It is located on the Santa Barbara Channel on the west side of the Ventura River estuary and south of the railroad tracks of the Coast Line and the US Highway 101 freeway.

[1] The beach is named after Emma Grubb Wood who once owned the 8,000 acres (3,237 ha) Taylor Ranch.

It also includes a primitive campground for recreational vehicles and the remains of World War II artillery emplacements.

[6] Emma Wood State Beach is popular for walking, fishing, swimming, and surfing.

[9] At the eastern edge of the beach, the Ventura River estuary attracts a variety of wildlife, including great blue herons.