I grew up simply 50 miles south of Ventura County, California and have so many fond reminiscences of this retreat from LA…Mission San Buenaventura was my 4th-grade undertaking, Oxnard was our spot for strawberry selecting, Ventura Seaside is the place I had my seventeenth birthday celebration, Camarillo Retailers bought me decked out for promenade, and the Channel Islands was dwelling to my summer season camp for years. With so many superior childhood experiences and issues to do in Ventura County, it was time to see what new wonders have been in retailer!
Whereas there are quite a few cities in Ventura County, we honed in on their coastal cities of Oxnard, Camarillo, Ventura, and Port Hueneme, plus the Channel Islands Nationwide Park and Marine Sanctuary for a correct sand and sea getaway. We spent 9 days road-tripping and crusing between these locations to pinpoint the very best issues to do in Ventura County for seaside lovers! From browsing their epic breaks to whale watching within the “Galapagos of the North” to taking the wildest scenic flight of our total lives, our time on the Ventura County Coast was full of adventures.
Take a look at our Ventura County Coast journey information and begin planning your individual journey to one among Southern California’s finest seaside locations!
THINGS TO DO IN VENTURA
We kicked off our journey within the county’s namesake city of Ventura. With its roots as an 18th-century Spanish Mission city, it has almost 250 years of historical past, but its rugged location on the foot of the Los Padres Nationwide Forest and the Pacific Ocean saved it hidden from vacationers for the higher a part of the Twentieth century. Till the Ventura Freeway got here in 1969, it was a working-class city and a mecca for surfers within the know. What we love about Ventura is that, regardless that it’s turn out to be a well-liked seaside vacation spot, it’s remained right down to earth, preserving its pure magnificence and small-town vibe.
With a energetic Principal Road, simply three blocks off the seaside and the mountains, the day flows between cultural choices to out of doors enjoyable and a nightlife that pulses. Beneath you’ll discover our favourite issues to do in Ventura, together with the very best locations to eat, drink, and sleep!
Tour Mission San Buenaventura
To get your bearings on this historic metropolis, begin at Mission San Buenaventura proper on Principal Road. I’ve lengthy had a connection to this mission…we share the identical birthday of March thirty first (precisely 200 years aside) and I made a mannequin of this colonial magnificence for my 4th-grade undertaking on California’s Mission Historical past…so I do know and love each inch of this place. With a nominal entrance payment, you may discover the museum to study in regards to the mission’s founding by (just lately canonized) Franciscan Father Junipero Serra, the spectacular aqueduct work by the Chumash Indians that allowed the city to thrive, and the attractive church nonetheless in use at the moment. We wandered the plush courtyard and caught the tail finish of a service to absorb this metropolis oasis.
Store Principal Road Ventura
Overlook site visitors and parked automobiles, Ventura has turned 5 blocks of its Principal Road right into a pedestrian-only zone with tons of outside cafes, artisan pop-ups, classic outlets, and some of the nice locations to walk, store, and dine. Higher but, 90% of their companies are domestically owned…together with Patagonia (that is the place the eco-conscious gear firm opened its first store and continues to be headquartered). The joys of the strip is popping out and in of shops that decision to you, however right here is our must-shop record:
- Iron & Resin Storage for the best garments
- The Refill Shoppe for eco-friendly family & magnificence wants
- Latitudes Artwork Gallery for superior native images and presents
- El Jardin Courtyard for the serenity of this buying space’s inexperienced house
- Cat’s Cradle Rescue, Cut price Field, and extra thrift outlets that help charities and sustainable style
Discover the Ventura Botanical Gardens
Within the hills above Metropolis Corridor, 107 acres have been reserved for pure magnificence, schooling, and recreation. Based in 2011, the Ventura Botanical Gardens are simply in part two of a 40-year masterplan, however have already cultivated over 100,000 crops! Mindfully designed with fire-adapted, drought-resistant species from Mediterranean zones around the globe, it’s an unimaginable showcase of gardens impressed by South Africa, Chile, Southern Australia, the Mediterranean Basin, and California.
