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Review:
Emma Wood State Beach, located about two miles west of Ventura, is great for swimming and surfing, but is especially popular among fishermen who go there for perch, cabezon, bass, and corbina. There is a good reason for such a rich population: at the southeast end of the park, the Ventura River forms the Ventura River Estuary, creating a great feeding ground for many species of fish and a great habitat for other wildlife such as raccoons, various songbirds, and great blue herons.
You can often see dolphins swimming just offshore. Exploring the park is fun even if you are not into fishing – there are crumbling ruins of a coastal artillery site from the WWII. You can also enjoy a lovely view of the Channel Islands from the beach. Camping in the park is allowed but very basic.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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