Dawn patrol surfing in Ventura

Ventura, California

Sunrise and first light times for planning your dawn patrol session.

First light in Ventura means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 4 spots are worth the 5am alarm.

Sunrise

6:48 AM
First Light: 6:18 AM

Day length: 12h 29m

+2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:48 AM

First light: 6:18 AM

Sunset

7:17 PM

Last light: 7:47 PM

Data from C Street / Ventura Point · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:48 AM

Sunset

7:17 PM

Day Length

12h 29m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:46 AM

Sunset

7:18 PM

Day Length

12h 31m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

6:45 AM

Sunset

7:18 PM

Day Length

12h 33m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

6:44 AM

Sunset

7:19 PM

Day Length

12h 35m

Best dawn patrol spots in Ventura

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Featured Beaches(4)

C Street / Ventura Point

Intermediate

A long right-hand point break that peels down several sections with room for shortboards and longboards. Multiple take-off peaks mean it can handle a crowd, but it's often busy with locals and traveling surfers. Good for intermediate riders who can navigate cobblestones and shifting peaks.

Emma Wood

Intermediate

A mix of reef and sand peaks with a punchy take-off that mellows into long walls when the reef section lights up. The spot catches most swells and can produce long right and left walls around the offshore reef.

Mondos Beach

Beginner friendly

A mellow, rolling wave that breaks over a gently sloping sandbar and cobblestones, ideal for longboards and learners. Mondos picks up most swell directions and has a friendly, welcoming vibe.

Solimar Reef

Intermediate

Solimar offers a trio of options: a quick, ledgy reef peak called Solimar Reef, a mellower point that peels left over cobblestones, and a beachbreak that handles wind swell. The reef is punchy and suited to intermediate surfers comfortable with rocks.

Dawn patrol access guide for Ventura

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

C Street / Ventura Point
point
intermediate

A long right-hand point break that peels down several sections with room for shortboards and longboards. Multiple take-off peaks mean it can handle a crowd, but it's often busy with locals and traveling surfers. Good for intermediate riders who can navigate cobblestones and shifting peaks.

Early access

Walk down the beach from the parking lot to the take-off zone just seaward of the jetty.

Parking

Park in the Harbor Boulevard lots or nearby street parking; arrive early as spaces fill up quickly on good swell days.

Emma Wood
reef
upper-intermediate

A mix of reef and sand peaks with a punchy take-off that mellows into long walls when the reef section lights up. The spot catches most swells and can produce long right and left walls around the offshore reef.

Early access

Paddle out from the beach and watch for the channel near the reef to avoid pounding sets.

Parking

Limited parking along the frontage road and campground; pay attention to signage.

Mondos Beach
beach
beginner

A mellow, rolling wave that breaks over a gently sloping sandbar and cobblestones, ideal for longboards and learners. Mondos picks up most swell directions and has a friendly, welcoming vibe.

Early access

Walk down the beach and paddle out through the sandy channels; avoid standing on submerged cobbles.

Parking

Limited roadside parking along Pacific Coast Highway; park tight to the road and avoid blocking driveways.

Solimar Reef
reef
intermediate

Solimar offers a trio of options: a quick, ledgy reef peak called Solimar Reef, a mellower point that peels left over cobblestones, and a beachbreak that handles wind swell. The reef is punchy and suited to intermediate surfers comfortable with rocks.

Early access

Scramble down the riprap and paddle out through a channel between boulders; be mindful of the tides.

Parking

Park along Highway 1 but watch for no-parking signs and respect private property; there are no facilities here.

Dawn patrol tips

  • Glassy morning conditions before onshore winds
  • Less crowded lineups at sunrise
  • East-facing beaches for sunrise views
  • Spots with easy parking for early arrivals

Surf Guides for Ventura

Conditions

Dawn Patrol
You're here
Sunset Sessions
Evening golden hour spots
Tide Windows
Optimal tidal conditions
Water Temperature
Conditions & wetsuit guide

Style

Beginner Spots
Gentle waves for learning
Longboard Spots
Mellow waves for logging
Less Crowded
Quieter lineups & backups

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Ventura

Dawn patrol in Ventura typically starts at first light, around 30 minutes before sunrise. This gives you the glassiest conditions before onshore winds develop.
Early morning offers glassy conditions, fewer crowds, and calmer winds. Water temperature is also warmer relative to air temperature at sunrise.

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