What we love most about Ventura Botanical Gardens is the neighborhood facet. This non-profit is supported by 2,100 Perrenial Society members who donate, and volunteer their time. Pocket gardens are enhanced by sculptures, inspiring quotes, and benches to additional encourage folks to take a more in-depth look. Entrance is $7, or get in free on Fridays or whereas volunteering of their beautiful gardens. Benefit from the range of flowers, mountaineering trails, sweeping coastal views, and spirit of this particular place!
Surf Mondos Seaside
As a local Californian, I’m embarrassed to confess I by no means actually surfed. Mike and I took classes again in our first nation of Brazil, however it by no means caught…till Ventura! We signed up with the Mary Osborne Surf Academy, based by this pro-surfer and champion longboarder, and hit the attractive Mondos Seaside. The standard of the waves, instruction, and surroundings made one thing click on for me! I used to be up by the second spherical and Mike and I have been hanging ten for a full morning of enjoyable. Mary Osborne’s college has taught over 1,200 youngsters and almost a thousand ladies over 40 surf, so it’s by no means too early or late to catch a wave. And it doesn’t matter what, you gotta get to Mondos Seaside to observe the surfers and take in one of many prettiest seashores in SoCal.
Greatest Eating places in Ventura
Ventura has a formidable meals scene with a concentrate on native substances and their multicultural influences. As plant-based eaters, we discovered a ton of implausible choices, from ethnic eating places to pure vegan eateries.
Seaside Home Tacos: Greater than Mexican meals, it is a traditional Ventura out of doors eating expertise on the town’s Nineteenth-century picket pier, the place you may watch the surfers as you savor each spicy chew. We liked Seaside Home Tacos‘ veggie Burrito Bowl, washed down with a Ventura Coast Pale Ale.
Seed Ranger: Aka, “The Nice Vegan Meals Station,” this 100% plant-based restaurant has an unbelievable quantity of choices, from Mexican to Hawaiian, Japanese, and American consolation meals. Extra of a to-go joint or for a fast chew on the patio, Seed Ranger nails it on the subject of pleasant service and contemporary plant-based eats, significantly their sushi and “spam” musubi!
Rice by Mama: When you ask any Venturan for his or her favourite eating places, Rice by Mama makes the record! This family-owned Thai restaurant has all of the traditional curries, noodle dishes, and distinctive twists for a flavorful feast. On the guts of Principal Road, their patio additionally affords some nice people-watching.
Harvest Cafe: We completely adored this health-conscious restaurant and its slew of plant-based choices and globally-inspired dishes. Harvest Cafe’s ethereal modern house is ideal for breakfast lunch or enjoyable over espresso. Vegans, don’t miss their unbelievable “cheese” platter!
Rumfish y Vino: Our Ventura County pals mentioned this Belizian-fusion restaurant is their go-to for date evening and it was as romantic as they mentioned. Rumfish y Vino’s expansive out of doors patio and ethereal eating room had Caribbean-cool vibes and, contemplating their first location is definitely in Belize, this place is genuine!
Historic Bar Crawl: Not solely do these watering holes combine a imply drink, however they’re in a few of Ventura’s prettiest outdated buildings. Beer lovers head to Finney’s Craft Home, discerning blended drinkers go to Italy Cocktail Belief, and for individuals who need all of it, Fluid State has such good vibes and libations. When you’re nonetheless up for a enjoyable nightcap, The Saloon pulls in nice DJs and a dancing crowd.
THINGS TO DO IN OXNARD
The Strawberry Capital of the World, Gateway to Channel Islands Nationwide Park, and residential to 2023’s “Greatest Seaside on the West Coast,” Oxnard has so much going for it! Downtown has a ton of character, from its Victorian Houses, funky outdated theaters, grand Plaza Park, and top-notch taco scene. Oxnard is probably the most various metropolis in Ventura County, with significantly vibrant Latino and Asian communities, which have traditionally supported the farming and delivery trade at Port Hueneme (the one deepwater port between LA and the Bay Space). With a protracted historical past of neighborhood organizing within the civil rights and farmworker motion, Oxnard pleasure runs deep and comes by way of in the whole lot from the meals to the road artwork!
Stroll Plaza Park
This European-style sq. anchors downtown with an expansive inexperienced house, a gorgeous pagoda, and the grand Carnegie Artwork Museum. It’s a stunning place to sit down or play any day of the week, however most energetic at their Thursday farmer’s market, summer season concert events, and festivals all year long.
