the weekends. Lineup is wide open on the busiest Holidays.
PARKING
CROWD VIBE
LOCAL VIBE
SPOT CHECK
Mondos
Mondos is the the Wikiki of the West Coast. Mondos is a forgiving, gentle, and family friendly wave that’s best suited for novice surfers. This point break wave features a slow and very long ride that’s enjoyable for surfers of all skill levels. The vibe is friendly but a bit crowded on weekends so be sure to share the love. During big winter swells you can find that the waves are taken down a notch when the rest of the coast is macking with big waves. In the summer there’s plenty of sand to layout and take it all in. This is also the preferred spot to learn how to surf for the first time.
Vibe Check
Skill Level: Early Beginner – Intermediate
Best Time of Year: All Year
Swell Direction: All swell directions
Equipment: Longboard, SUP, Hydrofoil
PARKING
CROWD VIBE
LOCAL VIBE
SPOT CHECK
Rincon Point State Beach
People come from all over the world to surf the famous Rincon Classic. Considered one of America’s top surfing destinations, “The Queen of the California Coast” offers three great locations that provide constant, steady sets: The Cove, Rivermouth, and Indicator. The south-facing point creates epic right waves when a good swell comes in.
Vibe Check
Skill Level:
- Intermediate – Advanced: Cove
- Intermediate – Expert: Rivermouth & Indicator
Best Time of Year: Fall through Winter
Swell Direction: West, Northwest
Equipment:
- Longboard, Fish, Funboard, Shortboard: Cove
- Shortboard, Fish: Rivermouth
- Shortboard, Fish: Indicator
Note: Parking fills up quickly. The lineup crowds up just as fast. Your wave count may be lower due to high competition at this spot.
PARKING
CROWD VIBE
LOCAL VIBE
SPOT CHECK
Pro Tips for Beginners
Always know your limits when going out to surf. Even beginner spots can get dicey during a major swell event. Be sure to practice good surf etiquette when visiting. If you’re unsure about where to surf, get lessons, or where to rent equipment, we’ve put together a handy list of local surf instructors and surf shops to get you started.
Local Surf Schools
Ventura Makos Surf Camp
Mary Osbourne Surf Camp
Ohana Surf Camp
Surfboard and Wetsuit Rentals
Ventura Surf Shop
Seaward Surf & Sport
Revolution Surf & Skate
Plan Your Trip
Book your stay at hotels on the Ventura County Coast
Find more amazing things to do in Ventura County
Tag your Ventura County Coast photos with #VCCVibes for a chance to be featured!
