Smugglers Cove Ventura, CA 93001

"Mostly a review when travelling with kids (10 & 6) and camping. Hiking in a relatively cooler time during Thanksgiving. * Leave early, it still gets hot during the day and there is very little tree cover. * Pack hats and sunscreen. * The hike from the Del Norte campground was uphill to to start with (when the kids had energy) and worked out well. * Once we reached the cove, it was as good as a reserved beach. * Don't leave food outside on the benches, there are foxes there too. * The restroom there is by far the cleanest that we used. * It's a good place to bring some swimwear/wetsuit or get some seasand on your feet. * The views are breathtaking and seeing is believing, photos wouldn't do justice. It's also a quiet place to slowly observe the moon's tidal effects. Bottom line a must see if your camping here. Day trippers it is possible but with kids and a boat schedule it might be difficult."

"I camped here when the island was still privately owned. We flew out by helicopter and landed on the beach. Stayed in the house for about a week. All the comforts of home. We hiked all over the island and did some kayaking. A surreal experience knowing I was only one of two or three people on the island. A beautiful memory."

"It's a big walk for sure but spectacular. Cute little fox there."

"This was lovely place when we anchored last night because of the weather warning. It was rough night with wind and waves coming at you hard from all directions."

"Beautiful little stony beach with very clear water. Restroom and 2 picnic tables present. Bit of a steep hike to get here, but where isn't it steep on Santa Cruz Island? :)"