Emma Wood State Beach
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Emma Wood State Beach is a popular destination for beachgoers in the state of California.
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Summary
It is located in Ventura County and is known for its wide, sandy beaches and excellent surfing opportunities. The beach is named after Emma Wood, a local resident who donated the land to the state for use as a park.
There are several reasons to visit Emma Wood State Beach, including the beautiful scenery, the opportunity to swim and surf in the Pacific Ocean, and the chance to engage in a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and fishing. Visitors can also explore the nearby Ventura River mouth, which is home to a wide range of wildlife, including birds, seals, and dolphins.
One of the most popular attractions at Emma Wood State Beach is the Ventura River Bike Trail, which runs along the beach and offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape. The beach is also home to several campgrounds, making it a popular destination for overnight trips and family vacations.
Interesting facts about Emma Wood State Beach include the fact that it was once used as a filming location for several Hollywood movies, including "The Ten Commandments" and "Gone with the Wind". The beach is also home to a historic wooden pier, which was built in the early 1900s and has been restored several times over the years.
The best time of year to visit Emma Wood State Beach is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny and the water is ideal for swimming and surfing. However, visitors should be aware that the beach can get crowded during peak season, so it is advisable to arrive early in the day to secure a good spot.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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