Ventura Pier
Ventura, CA
Ventura Pier anchors the city's downtown waterfront, restaurants lined up along its length and a paved promenade with play equipment connecting to the beach on either side. It's part of San Buenaventura State Beach, the pier itself a genuine landmark that's served the city for over a century.
A genuinely historic downtown landmark with real dining options, though the fee parking and busy setting keep it more a stroll than a full beach day.
How we score beachesWalk the full length of the pier for a wide view of the coastline in both directions, it's one of the longer wooden piers on the California coast.
A day use fee applies; the exact amount is best confirmed at the entrance.
A paved promenade with ramps connects downtown Ventura to the pier and beach.
Dogs are allowed on leash on the pier and on the surrounding city beach.
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.