When my family and I want to enjoy the beach while avoiding traffic and crowds, we head to Ventura. Living in north Los Angeles, most Ventura beaches are less than an hour away from our home. In the summer months, Ventura is a great way to beat the heat. In the winter, many of the beaches are far from crowded. As a lifelong So Cal resident, I have been to many beaches along the west coast. As a mother of two, here are a few of my favorite, family-friendly beaches in Ventura. <\/p>\n
Emma Wood State Beach <\/p>\n
We went here on New Year's Day. I loved the gradual incline to the water. Overall, the atmosphere was tranquil. We went when the tide was out and my kids could splash in the water. I liked that I didn't have to worry about a rip tide or rough waves (at least when I went). This is a camping beach. However, it is open for day use too. We parked near the north part of the beach, along Pacific Coast highway, and had to climb over some big rocks to get down to the beach. I liked how my car was so close to the sand. <\/p>\n
Marina Park <\/p>\n
I love this park\/beach because it has a huge grassy area to have a picnic. When my son was a baby, I brought a canopy so he could nap in the shade. Closer to the water, there is a seaside playground that was updated recently. There are swings, several playground structures and soft rubber \"floor.\" In addition, there is a fun ship with a zip-line attached. Of course, don't forget to dip your toes in the ocean. This area can get crowded in the summer. However, parking is free and I have never had a problem finding a parking spot. There are bathrooms too and some trails to walk along. <\/p>\n
Surfer's Point (a.k.a C-Street) and San Buenaventura State Beach <\/p>\n
Although Surfer's point and San Buenaventura are two separate beaches, they are connected by a bike trail. While C-Street is not the best for swimming (hence the name Surfer's Point), it is a great place for surfers or anyone who likes to watch the waves roll in. For non-surfer's, there is plenty of sand (and some rocks). Furthermore, I love the giant promenade for walking around, especially during sunset. It's perfect for jogging with a stroller or bringing bikes for a family ride. Another fun activity is to rent a surrey, a \"modern carriage,\" from wheelfunrentals.com. Other highlights include the children's playground in the sand and the pier. There is a restaurant called Eric Ericsson's with some good fish and chips. However, my favorite place to eat is Aloha Steakhouse on the promenade. Go for lunch for special deals. I love the house salad, blackened fish and their fresh bread; plus, the waiters are always nice to my kids.<\/p>\n
More from Melissa: <\/p>\n
Hidden Gems to Visit in San Diego, California Exploring Point Loma: Visiting the Cabrillo National Monument, Old Point Loma Lighthouse and Tide Pools<\/p>\n
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See more here: <\/p>\n
Favorite, Family-Friendly Beaches in Ventura<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When my family and I want to enjoy the beach while avoiding traffic and crowds, we head to Ventura. Living in north Los Angeles, most Ventura beaches are less than an hour away from our home. In the summer months, Ventura is a great way to beat the heat. Continue reading