Get Cultured at Heritage Sq.
When a few of Oxnard’s most original and historic buildings have been vulnerable to being demolished within the Nineteen Eighties, residents banded collectively to safeguard them in what’s now Heritage Sq.. At the moment 11 Victorian homes, a church, a water tower, and a storehouse have been became 25 fabulous companies and occasion areas. We occurred to satisfy one of many Heritage Sq. administrators whereas strolling this beautiful block of buildings, and he tipped us off to the Rancho Ventana artisan vineyard within the Scarlet Home, the ultra-cool Pipiripau clothes model making trendy Mexican heritage designs, the Sq.’s summer season live performance sequence, and themed tea events (Steampunk and Celyon anybody?). Drop by on a Saturday for his or her historical past and structure excursions or e-book a personal hour another day of the week for simply $2 extra.
Seaside Day at Oxnard Seaside Park
USA At the moment 2023 Reader’s Selection Awards for “Greatest Seashores on the West Coast” gave Oxnard Seaside Park the #1 spot!!! Framed by the Channel Islands, mountains, and towering sand dunes, this seaside is a stunner! Plus it’s an outside recreation heaven with nice surf, volleyball courts, bike paths, playgrounds, picnic areas, and exquisite grassy knolls.
Sundown at Hollywood Seaside & Channel Islands Harbor
Hollywood Seaside was a favourite of early Twentieth-century stars for his or her film shoots and trip properties. We got here for a cerveza on the awesomely old-school Rudder Room and a sundown seaside stroll. It was the most effective sundowners we’d had all 12 months, with the Channel Islands within the distance, birds taking part in within the glowing surf, and the dearth of crowds! Adjoining to the Channel Islands Harbor, Hollywood Seaside can be a enjoyable place to observe the boats or take out a watercraft for your self. A number of rental corporations within the marina supply SUP boards, jet skis, electrical boats, kayaks, and even parasailing.
Nosh Alongside The Oxnard Taco Path
With arguably the densest focus of Mexican eating places, meals vans, and taquerias per capita, Oxnard is contending to be The Taco Capital of The USA. They’ve so many, that Go to Oxnard narrowed down the highest 15 into an interactive go to assist folks navigate all this deliciosa. We began at Tacos La Bonita, a meals truck so profitable it’s became a correct out of doors restaurant throughout from Plaza Park. Their selfmade tortillas soften in your mouth and their salsa bar has simply the correct kick.
We’re a sucker for micheladas and mariachis so after dinner, we went to El Chilto. The beer creations at “El Rey de Micheladas” come out like artistic endeavors, with the whole lot from chamoy gummy worms, hearth Cheetos, and a sparkler gentle present, with a Norteña serenade! If we weren’t stuffed to the gills, we’d have hit up the extremely really helpful Home of Tacos and La Huerta. When you can go to all 15 eateries on the Taco Path you win a T-shirt boasting your glory…ship us a photograph when you do!
Greatest Eating places in Oxnard
You can definitely eat Mexican the whole time in Oxnard (we’d fortunately), however Oxnard has way over tacos. Listed below are our favourite eating places in Oxnard.
Honey Cup Espresso: With fantastically crafted oat lattes, gooey Nutella pastries, and a tree-shaded patio, it is a great spot to start out your day. Save slightly Honey Cup espresso on your stroll alongside the adjoining Channel Islands Harbor and watch the ocean lions basking within the morning solar.
La Jannelle Pure Cafe: This new eatery in Silver Strand Seaside is a health-food dream for vegans, gluten-free, and natural devotees. The husband-wife staff has a background in soil biology and wellness, and places a lot love into their meals! We ordered La Jannelle’s Nard Nachos with jackfruit carnitas and El Capitan BBQ Pulled Porc with plant-based gouda cheese and slaw on a pretzel bun and savored each chew!
Tierra Sur at Herzog Wine Cellars: Do you know the most important producer of Kosher wine on the West Coast is in Oxnard? And that inside Herzog Wine Cellar’s headquarters is a gourmand restaurant that pulls kosher diners from around the globe? Strolling into the company workplace, we weren’t positive this was the correct place, then a protracted corridor led us to white tablecloths and candlelight. We ordered Tierra Sur’s Grilled Lion’s Mane with toasted quinoa and purple pepper emulsion, adopted by the rigatoni with honeynut squash puree and toasted hazelnuts. Every dish, together with our poached pear dessert, got here with a complimentary wine pairing to deliver out the flavors…they usually have been all divine!
