Marina Park
Ventura, CA

Marina Park sits between Ventura Harbor and the open coast, a genuine two-sided beach with both a calmer harbor beach and an ocean-facing stretch, plus a small boat pier. It's a good pick if you want the option to choose calm or open water depending on conditions that day.
The genuine choice between calm harbor water and open ocean makes it a versatile family stop, though neither side is quite as scenic as the beaches further from the harbor.
How we score beachesCheck conditions on both sides before settling in, the harbor side stays calm even when the ocean side gets choppy.
Free parking is available at the park.
A path leads from parking to both the harbor and ocean beaches.
Dogs are welcome; check posted signage for specific leash rules.
Fog is common most mornings year round, typical of the Ventura coast.
More Pacific Coast beaches

Zuma Beach
Malibu, CA · Pacific Coast
A wide stretch of sand backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, with reliable swells that draw surfers year-round and plenty of room to spread out even on busy weekends.

Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Known as Surf City USA, with a mile-long municipal pier, consistent breaks for surfers of every level, and a laid-back boardwalk scene along Pacific Coast Highway.

Main Beach
Laguna Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Tucked between rocky headlands, with tidepools to explore at low tide, calmer coves for swimming, and an arts-town backdrop of galleries and cafes just steps from the sand.
