Harbor Cove Beach

Ventura, California, USA

Description

There's usually something fun going on at Harbor Cove beach, people kayaking, kids flying kites, jet skis revving up. Families like to come here because the water is still so it's nice for kids to wade in the shallows, though I have my doubts about how clean it is. There are a few nice dunes near the entrance where kids can play imagination games. And the jetties are pretty on either side of this beach.
Sometimes the wind is a little too brutal to make this beach enjoyable, and there's no shade. But if you can come on a calm day or at sunset it is lovely.
Walk south and you can watch surfers riding the waves in a cove.
Across the road visit the excellent Channel Islands Visitor Center with its fascinating and modern exhibits. Also across the road is the Harbor Cove Cafe (see photos), in a perfect spot on a grassy lawn next to the harbor. It's super nice to sit here at the picnic tables or at a table on the colorful balcony and take in the California vibes.
Walk or drive south to the fun shops at colorful Ventura Harbor. There's tons for kids to do there, including arcade games, a carousel, and an icecream shop.

Photo Gallery

The nice dunes and soft white sand at the entrance.	The beach is a bit scungy but jet-skiers and kayakers enjoy it.	Kite-flying at Harbor Cove Beach.
Swimmers at Harbor Cove Beach.	The dunes.	Flying our new ladybug kite on a sunny day at Harbor Cove Beach.

Directions

This is an interactive map, you can zoom and move it.

From Highway 101, exit at Seaward Ave. Turn left on Harbor Blvd, and follow it past some residential neighborhoods. Turn right on Spinnaker Dr. Follow it to the end and park in the parking lot on the left. Parking is free.
Click "satellite" to see the area from above.