Beach Views at Mussel Shoals in Ventura
Driving the 101 through Ventura towards Santa Barbara, we all pass through Mussel Shoals and see the man-made Rincon Island off in the distance, but we're usually either rushing through to get to our destination and stuck in traffic! So we decided to stop by and actually check out the beach in person.
Mussel Shoals is a small beach community with around 50 homes. There are about a dozen public parking spots along Old Pacific Coast Highway, paralleling the 101, The Cliff House Inn is a quaint hotel with spectacular ocean views. Dine at their Shoals restaurant and relax with the waves breaking on the rocks below.
Rincon Island was built in 1958 for well drilling and oil and gas production, so it's not open to the public. But the kids and I fantasize about having our own island like that, with palm trees growing. Here's a closer look, thanks to the person who shared it at Wikipedia. Looks like an electric guitar to me.