Tacos La Bonita: Whereas we didn’t conquer the entire Oxnard Taco Path, we are able to say Tacos La Bonita have been a few of the finest tacos we’ve had within the USA! Plus, it’s unusually atmospheric for a glorified taco truck, with cafe lights and views of Plaza Park.
Ox & Ocean: Tucked inside Zachari Dunes Resort, Ox & Ocean’s out of doors patio with lounge chairs and firepits is so attractive for sundown apps and cocktails. Plus, they run nice blissful hour specials. Their nice eating restaurant would delight any omnivore, and plant-based peeps will adore their mushroom bao buns.
THINGS TO DO IN CAMARILLO
Well-known for Camarillo Premium Retailers, this city attracts folks from throughout Southern California to buy their 160+ shops. I got here right here in highschool to gear up for again to highschool (and even my promenade gown) however made the frequent mistake of overlooking Camarillo’s Previous City, atmospheric farms, and distinctive alternatives for journey. Surrounded by mountains and quarter-hour from the seaside, they nonetheless get ocean breeze and 300+ days of sunshine, for an superior out of doors life-style that we completely bought into. Listed below are the very best issues to do in Ventura County’s very personal Camarillo.
Store Previous City Camarillo
A tree-lined road with historic buildings crammed with boutiques and cafes, Camarillo’s Previous City is traditional, with some edgy surprises for a city identified to be extra conservative. For instance, the American Pie Information vinyl store is doing so properly, that it’s including a second location as a listening room and late-night espresso store. Throughout the road is Studio Channel Islands, a implausible free artwork venue with displays that rotate each two months, cultural occasions, common lessons for youths, and an excellent boutique. Then the store that actually made us headbang was The Rockin’ Edge, a clothes retailer run by the style queen of 80s Metallic. Melissa Cantor has made garments for Slash, The Doorways, Megadeth, and one-of-a-kind threads for the rockstar in all of us.
U-Choose Backyard & Wine Tasting at McGrath Household Farm
Based in 1868, the McGrath property is the oldest natural farm in Ventura County and continues to be run by the identical household…5 generations later! Of their early days, that they had land all the way in which to the ocean (therefore McGrath State Seaside), and the remaining 300 acres are nonetheless thriving with sustainably grown greens, flowers, and a vineyard within the works! We checked in for our McGrath Farm tour on the charming farm retailer, with produce from the grounds and native sellers, particularly ladies or minority-owned! The shop’s mother-daughter staff Hilary & Kennedy defined extra about their regenerative practices as we explored the rows of microgreens, flowers, berry patches, and out of doors tasting room. The McGraths have been within the wine enterprise for years and are excited to announce that their label Public Area goes to open a vineyard on the farm within the coming 12 months! With our freshly picked produce, we cracked a bottle of their rosé for the freshest picnic.
Tip: McGrath Farm has a year-round U-pick backyard and in March and April they’re all the time in search of volunteers for harvest in order for you a very natural expertise.
Hike Level Mugu State Park & The Chumash Path
The Santa Monica mountains span from the Hollywood Hills to Camarillo, with Level Mugu State Park because the grand finale. We drove by way of Camarillo’s veggie farms to the Pacific Coast Freeway and reached the favored Chumash Path. Mountain climbing switchbacks up by way of cactus groves and vista factors to the ocean, we reached a shocking valley. One other brief and steep climb led us to Level Mugu Peak for sweeping ocean views and jagged mountains that I couldn’t imagine have been in my dwelling vary! With a 2.5-mile round-trip hike, that is the quickest and most rewarding solution to benefit from the state park. To dive deeper, proceed alongside the ridge to the La Jolla Valley Loop Path by way of the Pure Protect.
