Skip to main content
Photo 1 / 2
State Park

Photo: USFWS Pacific Southwest RegionPublic domainWikimedia Commons

McGrath State Beach

California · CA

Official sources & verification

Managed by California Department of Parks and Recreation

Verify before you go

Source of truth

We display cached information from agency feeds. Hours, fees, permits, closures, fire restrictions, and conditions change without notice. Outdoors is not the permitting authority. Confirm current conditions for this park using the links above before you go — you are responsible for compliance. Last verified by us: Oct 25, 2026. Spot an error in our data?

About

McGrath State Beach is located where the Santa Clara River meets the Pacific Ocean, featuring a unique landscape of riverbanks, sand dunes, and a wide beach. This coastal park is distinctive for its diverse habitats that attract various bird species, making it a popular spot for bird-watching. The combination of freshwater from the river and saltwater from the ocean creates an ecological haven that supports both wildlife and recreational activities. Visitors to McGrath State Beach can engage in a variety of outdoor activities, including surfing, fishing, and camping along the beach. The park provides a scenic backdrop for picnics and leisurely walks, with ample opportunities to observe local wildlife. Parking options are available, but it's advisable to check on accessibility and conditions, as they can change. Weather can vary, so visitors should prepare accordingly. For the most accurate information regarding hours, fees, and any potential closures, please verify with the official state site before visiting.

Source: parks.ca.gov

From Wikipedia

McGrath State Beach is a protected beach park located on the south bank of the mouth of Santa Clara River in the city of Oxnard, California. McGrath State Beach is one of the best bird-watching areas in California, with the lush riverbanks of the Santa Clara River and sand dunes along the shore. A nature trail leads to the Santa Clara Estuary Natural Preserve. Camping sites are available. Two miles of beach provide surfing and fishing opportunities. Just south of the station is the undeveloped Mandalay Beach Park which is about a mile downcoast beach walk from the park or a bike ride along Harbor Blvd. Located south of Ventura on Harbor Boulevard, the beach is on the Pacific Coast Bicycle Route and the California Coastal Trail.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify alerts and operational details with the managing agency below.

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Hunting in this park

This park overlaps hunting unit

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the California hunting page

Spot an error in our data on McGrath State Beach?