Emma Wood State Beach is most popular as a surfing, swimming, and surf fishing destination. Interesting tide pools and nearby wetlands along the mouth of the Ventura River attract nature-minded visitors.

The southern end of the Emma Wood State Beach is accessed via Park Access Road off Highway 101, while the northern end with RV camping spots is reached via State Beach Access Road off Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway), several miles north of Ventura. The camping area along north part of the beach is protected by a seawall, but relentless storms have taken their toll.

The best sections of sandy beach at Emma Wood State Beach are found at the far northern end of the park near the entrance station. High tides can inundate the beach (usually in winter), but generally in the summer there is enough sand for a pleasant day of swimming and sandcastle building. A lifeguard tower is located at the north end and lifeguards are on duty during the peak season.

Another good stretch of sand is found at the southern end of the park around the mouth of the Ventura River. It is possible to walk the length of the beach between the two ends of the park, but at one short section hikers may have to turn inland to avoid the waves. Caution should be taken when crossing the railroad tracks, of course.