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Shown is Faria Beach Park, 4350 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Ventura. There are approx. 26 tent campsites available, first come, first serve, for around $32/day, maximum 14 consecutive days stay.  6 people are allowed per site at this beach location steps from the Pacific Ocean. Amenities include showers, restrooms, use of picnic tables, BBQ and fire rings for campers only. Also, you can bring up to two dogs for a small fee, though they aren’t allowed on the beach.

Throughout my years of offering beach advice in California, one of the most asked questions is about tent camping at beaches. Campers get frustrated to find that there are lots of places they CAN’T camp, especially around the big beach cities in Southern California. It really shouldn’t be a mystery as these in-demand beaches are primed and raked with huge machinery that sifts out debris during the night, getting them ready for the next day’s tourist traffic.

Head out of L.A. to unwind and find spectacular coastal escapes just north of Malibu. Two Ventura County beaches (countyofventura.org), Faria Beach Park and Hobson Beach Park  off I-101, offer tent or RV camp.  One other permitted camping area, Rincon Parkway, accepts RVs only–no tents. The Ventura County operated beaches are known for their spectacular views of the Channel Islands–and surfing.  For dining out, you’re 20 miles south of Santa Barbara and 8 miles north of Ventura, both offering fantastic restaurant options and pier dining.