Ventura County: one of the original birthplaces of California surf culture | Photo: Spencer-Markles

The Golden State boasts more than 1,000 miles of coastline, as well as some of the world's best surf breaks. And the Ventura County Coast is one of the original birthplaces of California surf culture.

Ventura County surf breaks were made famous by The Beach Boys back in 1963 with not one but two references in their massive hit song, "Surfin' USA."

Rincon and County Line are both within the Ventura region.

With perfect year-round weather and consistent great surf, there's no doubt that Ventura County Coast is the place for beginning surfers to catch a wave and for pros to hang ten.

Known as an under-the-radar and budget-friendly laidback coastal destination located between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, Ventura County is the official start of the Central Coast.

It is also the gateway to the Channel Islands National Park. Discover the best surf spots Ventura has to offer:

Rincon Point State Beach

Surfers come from all over the world to surf the famous Rincon Classic, making it one of America's top surfing destinations.

Often called "Queen of the California Coast," Rincon offers three great locations that provide constant, steady, surf-able sets: The Cove, Rivermouth, and Indicator.

The point faces south, creating beautiful rights, and is one of the best spots when a good swell comes in.  

Mondo's Beach

Located north of Ventura, Mondo's is a great spot for beginners of all ages. With an easy wave and long rides, Mondo's is suitable for those on longboards and stand-up paddleboarders.

While there are no facilities here, the parking is free, making it a popular spot for the locals.

Emma Wood State Beach

Not only is it an excellent beach campsite, but Emma Wood also draws surfers all year long.

The left beach break at the south end of the park is known as Mushpots; J-Bowls is the right beach break at the northern end.

There's also a reef break known as Ventura Overhead that breaks a quarter-mile offshore and only works with big winter swells.

Experienced surfers wait for the winter swell - when it does show up, it's the best wave along the coast.

C Street/Surfers' Point

C Street: one of the best surf spot in the Ventura County | Photo: Creative Commons

Located near the historic Ventura Pier off Main Street in Downtown Ventura, C Street/Surfers Point is one of the most known spots to surf in the region.

With a point that faces south, the waves come from the west and curl around it, making right-hand waves that roll in consistently.

It's a popular spot for longboarders and shortboarders who want to catch a long wave toward the Ventura Pier.

Silver Strand Beach

Located in Oxnard, Silver Strand is a favorite spot for the locals. It's a mile-long beach that is split into three sections: The Jetty, The Bowl, and La Jenelle.

The Bowl has much harder sandbar waves, and you can catch the locals here any day.

The best time to visit is after the winter rainstorms that cause a nearby berm to break, causing swells to double in size.

Port Hueneme Beach

With consistent surf, Port Hueneme is a trustworthy surf spot any time of the year. It is often uncrowded, with plenty of peaks and an incredible beach break.

County Line Beach

Just north of Malibu, County Line has good waves to surf all year round.

Surfers love to take in the fantastic views of the California coastline and ocean wildlife, such as dolphins, seals, and even whales just offshore.

The swell can get big, but on average, there are good waves for surfers of all levels to enjoy. It's also an excellent spot for beginners to get their feet wet.

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