Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Ventura, CA

VENTURA. An integral part of Ventura's life, this expansive beach serves as the location for a number of area festivals...

VENTURA. An integral part of Ventura's life, this expansive beach serves as the location for a number of area festivals and athletic competitions. It also boasts a pier, plenty of picnicking sites, rental facilities, WiFi access, and several places to pick up a bite to eat. However, the park's main draws are its sunny beaches, which accommodate surfers and swimmers by the carload. Camp sites and a bike trail are also available on the 115-acre parcel.

Hours: Daily Sunrise-Sunset

VENTURA. If your group maintains a diversity of interests, you would do well to check out this popular park. Adjacent to...

VENTURA. If your group maintains a diversity of interests, you would do well to check out this popular park. Adjacent to Ventura Harbor, the leisure-time venue offers access to the beach and also features a fishing area for folks who want to (literally) test the waters. Kids will find play facilities to explore, including a grand concrete replica of a ship for little people to clamber on. Restrooms are also available, along with volleyball courts, picnic areas, and a boat dock for hand-launched vessels.

Hours: Daily Sunrise-Sunset

VENTURA. If you're young, fearless, and want to hone your surfing abilities, this beach may just be your ideal...

VENTURA. If you're young, fearless, and want to hone your surfing abilities, this beach may just be your ideal destination. Teens and college kids populate the place, seeking the rush that only longboard surfing can bring. If you're in the mood to join them, paddle on out; if not, enjoy the athleticism and the struggles as a spectator. Parking can be a bit difficult, and although there are free spaces, realize that you may have to pay for the privilege.

Hours: Daily Sunrise-Sunset

VENTURA. Favored for its oceanside camping opportunities and temperate waters, this familiar beach caters to everyone...

VENTURA. Favored for its oceanside camping opportunities and temperate waters, this familiar beach caters to everyone from swimmers and bikers to surfers and hikers. Fishermen also take advantage of local marine life, and bird-watchers maintain a look-out for native species. Great for a family sojourn or a weekend getaway for one.

Hours: Daily Sunrise-Sunset

VENTURA. If you're browsing the visitors center of the Channel Islands National Park, you may want to spend a few hours...

VENTURA. If you're browsing the visitors center of the Channel Islands National Park, you may want to spend a few hours at this adjacent beach, especially if you've got kids. The protected beach is ideal for little ones, and the waters are calm and relaxing. Do know that the place has a tendency to be quite busy, given its popularity and its convenient location. A number of restaurants can be found in the vicinity, and the park itself offers playground equipment, restrooms, and summertime lifeguard patrols.

Hours: Daily Sunrise-Sunset

VENTURA. Although it's not well known for swimming since its waters are generally rough, this less-frequented beach is a...

VENTURA. Although it's not well known for swimming since its waters are generally rough, this less-frequented beach is a terrific place to simply enjoy the coastline. Folks who like to be mesmerized by the motion of the surf often head here to relax or contemplate, and you'll find a few kite-flying visitors who thrill to the area's gusty winds as well. Parking isn't abundant, but restrooms are available. No lifeguards are on duty, however.

Hours: Daily Sunrise-Sunset