Ultralight Flying
Bungee leaping, skydiving, gorge swings…we’ve flown by way of the air in a wide range of batty methods. In terms of experiencing the adrenaline and fantastic thing about flight, nothing, and we imply NOTHING, compares to this Skyrider Ultralights flight. Taking off from Camarillo Airport simply earlier than sundown, our open-sided plane banked the Santa Monica Mountains and skimmed the Pacific Ocean for breathtaking views and severe thrills. Learn the complete put up and watch the video above for one of many best possible methods to see the Southern California Coast!
Greatest Eating places in Camarillo
Take a look at our favourite eats in Camarillo, from old-school eating places to trendy meals courts to do-good cafes.
The Mark: Previous City’s hottest new hangout brings collectively a brewery, wood-fired pizzeria, bakery, and creamery to fulfill all of your cravings. These 4 companies face inwards to a standard seating space for a contemporary meals courtroom and nice neighborhood dangle house. The Mark was packed on a Thursday evening, with Topa Topa Brewing pouring a gentle stream of craft beers and Freda’s Artisan Pizza tossing pies within the air for a contented crowd. The plant-based pizza was glorious and washed down properly with a Nitro Milk Stout.
Previous New York Deli: Serving a few of the finest bagels this facet of New York and exhibiting their NYC pleasure with subway maps and Yankee decor, this place introduced us again to our Manhattan days with the great schmear and dough.
Braxton’s Kitchen: Consolation meals with a farm-fresh twist, Braxton’s is a winner for breakfast and lunch. Higher but, a portion of their month-to-month gross sales go in the direction of native animal rescues and nonprofits! Proceed looking for the animal kingdom with their vegan choices like Soyriz Energy Bowl and the Somis Sammy.
Lamplighter: We love a dive bar and we may inform from the neon signal and windowless stone facade that this was a great one. Order Lamplighter’s legit bloody marys and play a spherical of pool. There are just a few sharks in right here, however none of them chew 😉
Adolfo Grill: Named after the founding father of city, Adolfo Camarillo, this restaurant performs into the historical past with old-time pictures and traditional decor. Upscale American fare with a Ventura County sense of place makes Adolfo Grill a very nice dinner choice.
THINGS TO DO IN CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Fondly known as The Galapagos of the North, the eight Channel Islands and Nationwide Park are a biodiversity dream with over 2,000 species of crops and animals. Simply 12 miles off the Ventura County Coast, but by no means linked to the mainland, these isles developed in isolation, leaving 145 species discovered nowhere else on Earth! Layer on the truth that folks lived right here for 13,000 years (with the oldest human bone ever present in North America to show it!) the Channel Islands are a spot of epic proportions.
Notice: Channel Islands Nationwide Park has just about no services (lodging, eating places, outlets, or first support), so come ready! Santa Cruz Island is probably the most “developed” with a customer middle, bogs, potable water, and common ferry service. Exterior of summer season, days are brief and the ferry is rare, so take advantage of your time on the island and maintain observe of it, so that you don’t miss the return boat…otherwise you’ll be tenting!
Scenic Ferry with Island Packers
We headed to the Ventura Harbor to catch the official nationwide park ferry, Island Packers. They’ve been cruising this nationwide marine sanctuary since 1968 within the identify of recreation, analysis, and schooling, they usually deal with this hour trip to Santa Cruz Island as a possibility to introduce The Channel Islands and spot wildlife! A 3rd of cetacean species worldwide may be seen in these very waters, so we noticed a number of whales and, no joke…a pod of 600 dolphins (watch the video above)! We bought off at Santa Cruz, however Island Packers additionally runs journeys to the outer islands for devoted wildlife watching, pelagic birding journeys, and will help facilitate in a single day tenting journeys.
Hike Cavern Level Loop
The most effective brief overview hike on Santa Cruz Island, Cavern Level Loop affords unimaginable vistas of Scorpion Harbor, sea cliffs, and neighboring islands. If in case you have time proceed two extra miles to the attractive Potato Harbor. If you wish to maintain your hike good and straightforward, begin on the campground close to web site #22 for a extra gradual ascent and a clockwise two-mile loop again to the Customer Heart.
Sea Cave Kayaking
Channel Islands’ wave motion has carved unimaginable sea caves into their cliffs, making it a kayaker’s playground! We joined Channel Islands Journey Firm for his or her 2.5-hour Discovery Kayak Tour from Scorpion Anchorage. The very first thing that struck us was the unimaginable kelp forests swaying within the teal waters. We paddled alongside the sheer cliffs and timed the waves to trip by way of the rock arches. Dipping right into a sea cave we noticed a household of sea lions taking part in within the surf. What a morning!
