Hang Loose at Ventura County Coast’s Top 11 Surf Spots

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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?

California Surfing Day

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

Parking at County Line

CROWD VIBES

Crowd vibe at Ventura County Line Beach

LOCAL VIBES

SPOT CHECK

County Line Surf Forecast

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

Parking conditions at Hueneme Beach

CROWD VIBES

Crowd vibe at Hueneme Beach is laidback

LOCAL VIBES

Localism can be experienced at Hueneme Beach. Best ettiquette is advised.

SPOT CHECK

Port Hueneme Beach Park surf forecast

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

Parking conditions at Silverstrand Beach

CROWD VIBES

Silver Strand beach crowd vibe

LOCAL VIBES

Local vibes at Silver Strand Beach in Oxnard can be dynamic.

SPOT CHECK

Silver Strand surf forecast

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

Parking conditions at Oxnard Shores

CROWD VIBE

Crowd Vibe at Oxnard Shores surf spot.

LOCAL VIBE

The local vibe at Oxnard Shores is easy going as long as you pick a peak away from small groups surfing together.

SPOT CHECK

Oxnard Shores surf forecast

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

South Jetty Ventura parking conditions

CROWD VIBE

South Jetty lineup has a moderate crowd vibe.

LOCAL VIBE

The local vibe can be competitive at this surf spot because its a practice ground for competitive surfers.

SPOT CHECK

South Jetty surf forecast

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

Parking conditions at C Street/Ventura Point is busy during peak surf times.

CROWD VIBE

C Street is one of the busiest surf spots in Ventura County.

LOCAL VIBE

The local vibe at C Street can change quickly from inviting to dynamic due to crowding.

SPOT CHECK

C Street/Surf Forecast

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

Parking at Emma Wood State Beach, can be busy on weekends and peak surf conditions.

CROWD VIBE

The crowd vibe at Emma Wood State Beach surf spot is usally laid back.

LOCAL VIBE

The local vibe at Emma Wood is very moderate and inviting. Good surf ettiquette is a must at this spot.

SPOT CHECK

Emma Wood surf forecast

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

Parking at Summers Beach can be busy during the week.

CROWD VIBE

Crowd vibe at Summers Beach surf spot is low even on the busiest holidays.

LOCAL VIBE

The local vibe at Summers Beach is always chill as long as you don't crowd or practice bad surf etiquette at an open beach break.

SPOT CHECK

Summer's Beach surf forecast

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

Parking conditions at Solimar Beach can be packed on weekends and open during the weekdays.

CROWD VIBE

Crowd Vibe at Solimar Beach Surf Spot is good because of the open peaks throughout the beach.

LOCAL VIBE

The local vibe at Solimar Beach is very laid back.

SPOT CHECK

Solimar Surf Forecast

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

Mondos parking can fill up quickly on weekends but there's usually a place to park.

CROWD VIBE

Crowd Vibes at Mondos surf spot are very chill.

LOCAL VIBE

The local vibe at Mondos is very inviting to visitors and locals alike.

SPOT CHECK

Mondos surf forecast

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

Parking at Rincon State Beach usually fill up quickly. Even on days without epic surf.

CROWD VIBE

Rincon's surf lineup is always crowded when the surf is good.

LOCAL VIBE

The local vibe at Rincon is very dynamic and very competitive.

SPOT CHECK

Rincon Surf Forecast
Pro tips for beginning surfers visiting Ventura County surf spots.

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

 

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REMARKABLE EXPERIENCES

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Visit these regions of Ventura County Coast

Visit California
Camarillo
Oxnard
Ventura
Port Hueneme
Channel Islands National Park

Regions

Ventura County Coast

Ventura County Coast is a string of four communities that radiate warmth from welcoming people and California sunshine. The region embodies the casual and active spirit of classic, where the seafood is fresh, the beer is handcrafted and the weather is the kind you dream about. Spend the day exploring miles of beaches, incredible harbors or lush green golf courses. Hop on a boat for a day trip to the Channel Islands National Park, where you can see breathtaking views of the Southern California coastline. With a bustling culture, high end and vintage shopping, a lively culinary spirit and beautiful outdoor experiences, Ventura County Coast calls on every visitor to find their vibe. From hiking and biking to sailing and snorkeling, from shopping and dining to just plain relaxing, Ventura County Coast will fill your days with a lifetime of memories.

Camarillo

Camarillo

An hour north of Los Angeles, Camarillo is nestled at the base of the Conejo foothills surrounded by verdant green fields and cool ocean breezes. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, enjoy Camarillo alfresco. From outdoor shopping and concerts, to delicious dining and fun events, Camarillo has it all. With small town charm and a rich history, it is the place for romantic weddings and corporate venues. Visit the historical sites and museums during the day, and walk along Old Town for dinner and drinks at night. A great getaway for everyone, Camarillo is the ideal place to Come for the Sun, Stay for the Fun.

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Oxnard

Oxnard

Rally your tribe and head for the Central Coast. California cool, panorama-perfect, culturally authentic and vibrant beyond measure. Oxnard is home to miles of pristine white sand beaches, electric nightlife, some of the best taquerias in the state, historic Victorian era architecture, the California Strawberry Festival, and an expansively picturesque harbor that serves as the closest access point to the Channel Islands National Park. Just sixty miles northwest of LAX and in close proximity to Santa Barbara and other major destinations, Oxnard is one of California’s best kept secrets.

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Ventura

Ventura

A place that embodies a casual soul and unexpected allure, Ventura is a vibrant town that checks stress and pretense at the door.  Its artistic culture, enduring history and privileged locale is crazy-inviting, very much alive, and refreshingly human.

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Port Hueneme

Port Hueneme

Just sixty miles northwest of Los Angeles, in the heart of the Central Coast, you’ll find Port Hueneme, the friendly city by the sea. Port Hueneme is the place for travelers looking to dig their toes in the sand, take a long walk, drop a fishing line off the pier or just kick back and relax. With walking and biking trails winding throughout the city and a perfect climate almost year round, you can revive your soul in Hueneme.

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Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park is an American national park that consists of five of the eight Channel Islands off the coast of the U.S. state of California, in the Pacific Ocean.

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