Urban Oasis, Complete With Sand

Ventura Beach, Calif.
It’s true, we could just reach our hands into the ocean and pluck out a great California beach town, but there’s something charming about Ventura, home to a nice boardwalk, some excellent local flavor and portal to the Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary. Ventura Beach access runs from Surfer’s Point to Ventura Harbor, and it includes McGrath State Beach for multiple activities and Rincon Beach if you just prefer to chill. The Anacapa Brewery combines what’s on tap with fresh California cuisine; and brunch at the Watermark is very cool indeed, especially when you explore W20, the upstairs space, and ask about the legendary musicians who’ve played there, including Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina (plus even non-professional musician Kevin Costner).