Ventura Closes Pier Amid High Surf Forecast
The city will close Ventura Pier through Thursday and build a protective sand berm along a vulnerable stretch of coastline.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Forecasts
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The City of Ventura is closing Ventura Pier starting at 10 p.m. Friday as a precaution during hazardous ocean conditions. Construction of a temporary sand berm about one mile long and 5 to 6 feet high is scheduled to begin Monday.
Why it matters
High surf and strong wave action are forecast over the coming days, and the city says the closure and berm are meant to protect public safety and beachfront neighborhoods. Officials also anticipate El Niño-related winter storms and upcoming king tides.
Forecast waves of 10 to 14 feet on Saturday and 8 to 12 feet on Sunday are the basis for the closure and berm work. Whether those heights hold, and whether surf conditions worsen with upcoming king tides, has not been determined.
The players
City of Ventura
The City of Ventura is the municipal government of the Southern California coastal city that operates Ventura Pier and is overseeing the closure and sand berm project.
The details
The Ventura Pier closure runs from 10 p.m. Friday through 5 p.m. Thursday, November 19, as a precautionary measure. Heavy equipment will arrive on the beach to build the protective berm along a vulnerable stretch of coastline meant to safeguard beachfront neighborhoods, public infrastructure and coastal accessways.
Timeline
Friday, November 13, 10 p.m.: Ventura Pier closure begins.
Saturday, November 14, 4 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Coastal flood advisory in effect.
Monday, November 16: Protective sand berm construction is scheduled to begin.
Tuesday, November 17, 3 p.m.: High surf advisory expires.
Thursday, November 19, 5 p.m.: Ventura Pier closure ends.
Seasonal Patterns
The city's preparations follow the pattern of El Niño-linked winter storms that officials expect to affect the California coast this season, combined with upcoming king tides. Protective measures like this berm are timed to that seasonal risk rather than to a single surf event.
Residents and visitors should avoid the Ventura Pier and nearby beach areas while the closure is in effect through Thursday. Stay clear of the sand berm construction zone once work begins Monday.
The takeaway
The Ventura Pier closure and sand berm show how coastal cities prepare ahead of forecast surf and seasonal storms. Checking advisories and closure dates before heading to the beach can help you plan around the conditions.
What happens next
Ventura Pier is scheduled to reopen after the closure ends at 5 p.m. Thursday, November 19, and the high surf advisory expires Tuesday, November 17 at 3 p.m.
Further reading
For more on expected conditions along the coast, see Forecasts in Ventura's weather coverage.
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