The Small Town Beach In Southern California That's An Idyllic Summer Day Trip
By Natasha Kayes|Published July 13, 2023
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
It is hard to think of any California beach as NOT being a great place for a day trip. But a few unique features, combined with a lack of crowds, nudge one of them toward the top of the list. It is a lovely beach bordered by a quiet town in Ventura County, one that I have been coming to since I was a teenager, long before I actually lived nearby. Port Hueneme Beach Park in SoCal is a stellar destination for the perfect summer beach day.
Port Hueneme Beach Park is a wide sandy stretch of shoreline rimmed with palm trees, located at the end of Ventura Road in Port Hueneme.
This beautiful south-facing beach has tiny dunes, a seasonal lagoon, and generally gentle waves. Being north of Los Angeles, the weather is milder, too, perfect for walking, jogging, or playing in the surf.
Just one of the things that makes Port Hueneme great for a beach day is that it is rarely ever crowded. Even in summer months, there is always plenty of room to claim a nice bit of space near the water, even if you have a good size group with you.
You can take a walk on the fishing pier and take the stairs down to the sand, or stroll to the end for beautiful views and to see what the fishermen are catching.
There are picnic tables on concrete slabs, ideal for enjoying a sand-free snack or lunch, and there are swings for the kiddies (or if you are like me, for the grown-ups).
Between the parking area and the sand, you will find a long, winding bike trail (also enjoyed by joggers, runners, dog walkers, tiny tykes, etc.) and a few wide grassy mounds where you can find a bit of shade and enjoy the sights, sounds, and breezes without getting sand in your shoes - if that’s your thing.
Whether you bring a picnic lunch but stay til dinner time, or you didn’t feel like making sandwiches, you don’t have to leave the beach to enjoy a fantastic meal. One of the best places in SoCal to enjoy fresh seafood is right on the sand in Port Hueneme.
From fresh crab and lobster to crispy fish and chips to tacos and burgers, there is something delicious for everyone at Surfside Seafood.
It may get a bit chilly toward the evening so bring a sweater and stick around; you don’t want to miss one of our gorgeous sunsets over the Channel Islands.
This is one beach that does not disappoint. Have you been to Port Hueneme Beach? We would love to hear your thoughts, and your favorite place for a summer beach day! If you don’t live in the area, consider a little weekend getaway to Port Hueneme. This lovely hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the beach park and even closer to more little restaurants, a convenience market, a coffee house, and more.