Tip: The Discovery Tour affords the right period of time if you wish to slot in different actions like mountaineering or snorkeling and nonetheless make the afternoon ferry. Though we like to kayak, we’re glad we cut up our time so we may additionally discover the park by land.
Snorkeling the Channel Islands
The Channel Islands Nationwide Marine Sanctuary is thought to have a few of the nation’s finest snorkeling and diving. With chilly currents touring down from the North Pacific and heat currents shifting up from the tropics, there may be an upwelling of vitamins that make the waters’ biodiversity off the charts! Channel Islands Journey Firm runs snorkel journeys (some you may combo with kayaking for a full-day journey) and the responses we heard from snorkelers made us jealous! Swimming by way of the kelp forests and sea caves, they noticed girabaldi, lion sharks, and playful child sea lions!
For extra images and movies from Channel Islands Nationwide Park, see our Fb gallery.
Accommodations in Ventura County
The cities on the Ventura County Coast are solely 20 minutes aside, so you may simply base camp in a single to discover the entire space. Although for us to get to know the county higher and provides our lodge suggestions from expertise, we stayed just a few nights in Ventura, Camarillo, and Oxnard. So whether or not you want to combine up your lodging on a visit or nest into one, listed below are three implausible Ventura County inns.
Ventura: Waypoint Classic Trailer Resort
Retro-cool campers simply blocks off the seaside and Principal Road? Waypoint Classic Trailer Resort had our identify throughout it! Began by a brother-sister staff in 2014, the twins have been curating and renovating their excellent assortment of journey trailers–from a 1946 Spartan Manor to a 50-foot tour bus with tales to inform, and extra within the works! We stayed within the 1948 Palace Royale, with its unique range and fridge, birch inside, and candy-shell blue exterior. Waypoint’s consideration to element was spot on, from the s’mores kits, complimentary bicycles, cornhole courts, and sculptural firepits that had us gathering spherical with our fellow glampers. If in case you have your individual swanky camper, you may also BYO and be a part of the neighborhood.
Oxnard: Zarchari Dunes
Throughout our three days in Oxnard, we made our dwelling base on the attractive Zachari Dunes Resort, set proper on the sugar-sand Mandalay Seaside with views of the Channel Islands. With Spanish-style structure and a latest renovation, this all-suites lodge has carried out a wonderful job with the decor and facilities…a number of eating places, an expansive pool, trendy fitness center, enjoyable rec room, and a sturdy actions program. At Henry’s Gear Rental, we took out a complimentary hoverboard, SUP Skate, and skateboard, plus two Polaroid cameras to seize all of it. Enjoyable, romantic, and completely located on the seaside, Zachari Dunes is the very best lodge in Oxnard!
Camarillo: Sonesta Choose
We stayed on the Sonesta Choose and this just lately renovated, inexpensive, and conveniently situated lodge was an excellent jumping-off level and tender touchdown from our Camarillo adventures.
Ventura Land Belief
In each place we go to, we attempt to discover superior environmental nonprofits which can be protecting wild areas stunning and making them much more enjoyable for residents and guests, like Ventura Land Belief. This org is preserving hundreds of acres for public recreation and schooling, with so many superior packages. We joined their Harmon Canyon naturalist-led hike they usually made us fall in love with the realm. Hike or bike Harmon’s trails any day or be a part of VLT for a wide range of superior occasions round Ventura, from their Wild & Scenic Movie Pageant, River Restoration Days, Lecture Collection, Seaside Cleanups, and weekly wildlife restoration.
#VCCvibes
We completely liked our time on the Ventura County Coast! To indicate our gratitude to the locals and assist protect the realm’s pure magnificence, we have now donated to the Ventura Land Belief, Channel Islands Restoration, and Ventura Meals Share. Many due to Ventura County Coast and their wonderful cities of Oxnard, Ventura, Port Hueneme, and Camarillo, for inviting us to their area and supporting our storytelling. For extra on this unimaginable slice of California, take a look at VenturaCountyCoast.com and see our VCC Vibes Instagram Spotlight Reel.
