San Buenaventura State Beach & Ventura Pier

San Buenaventura State Beach is a 2-mile stretch of sand and dunes along downtown Ventura, with the historic Ventura Pier at its center. The pier first opened in 1872, and the City of Ventura has operated it since 1993. It's now 1,620 feet long. After storm damage closed it in January 2023, it reopened on June 29, 2024, following about $3.3 million in repairs.

What people do here

Families use the large day-use picnic area, which has tables and barbecue grills, plus the sand playground and volleyball courts. Swimming and surfing are popular, and Surfer's Point lies at the north end near the Ventura River. On the pier you'll find a restaurant, a snack bar and a bait shop, and people come to fish, walk and watch the sunset. A paved bike path runs from the park entrance past the pier and along the Ventura River to Emma Wood State Beach.

Fishing

You need a fishing license to fish anywhere in the state park, such as surf fishing from the sand. The pier itself is a City-run public pier, and California doesn't require a license on a public pier, though size and bag limits still apply.

Before you go

Pets aren't allowed on the beach, except leashed service animals, and campfires aren't allowed. State Parks warns that ocean conditions can turn dangerous: never turn your back on the ocean. Snowy plovers nest here in season, so respect any fenced areas.