San Buenaventura

San Buenaventura State Beach Our Mission The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. A rock-studded beach with stunning ocean views entices swimmers, surfers, sunbathers, and picnickers to this popular seaside California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at (805) 968-1033. If you need this publication in an alternate format, contact interp@parks.ca.gov. CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800) 777-0369 (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service www.parks.ca.gov San Buenaventura State Beach 900 San Pedro St., off Hwy. 101 Ventura, CA 93001 (805) 968-1033 www.parks.ca.gov/sanbuenaventura © 2017 California State Parks recreation spot.    two-mile-long stretch of wide sandy beach beckons visitors to busy San Buenaventura State Beach in the heart of the city of Ventura in Southern California. Surfers ride the waves while families picnic, groups play volleyball, and anglers drop their lines from the iconic Ventura Pier, known for its great fishing. This celebrated recreation venue also offers swimming and cycling. Beachgoers enjoy strolling down the 1,700-foot wooden pier with its snack bar, restaurant, and bait shop. Beach visitors can gaze east to the mountains or look west across the channel to admire spectacular crimson sunsets. The beach overlooks the Channel Islands, a necklace of five islands 14 miles off the coast. The Channel Islands are home to more than 2,000 plant and animal species. PARK HISTORY Native Americans Chumash people have lived along this coast and on the Channel Islands for at least 13,000 years. Occupation of a beachside village called Shisholop, meaning “port” in the Ventureño Chumash language, dates from the past 1,000 years. Indeed, this village along the northern border of the state beach was the western terminus of an important trade route between the coast in thatched houses, called ‘ap, at the edge and the interior southern San Joaquin Valley. of the Pacific Ocean in 1542. Other early Unfortunately, much of the Shisholop site was visitors included Gaspar de Portolá in 1769 destroyed by erosion and development. and Juan Bautista de Anza in 1776. In 1782 Its proximity to the Northern Channel Father Junípero Serra founded Mission San Islands made Buenaventura, which was the coast near built with Chumash labor. today’s Ventura Today, a small museum an important at the mission displays cross-channel Chumash artifacts. launch point NATURAL RESOURCES for the native Geology people’s plank The state beach includes canoes, called coastal sand dunes, which tomol. The form when on-shore winds Chumash —  a name derived Chumash ‘ap dwelling made of tule and willow blow sand along the beach. The sand then piles up from the around something that slows the wind, inhabitants of Santa Cruz Island such as plants or driftwood. Dune formation (Michumash) —  were well known for their can provide natural resiliency to rising sea production of shell beads. They paddled levels and storm surges attributed to global their tomol along the coast and islands, climate change. trading fish, shell bead money, and other goods with coastal villagers and Channel Flora and Fauna Islands communities. Modern Chumash Sand dunes support an array of plants and descendants recreate the crossing in a animals. Native plants, such as red and pink traditional tomol from Ventura Harbor to sand verbena, grow sparsely on the dunes, Santa Cruz Island annually. along with beach evening primrose, Coast Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez buckwheat, and silver beach burr. Cabrillo first encountered the Chumash living Courtesy of Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation/Suzie Kaplan A playground next to the pier keeps Beachgoers may spot kids happy while their parents sunning sea lions or fish or sunbathe. whimbrels wading on Picnicking — San Buenaventura the beach, along with features the largest day-use picnic killdeer, willets, and area at a state beach in Southern silvery legless lizards. California. Set back behind The nesting of the the dunes are picnic tables, threatened western barbecues, restrooms, and an snowy plover — a equipment rental shop. sparrow-sized, One of the most popular well-camouflaged picnicking opportunities is found shorebird — is at the Jolly Oyster in the day-use monitored at the Western snowy plover chick area. Families and oyster lovers beach. Heed warning from far and wide shuck raw, local, signs erected near nest farm-fresh oysters and clams by the dozens. sites during the breeding season, which Bicycling — For those who like to cycle with lasts from early spring to mid-fall. a water view, a paved hike and bike path RECREATION runs from the park entrance past the Ventura Swimming and surfing are popular pastimes. Pier, along the Ventura River, and back Seasoned surfers enjoy the wave action at along the beach to north Emma Wood State Surfer’s Point and farther out on a reef known as “Outsides,” which is famous for its monster waves. Fishing —Ventura Pier has been a favored spot for local anglers since its inception. At the ideal place to catch Pacific thresher shark, fishing enthusiasts also hook yellowtail, Pacific mackerel, white sea bass, halibut, corbina, or turbot. A sand Beach. At the pier, a variety of bicycles can be rented to cycle along the beach and boardwalk, from mountain bikes to modern carriages  —  called surreys  —  complete with fringe on top. Volleyball  —  Courts near the picnic area are popular for pick-up matches, youth camps, tournaments, and league play. SPECIAL EVENTS The beach is the site for a number of special events throughout the year, including triathlons, festivals, volleyball tournaments, and cycling events. For an event schedule, visit www.parks.ca.gov/sanbuenaventura. Those looking for a memorable wedding or event locale with beautiful ocean views should contact the special events coordinator at (805) 648-4059 or email ventura@parks.ca.gov. ACCESSIBLE FEATURES Parking, restrooms, the picnic area, and the pier are accessible. Call (805) 648-3321 for information on reserving a beach wheelchair. Accessibility is continually improving. For updates, visit http://access.parks.ca.gov. NEARBY STATE PARKS • Emma Wood SB, W. Main St. and Park Access Rd., Ventura 93001 (805) 968-1033 • McGrath State Beach, off Hwy. 101 via Harbor Blvd., Oxnard 93035 (805) 968-1033 • Mandalay State Beach, 1601 S. Harbor Blvd. Oxnard 93035 (805) 968-1033 PLEASE REMEMBER • All park natural and cultural features are protected by law and may not be removed or disturbed. • Except for service animals on leashes, pets are not allowed on the beach. • Varying ocean conditions may become dangerous. Never turn your back on the ocean, and approach the shore with care. • Campfires are not allowed. • A fishing license is required to fish in all areas of the park. Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations apply. See www.wildlife.ca.gov. • Permits must be obtained prior to all beach events and weddings. 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