A vibration actuator suitable for use in a magnetic field environment. Vibration is excited in a vibration element in pressure contact with a driven element, for causing relative movement of the driven element and the vibration element. The vibration element includes an elastic body of which a main ingredient is electrically insulating, dielectric, or semi-conductive, and an electromechanical energy conversion element. A first electrode having an open loop structure is provided on a surface of a piezoelectric body of the electromechanical energy conversion element via which surface the piezoelectric body is joined to the elastic body. Second electrodes are provided on the piezoelectric body in a manner opposed to the first electrode via the piezoelectric body. A conduction path electrically connects the first electrode and at least one of the second electrodes. A gap is formed between each adjacent ones of the second electrodes.
