Emma Wood State Beach in Ventura, CA

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About Emma Wood State Beach in Ventura, California

Emma Wood State Beach is a linear state park with a narrow beach that parallels Highway 101 west of the city of Ventura. The main day use area is at the south end of the state park near the mouth of the Ventura River and the RV camp spaces are north of there.

At this location there is a day-use beach access, a group camp, and a city park property called Seaside Wilderness Park. There are picnic tables on-site and hiking trails that lead to the Ventura River Estuary for excellent birding opportunities. A few paths from the parking areas lead over and under railroad tracks then down to a beach made up of smooth round rocks (sand can be found at the river mouth on south end of park).

On the beach near the mouth of the river there are two historic circular concrete structures that are gun mounts left over from World War II. They were built in 1942 after the Ellwood Oil Facility in Santa Barbara was attacked by a Japanese submarine.

Biking, walking, and running are popular on the four-mile long paved Omer Rains Bike Trail that connects Emma Wood State Beach to San Buenaventura State Beach. You’ll find the trailhead near the park entrance booth.

To get to Emma Wood State Beach from downtown Ventura, head north on Main Street and take the first left after passing the Ventura Beach RV Park which leads right into the park (brown sign says Group Camp). Camping is available at Emma Wood North Beach on the shoulder of a road (RVs only).

In 1956 this property was given to the state by Emma Wood’s husband who inherited it upon her death in 1944. It became a California State Park and was named in her memory in 1957.

Address: US-101 BUS & Park Access Rd
Ventura, CA 93001
Phone: 805-585-1850
Park Name: Emma Wood State Beach, Seaside Wilderness Park
Owner: State Park
Pet Details: No dogs allowed on the beach
Fees: Fee for parking
Activities: Surfing, Fishing, Camping, Birdwatching, Hiking
Amenities: Campground, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Group Camps, Trails, Historic Military Ruins
Links: Water Quality
Water Temps
Tide Chart