Emma Wood State Beach

Ventura County

Emma Wood State Beach, Ventura County, California
Emma Wood State Beach, Ventura County, California

Emma Wood State Beach

Ventura County


Emma Wood State Beach

Emma Wood State Beach is most popular as a surfing, swimming, and surf fishing destination. Interesting tide pools and nearby wetlands along the mouth of the Ventura River attract nature-minded visitors.



The southern end of the Emma Wood State Beach is accessed via Park Access Road off Highway 101, while the northern end with RV camping spots is reached via State Beach Access Road off Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway), several miles north of Ventura. The camping area along north part of the beach is protected by a seawall, but relentless storms have taken their toll.

map of Emma Wood State Beach, Ventura County, CA

The best sections of sandy beach at Emma Wood State Beach are found at the far northern end of the park near the entrance station. High tides can inundate the beach (usually in winter), but generally in the summer there is enough sand for a pleasant day of swimming and sandcastle building. A lifeguard tower is located at the north end and lifeguards are on duty during the peak season.

Another good stretch of sand is found at the southern end of the park around the mouth of the Ventura River. It is possible to walk the length of the beach between the two ends of the park, but at one short section hikers may have to turn inland to avoid the waves. Caution should be taken when crossing the railroad tracks, of course.



Cycling Along the Coast

The Ventura Coastal Bike Path provides a cycling route from San Buenaventura State Beach, past Emma Wood State Beach and north to Hobson Beach Park.

The bike/walking path makes a convenient way to travel from campsites at Emma Wood into Ventura. From campsites at the north end of Emma Wood to downtown Ventura is only a 3-mile ride. The full length of the bike route from Ventura to Hobson Beach is 11 miles. Farther up the coast from Emma Wood State Beach the bike trail becomes a bike lane on the shoulder of the Pacific Coast Highway.


  TOP


Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety