Ventura County
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Positives
- Rincon Point
- Powerful beachbreaks
- Nice weather
- Fairly consistent surf
Negatives
- Windy
- Crowded
- Polluted
- Traffic
- Urban atmosphere
Ventura County surf travel guide
Much more exposed than Santa Barbara, the scenic Ventura County coast is a haven for summertime S swells, wintertime NW swells, and just about everything in between. Consistent and high-quality surf is not uncommon, and there is a wealth of different surf spots to choose from on any given day, from pounding beachbreak barrels to slow beginner’s waves. The Channel Islands do not have such a prominent swell-shadowing effect as they do for Santa Barbara, which can be waist high during a big winter swell while Ventura County is double-overhead. Onshore winds are usually stronger here than in Santa Barbara, and all Ventura spots blow out fairly easily. Strong offshore winds are a frequent occurrence, especially during the winter months in Oxnard, causing classic conditions.
Rincon, one of the world’s most famous pointbreaks, is in the extreme north end of the county, while to the south exist world-class beachbreaks like Silver Strands and the Santa Clara Rivermouth. South swells do better at the south county spots like County Line and Point Mugu, which is off-limits to anyone without a valid military identification card. W swells typically have the most power and are the most lined-up, but solid S swells tend to work wonders in south county. Most waves in the county can been seen from Highway 1 or Highway 101 and are easily accessible.
Surf spots in Ventura County
Research the 18 surf breaks in Ventura County and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 18 breaks in Ventura County.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Ventura County
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Visas
Due to Covid there are special restrictions so it is essential to check the latest news before booking any trip. Normally most Europeans, Aussies, Kiwis and Japanese are part of the Visa waiver program so do not need a visa to enter the USA for up to 90 days, but they do need to apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) which costs US$14.
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta.
Other nationalities need to check as the rules are constantly being adjusted.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_the_United_States
Getting There
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the cheapest places worldwide to fly to. Shuttle vans take people downtown, 45mn away for around $15, which is half the cost of a taxi. LAX is not too far from El Segundo’s spots. Rent a car, drive freeway 405 south until you reach the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Connecting flights to John Wayne Airport take 25 min.
Getting Around
If you can’t rent a car, stay in one place. Rental cars start about $160/w but go as low as $50 for a local rent-a-wreck. You must be over 21 to rent. Gas is cheap (30¢/l). PCH traffic is intense at peak times. Los Angeles has built an impressive system of broad streets and avenues including freeways up to 14 lanes wide. They allow movement quickly across the vast metropolitan complex except during the main commuting hours (7/9 AM and 4/6 PM). Public transport sucks for a surfer with board.
Accommodation
Ventura and Oxnard have many hotels and motels to suit any budget. Do a quick online search. Camping available at Hobson, Faria, Emma Wood, and McGrath ($30-$40, make reservations well in advance). Fast food is cheap ($8/meal). Mexican food is abundant. Enjoy some fresh beer at places like Surf Brewery, Topa Topa, and Poseidon.
Activities
Take a whale watching cruise or a day trip to the Channel Islands (islandpackers.com); go sport fishing or sailing; head up the 33 to lovely Lake Casitas; stroll out to the end of the pier or eat/drink/shop your way down Main Street in Ventura; ride a bike or skateboard along the boardwalks. Hike up to Two Trees or arrange for a tour of the Point Mugu naval base. Pretty much anything you can think of, you can do in this county (except snow sports).
Hazards & hassles
All of the spots visible from Highway 101 will be crowded if they are good. At low tide, the points expose rocks that hurt if hit (use a leash). There are white sharks here but sightings are rare. Beware of hyper-competitive wannabe pro surfers and a large number of kooks at most spots. Rincon is the marquee destination in winter, and it’s a scene. Traffic on the 101 can be bad at any time – Los Angeles is the next county south.
Handy Hints
Be mentally prepared to surf in a huge crowd at Rincon. A gun may be useful, especially at the Overhead. A new shortboard costs ±$750. Several stores offer gear: Ventura Surf Shop, Patagonia, Seaward, Beach Break, etc. Be low-key at spots like Silver Strand and Santa Clara Rivermouth. Wear a leash at the pointbreaks.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.