River, Meet Ocean

Exploring the Ventura River Estuary

The city of Ventura is officially known as Buenaventura, meaning “good fortune.” That applies to one of the least-known but most abundant estuaries in the region, where the Ventura River meets the Pacific Ocean at Emma Wood State Beach. If you have the good fortune to visit, you’ll have a chance to see a wide variety of winged creatures from waders to waterfowl as well as shore, sea, and land birds. Common resident sightings at this particular spot include coots, cormorants, killdeers, egrets, and even ospreys.

After you park, grab a map and head for the 1.5-mile Ocean’s Edge Trail just past the picnic area on the right edge of the grounds. The path immediately meanders under the railroad bridge and curves left along the cobblestone-covered shore, where kiters share the space with in-sync flocks of sandpipers and sanderlings. The trail continues across a coastal dune environment until reaching the estuary at the 0.67-mile mark. The water is brackish here, a mixture of fresh and salt, which helps account for the great variety of fowl.

Before heading inland to complete the loop, note that just south of the estuary is an elevated bike trail heading east. This 0.5-mile path leads to Ventura’s Main Street, a prime starting point for exploring the city’s charming downtown. Otherwise, directly north of the estuary is a narrow path (called the River’s Edge Trail) leading inland among Monterey pines and thick palms. Follow this along the water to the train tracks and carefully cross them. Stay right at the junction as the peaceful, shaded trail maneuvers through tall brush back to the campground, parking lot, and hopefully a continuation of good fortune.

To get to the Emma Wood State Beach day-use and campground lot from the south, take US-101 north to the California St. exit and turn right, followed by an immediate left onto Thompson Blvd. Follow this for 0.7 mile, turning left on Main St. After another 0.7 mile, turn left on Park Access Rd., which leads into the park.

From the north, take US-101 south to the Main St. exit and turn right immediately onto Park Access Rd.

Park in the protected day-use area ($10) or just outside on the street. No dogs on trail.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Picnic and a Pedal

    West Marin has all the right stuff for an afternoon getaway: bike paths, babbling brooks, canopy forests, and secluded picnic spots. Combine a picnic and a pedal at Samuel P. Taylor State Park by biking the easygoing Cross Marin Trail.

    View
  2. Hike the Oursan Trail alongside Briones Reservoir in the East Bay

    Opt for Oursan

    Hike the trail less traveled in the East Bay's Briones Regional Park. The Oursan Trail is pure serenity on a wide hiking path skirting the northern shores of Briones Reservoir.

    View
  3. Most Peaceful Hike of All

    Is this the most peaceful one-hour hike in the Bay Area? It's got our vote! Lake Lagunitas is the smallest lake in a series of five found on the north side of Mount Tam, so it’s got that tiny but mighty charm. Do a 1.5-mile loop around the lake's shore-hugging trail.

    View
  4. Sebastopol Food & Wine Roll

    One apple farm, three charming towns, multiple wineries, and infinite natural beauty. Savor a perfect autumn day in Sonoma County by biking the West County Regional Trail from Sebastopol to Forestville via Graton. It’s a 17-mile (round-trip) adventure. 

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Wine Down, Dine Out in Lake Chelan

    The fertile soil around Washington State's Lake Chelan is ripe for more than just the amazing apples. Vineyards here yield high quality grapes, and some of the country’s best less-discovered wineries. Locals know it, and you will too when you start choosing from the more than 30 wineries in the region.

    View
  2. Lace Up for Lacy

    Lacy Park in San Marino is a hidden gem that may very well be the most pristine green space in greater Los Angeles, and a concealed pair of nearby stairways makes it all the more appealing.

    View
  3. Hiker amid trees at Oak Glen Preserve in Yucaipa Southern California

    Apple of Your Eye

    That fall feeling is definitely in the air and on display at the Oak Glen Preserve. Apple orchards and colorful leaves are a bonus, as are the apple cider donuts and slushies you can enjoy post-hike.

    View
  4. Hike San Diego Volcan Mountain Wilderness

    Planet of the Oaks

    Let us count the number of oak tree species in the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve near Julian: coast, scrub, canyon, black, and Engelmann. Five! The preserve’s Five Oaks Trail is a 3.2-mile hike that boasts all five.

    View