CHANNEL ISLANDS: Ventura County’s Premier Beach Community

Channel Islands, located approximately sixty miles northwest of Los Angeles, is home to Ventura County's premier beaches: Mandalay Shores, McGrath Silver Strand and Ormond. Besides the many amazing beaches, there are also countless attractions and activities for the entire family.

Mandalay Shores

Mandalay Shores, located in the northern section of Channel Islands, has incredible views of both Anacapa Island and Santa Cruz Island and the sunsets from Mandalay Shores are absolutely spectacular. Mandalay Shores is the most residential of all of all of the beaches with more home owners living full time on this beach than any of the other beaches.

Truly a family beach, Mandalay Shores is the only beach with a portion of the beach dedicated to the children. At Neptune Square, you will find a basket ball court on the sand, volley ball courts, swings and a playground.

Surfing on this beach is good during the summer time and is a favorite among not only the locals but visitors too. Because of the deep water trench, surf fishing is also a popular sport on this beach.

McGrath State Beach

McGrath State Beach is the only oceanfront campground in Channel Islands and features both RV and tent sites. Bird watchers flock to McGrath State Beach with its 245 species of birds and there's a trail that leads to Santa Clara Estuary Natural Preserve.

Sand dunes and riverbanks are scattered along the beach with the fire rings, picnic tables and the 170 campsites, which are also dog friendly. For camping reservations go to www.parks.ca.gov. Beach wheelchairs are available at 805-648-3321.

Silver Strand Beach

Silver Strand Beach is the locale of choice for many of the local surfers and is also one of the best locations for boogie boarders and body surfers. This mile-long stretch of beach is absolutely beautiful and one of my favorite beaches to spend a day in the sun with the hubby and "fur babies" (dog friendly beach).

Ormond Beach

One of the few remaining tracts of coastal habitat in SoCal, Ormond Beach is a bird watchers paradise. The Coastal Conservancy is currently restoring the wetlands and grassland habitats and in the future, visitors will enjoy a wildlife preserve, nature trails, and an environmental education center.

If you're looking for more than just a beautiful beach to spend your weekend or summer vacation, Channel Islands also sports some fun and exciting activities and recreation.

There is the Maritime Museum with a maritime theme and models of historic sailing ships. Channel Islands National Park offers hiking, kayaking, snorkeling and bird watching in a truly serene and natural environment.

Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is an oceanic reserve area just off the coast of Channel Islands. It is responsible for the protection and preservation of submerged remains of the past that occupy the bottomlands of this 1,252-square-nautcial-mile piece of the Pacific Ocean surrounding the Channel Islands National Park.

Oxnard Beach Park, adjacent to the beach, is a perfect spot for kite flying, picnicking, barbecues, volleyball, skating, jogging. This is another favorite with hubby and I and the "fur babies" (dog friendly).

Port Hueneme Beach Park is 50 acres of beautifully landscaped parkland. This park is a favorite among fishermen because no permits are required for fishing from the pier. The park also offers picnic areas, barbecue pits and a snack bar.