To say that there are numerous beaches is somewhat confusing.  There is really just one long gorgeous stretch of sand that people have subdivided into beaches.  After, it is important to know where you parked the car.   Emma Wood State Beach - Although this is primarily a camping beach, day use is permitted.  This narrow ocean-side beach offers excellent views of the islands on clear days and is a favorite among surfers. Harbor Cove Beach - Protected from the strong waves by the harbor's breakwaters, this is a wonderful swimming beach.  It is very close to entertainment and restaurants, as well, so it makes a great beginning (or middle or end) of an adventurous day. Marina Park - A wonderful park + beach + picnic facilities + children's play area.  It also has a great view of the harbor.  It's common to see sailing lessons in the inlet.  Rincon Beach - This superb surfing beach is technically in Santa Barbara but right on the very, tippy edge of Santa Barbara.  Enough of the surfers end up landing on Ventura shores to make it worth mentioning.  Rated as one of the top five surfing spots in the world this beach is too close to ignore. San Buenaventura Beach - In the heart of Ventura, this 2-mile long stretch of sand and sun includes a pier, restaurant, snack bar, surfing, swimming, camping, volleyball and biking.  The park stretches almost to Seaward and there are two areas to park. Seaward Avenue Beach - This wonderful beach is difficult to access because there isn't a great deal of parking in the neighborhood (which, by the way, is delightfully Californian in nature and a great place to pick up lunch).  Surfers Knoll Beach - While not a swimming beach because of dangerous undertows and surf conditions, this is a wonderful lounging beach.  Miles of glorious sand and the pounding surf are made particularly special by the illusion of privacy.  The strong gusts from the open ocean tend to make this a good beach to fly a kite, as well. Surfers Point At Seaside Park - Also not a swimming beach, but not because of rid tides.  Ventura has some of the best surfing in all of Southern California.  This point is well known for the consistent, excellent waves.