Follow the Ventura River until it opens up into the Pacific and there you’ll find Surfer’s Point Beach. This rocky shoreline in the middle of the Ventura County Fairgrounds is a haven for surfers because of its point break that sends perfect waves rolling in with great consistency.
Surfer’s Point Beach is not only great for surfing, though. It’s also a popular spot for kiteboarding, windsurfing, and a number of other activities. The Omer Rains Coastal Bikeway runs along the shore and connects to the Ventura Promenade where you’ll find walkers, joggers, and skaters getting some exercise while enjoying the beautiful views.
The nearby Ventura City Pier is a great spot for a peaceful walk or a hot meal. Head over there for dinner and an incredible sunset.
Location
Harbor Boulevard and Figueroa Street in Ventura
Activities
Surfing, fishing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, jogging, walking, skating, picnicking, and birdwatching.
The Ventura River becomes a lagoon behind Surfer’s Point Beach. You can see an array of birds in the area.
Dogs are allowed on beach provided they are leashed.
Amenities
Showers, restrooms, picnic tables, benches, bike trail, pier, grass park.
You can rent beach chairs, bicycles, and other beach gear at the Ventura City Pier.
There are a few paid parking lots available nearby.
Nearby Attractions
Head south on the Ventura Promenade to get to the Ventura City Pier. You can go fishing there, or dine at one of the restaurants.
For overnight accommodations, there’s the Crown Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel, which is right on the water, overlooking Ventura City Pier.
Head west from Surfer’s Point Beach to reach Emma Wood State Beach. They have campgrounds, hiking trails, and picnic tables. Check out the World War II era gun mounts, too.
The Omer Rains Coastal Bikeway is a nearly nine mile biking path that runs through Emma Wood State Beach down to the Ventura City Pier. Dogs are allowed on the trail provided they’re leashed.
The Ventura County Fairgrounds hosts a number of different events throughout the year. Keep an eye out for what’s happening in the area when you plan on being there.
Fun Facts
Ventura City Pier was built in 1872, making it the oldest pier in the state of California. You can see it in the show Melrose Place and in a scene from the 2006 film Little Miss Sunshine starring Steve Carrell.
The Ventura County Fairgrounds were a shooting location for films dating back to the silent era, including Paramount Pictures’ The Pride of the Palomar, released in 1922.