Must-Do Water Activities in Ventura County Coast

You packed a swimsuit, right?

Good! Because here in Ventura County Coast, the sun is shining and the weather is warm – it’s the perfect time to get in the water! The Channel Islands and beach cities of Oxnard and Ventura offer tons of harbor and ocean fun in the sun. Here are some must-do water activities.

Channel Islands Parasail

Channel Islands Parasail is the premier parasail operator based at the Marine Emporium Landing in Oxnard’s beautiful Channel Islands Harbor. Guests launch right from the boat and into the clear blue skies like gliding pelicans, capturing views of the Southern California coastline like no other way. Even greater than the physical lift of a parasail is the emotional lift that the serenity of soaring brings!

📷: Visit Oxnard

Go on a snorkeling adventure at Scorpion Anchorage

Go on a guided snorkel tour at Scorpion Anchorage with Channel Islands Adventure Company and explore the beautiful kelp forests, sea caves, and sea life at Channel Islands National Park! Gear rental is included and all levels are welcome.

Kayak through Ventura Harbor

Located in Ventura Harbor Village, Ventura Boat Rentals offers kayak, electric boat, stand-up paddle board, wave runner, and paddle boat rentals. They also offer public harbor tours and there are plenty of dining options, boutique shops, and games for the kids making it a great all-day destination.

📷: @venturaharbor

Kayak through sea caves off Channel Islands National Park

Take one of the Sea Cave Kayak Tours at Channel Islands Adventure Company and spend the day exploring the sea caves around Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island. Kids ages 6 and older are welcome with an adult. Snorkel gear is also available for rent at their storefront on the island.

📷: @islandkayaking

Take a Venetian gondola cruise through the Channel Islands Harbor

Spend a romantic and peaceful gondola ride with friends and family. Gondola Paradiso takes you around Oxnard’s beautiful Channel Islands Harbor in a private gondola at a reasonable price.

Whale watch with Island Packers

Go on a wildlife cruise with Island Packers! Humpback whales and the endangered Blue whales along with other species of whales can be seen as they feed on swarms of krill. You might also see dolphins, sea lions, and birds.

📷: @whales.n.things

Go Catch Some Waves

With pristine beaches comes amazing surfing. We got you covered with our top 11 popular and reliable spot for surfing.

📷: @ventura_salt

Take a stroll down the Port Hueneme Pier

Sometimes the best way to spend time at the beach is to take a quiet walk down the pier. Port Hueneme Pier is definitely the place to go, with few crowds, an expansive beach, and easy parking.

📷: @reactone1

Spend the day at the beach in Oxnard

Spending the day at Oxnard State Beach Park or Mandalay State Beach in Oxnard is always a great idea. Walk along the path or shore, take a nap on the sand, catch some waves, or have a picnic at these easily accessible and clean beaches.

Go Float Tubing at Mother’s Beach

Mother’s Beach is a protected beach, free from strong currents and crashing waves making it the ideal place for water activities. This beach is the perfect place for kids, swimmers, paddle boarders, and float tubers! This serene beach is located right next to Ventura Harbor just past the Channel Islands National Park Visitors Center.

📷: @venturaharbor

Plan Your Visit to the Coast

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Learn all about the amazing activities on Ventura County Coast

Things to Pack

Sunglasses

Get your sunnies out

With year-round sunshine, you can bet you will need your sunglasses.

Bathing Suit

The sun is out

You will need your bathing suit or board shorts for our 22 miles of beaches and surf. Get ready to soak in the sun.

Camera

Or phone

Capture unforgettable moments on your visit to the coast. Bring a camera.

Hiking Shoes

The trails are calling

Ventura Coast Coast has miles of trails to explore. From coastal walks to mountain treks, there’s something for everyone.

Sweater

Just a light one!

It can get breezy and cool in the evenings. Be sure to bring a light jacket to throw on at night and in the mornings.

Sunscreen

Eat lobster. Dont be one.

Spending all day in the sun? Protect your skin! It’s what the dermatologist ordered.

Your Favorite Hat

Snapback? floppy? visor? cowboy?

Being outside all day can take it’s toll. Make yourself more comfortable and keep the sun out of your face with your favorite hat.

Outfit for a Night Out

Dress to impress

Don’t forget an outfit for a nice dinner and a night out on the town.

Binoculars

Views every where

No matter what city you are in, there are views everywhere. Maybe you will spot dolphins or even a whale!

Pack Like a Local

Get recommendations from locals on what to pack

Check out what our Local Vibe spotlight participants recommend you bring on your next road trip to California’s Ventura County Coast Read More

Download Packing List

Tag your Ventura County Coast photos with #VCCVibes for a chance to be featured!

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

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.

Learn More

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.