Dreaming of a beach vacation, but not sure where to stay? Conveniently located halfway between Santa Barbara and LA, Camarillo is a central hub for exploring Southern California’s uncrowded beaches.
This sunny, welcoming town is close to surfing, playing in the sand, and strolling and shopping in the harbor. A 30-minute drive south will get you to star-studded Malibu, and the same distance heading north takes you to one of the best surfing spots on the Central Coast. Read on for details on these fabulous destinations and every beach in between!
A Short Drive to Los Angeles County Beaches
While it’s often thought of as the home of Hollywood stars, Malibu is also a friendly beach town close to Camarillo. Its most famous beach is the eponymous Malibu Lagoon State Beach, and just next door is Malibu Surfrider Beach, where surfers flock to experience super long right-hand breaks.
The Gateway to The Channel Islands
Known as the Galapagos of North America, Channel Islands National Park is a truly unique place to hike, snorkel, swim or kayak and, lucky us, it’s practically in our own backyard. The park’s five islands and surrounding waters are home to hundreds of wildlife species. Island Packers runs boat rides out of Channel Islands Harbor and Ventura Harbor, both of which offer a wide variety of water activities, shopping and dining experiences. If you rather skip the boat ride, opt for a quick charter flight with Channel Islands Aviation which operates out of the Camarillo Airport.
Close to Ventura County Beaches
A little up the road along Pacific Coast Highway is Point Mugu State Park, an outdoor adventurer’s dream. It features five miles of shoreline perfect for swimming, surfing, and fishing, with more than 70 miles of hiking trails. More experienced hikers love to scale Mugu Peak to take in the stunning views.
Neighboring Camarillo communities offer a mix of beaches to choose from. Oxnard’s Silver Strand Beach is a local favorite for surfing, and nearby Hollywood Beach—once a secluded spot for actors as Clarke Gable and John Wayne—is now known for its soft sand and gentle waves. Dogs are welcome before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
Oxnard State Beach Park is a family-friendly beach with a walking path, grassy lawns, free public barbecue areas, volleyball courts, and a playground. Are you into bird watching? Head north to Mandalay State Beach, a protected nesting area for snowy plovers and least terns.
Located just off the Pacific Coast Highway, Port Hueneme Beach is a nearby hidden gem with lots of wide-open space, picnic areas, and a lovely pier for walking or fishing.
Ventura’s beaches are highly renowned for some truly epic waves, so much so that people come from all over the world to surf. Rincon Point State Beach (location of the televised Rincon Classic) has been ranked one of the top places to surf in the U.S. Some other well-known spots include Mondos Beach, “C” Street/Surfers Point, and Emma Wood State Beach.
Ready to plan your trip? Check out Camarillo’s quality accommodations.