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San Buenaventura State Beach
4.6 ★★★★★ 3,246 Google reviews · Running trail in Ventura, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from San Buenaventura State Beach's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Family-friendly state beach with picnic sites, a parking lot, snack bar, bike paths & rental shop.
What runners say about San Buenaventura State Beach
“Nice clean beach with Bike paths, bathrooms, volleyball courts, picnic area, and walking paths to beach.”
“There's a beautiful view, many interesting people, long, sunny beach path to jog, plenty of places to get some fresh fish, and the pier is a nice walk.”
Excellent park to start your run/jog or walk down the shoreline. Huge parking lot and you can pay at the booth $10 for the whole day, or download the Yodel App and pay by the hour. There is a large grassy area with plenty of picnic tables as well as restrooms. This park also offers RV parking.
Been coming here for years, literally! Great place to watch sunsets, go for a walk and have a good time at the picnic area. There is no shade either at the picnic tables nor by the beach. There are public bathrooms near picnic tables and also closer to the beach.
It's so beautiful. We parked at the park & walked the trail, sometimes walking on the beach. The trail takes you under & past the ventura pier. The kids loved it. We ended up walking over 2 miles before we realized it h had to walk back. Lots of others out bjiking, hiking, walking & etc too. Very nice.
Favorite place for a run I've found in the state my first year being here. There's a beautiful view, many interesting people, long, sunny beach path to jog, plenty of places to get some fresh fish, and the pier is a nice walk. Parking is inexpensive if you even have to pay for it.
Trail conditions & character
“There's parking on the sides of the park but also inside the picnic area but u must pay a fee to come into Tha parking lot.”
“Nice clean beach with Bike paths, bathrooms, volleyball courts, picnic area, and walking paths to beach.”
“There's a beautiful view, many interesting people, long, sunny beach path to jog, plenty of places to get some fresh fish, and the pier is a nice walk.”
“Nice paved walking paths and plenty of beach to explore.”
“No dogs are allowed on the beach, only in the park/picnic area.”
Plan your run at San Buenaventura State Beach
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteparks.ca.gov
- Phone+1 805-585-1850
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–7 pm |
Running trails near Ventura
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Surfers Point at Seaside Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,739 reviews
Small destination beach for surfers & windsurfers, with picnic tables, showers & restrooms.
Serra Cross
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,103 reviews
Time-tested wooden cross with a storied past, nearby hiking trails & panoramic hilltop water views.
Grant Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 217 reviews
Rugged 107-acre hilltop park offering sweeping coastline views & picnic benches.
