If Rincon's the Saks Fifth Avenue of California pointbreaks, then Mussel Shoals, located a mile south of the queen of the coast, would have to the JCPenney. It's usually a little smaller, shorter and slower than Rincon, but despite being obscured by its big sister's long shadow, Little Rincon (there we go again) has its pluses. The takeoff spot near the pier (which leads out to manmade Arco Island) can get the heart pumping, and the crowd factor is always a fraction of the volume of most points in the county. The Shoals Restaurant and Cliff House Inn, which overlook the point, offer some excellent high-price dining and bedding a stone's throw from the shore. And even if your stay at the motel doesn't pay off in high-quality surf, you're still only two minutes away from the main attraction.

The Shoals Restaurant (805-652-1381), overlooking the point, is considered by many to be one of the finer dining establishments in Ventura County. You may not score surf if you stay here, but we promise you won't go hungry.

Duh. If you have a little extra cash, the Cliff House Inn is well worth a weekend getaway. Rates are in the $100 per night range. Call 805-652-1381 or log on to their website.

Manmade Arco Island, which sits about a half-mile offshore from Mussel Shoals, is impossible to ignore. Although it's not open to the public, the island holds more than oil. It's one of the better diving spots in the area, and if you can get your hands on a dinghy, you're sure to get the catch of the day off its waters.