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McGrath State Beach, Oxnard, CA

Photo: USFWS Pacific Southwest Region, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sports & Outdoors

McGrath State Beach

A coastal state beach at the mouth of the Santa Clara River, known for birdwatching, dunes, and surf.

Oxnard, CA

About McGrath State Beach

McGrath State Beach sits on the south bank where the Santa Clara River meets the Pacific, south of Ventura. Visitors can watch birds along the river's green banks and among the shoreline dunes. A nature trail leads toward the Santa Clara Estuary Natural Preserve. The beach offers roughly two miles of sand for surfing and fishing, though the park warns swimmers about strong currents and riptides. Campsites near the beach are available, and dogs are welcome in the campground and day-use area but not on the sand.

  • #beach
  • #birdwatching
  • #surfing
  • #fishing
  • #camping

What's around here?

The closest stops to McGrath State Beach, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Shopping
    Family Favorite

    Ventura Harbor Village

    No admission fee

    A waterfront shopping and dining village at Ventura Harbor with boutiques, seafood restaurants and harbor activities.

    1.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Island Packers

    $50+

    Ferry service to Channel Islands National Park for day trips, camping drop offs, and whale and wildlife watching cruises.

    1.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sports & Outdoors
    Outdoor Adventure

    Channel Islands National Park

    No admission fee

    Take a boat out to the park's five islands for hiking, sea cave kayaking, camping and scuba diving.

    1.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Sports & Outdoors

    Mandalay State Beach

    Check prices

    An undeveloped California state beach in Oxnard offering sandy shoreline, coastal dunes, and wetlands with no built facilities.

    1.8 mi awayMore like this

  • Shopping

    Pacific View Mall

    Check prices

    Enclosed shopping center in Ventura with department stores, big-box chains, boutiques, and dining options.

    3.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Sports & Outdoors

    San Buenaventura State Beach

    Under $25

    A two-mile state beach beside downtown Ventura with a small lagoon, dunes, picnic areas, and lifeguards.

    3.2 mi awayMore like this