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 choosing, Ventura Seaside is the place I had my seventeenth birthday celebration, Camarillo Retailers bought me decked out for promenade, and the Channel Islands was residence to my summer time 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 one of the best issues to do in Ventura County for seashore 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 filled with adventures.
Try our Ventura County Coast journey information and begin planning your personal journey to certainly one of Southern California’s finest seashore 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 into a well-liked seashore vacation spot, it’s remained all the way down to earth, preserving its pure magnificence and small-town vibe.
With a vigorous Important Road, simply three blocks off the seashore and the mountains, the day flows between cultural choices to outside enjoyable and a nightlife that pulses. Beneath you will see that our favourite issues to do in Ventura, together with one of the 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 Important 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 charge, you possibly can discover the museum to be taught concerning the mission’s founding by (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 right this moment. We wandered the plush courtyard and caught the tail finish of a service to absorb this metropolis oasis.
Store Important Road Ventura
Overlook site visitors and parked vehicles, Ventura has turned 5 blocks of its Important Road right into a pedestrian-only zone with tons of outside cafes, artisan pop-ups, classic retailers, and one 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 listing:
- Iron & Resin Storage for the good 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 procuring space’s inexperienced area
- Cat’s Cradle Rescue, Discount Field, and extra thrift retailers that assist charities and sustainable style
Discover the Ventura Botanical Gardens
Within the hills above Metropolis Corridor, 107 acres have been reserved for pure magnificence, training, 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 vegetation! Mindfully designed with fire-adapted, drought-resistant species from Mediterranean zones all over the world, it’s an unbelievable 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 side. 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 individuals to take a better look. Entrance is $7, or get in free on Fridays or whereas volunteering of their pretty gardens. Benefit from the variety of flowers, climbing 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, but it surely 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 beautiful 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 faculty has taught over 1,200 youngsters and almost a thousand ladies over 40 find out how to 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.
Finest Eating places in Ventura
Ventura has a powerful 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, this can be a traditional Ventura outside eating expertise on the town’s Nineteenth-century wood pier, the place you possibly can watch the surfers as you savor each spicy chew. We cherished 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 with regards to pleasant service and recent plant-based eats, significantly their sushi and “spam” musubi!
Rice by Mama: For those who ask any Venturan for his or her favourite eating places, Rice by Mama makes the listing! This family-owned Thai restaurant has all of the traditional curries, noodle dishes, and distinctive twists for a flavorful feast. On the guts of Important Road, their patio additionally presents 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 area is ideal for breakfast lunch or stress-free over espresso. Vegans, don’t miss their unbelievable “cheese” platter!
Rumfish y Vino: Our Ventura County mates stated this Belizian-fusion restaurant is their go-to for date evening and it was as romantic as they stated. Rumfish y Vino’s expansive outside 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 combined drinkers go to Italy Cocktail Belief, and for individuals who need all of it, Fluid State has such good vibes and libations. For those who’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 “Finest Seaside on the West Coast,” Oxnard has quite a bit 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 business 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 in all the things from the meals to the road artwork!
Stroll Plaza Park
This European-style sq. anchors downtown with an expansive inexperienced area, an attractive pagoda, and the grand Carnegie Artwork Museum. It’s a stunning place to sit down or play any day of the week, however most vigorous at their Thursday farmer’s market, summer time live shows, and festivals all year long.
Get Cultured at Heritage Sq.
When a few of Oxnard’s most unusual 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 changed into 25 fabulous companies and occasion areas. We occurred to satisfy one of many Heritage Sq. administrators whereas strolling this pretty 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 time 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 every other day of the week for simply $2 extra.
Seaside Day at Oxnard Seaside Park
USA At the moment 2023 Reader’s Alternative Awards for “Finest Seashores on the West Coast” gave Oxnard Seaside Park the #1 spot!!! Framed by the Channel Islands, mountains, and towering sand dunes, this seashore is a stunner! Plus it’s an outside recreation heaven with nice surf, volleyball courts, bike paths, playgrounds, picnic areas, and delightful 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 houses. We got here for a cerveza on the awesomely old-school Rudder Room and a sundown seashore stroll. It was probably the greatest sundowners we’d had all yr, 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 also be a enjoyable place to observe the boats or take out a watercraft for your self. A number of rental corporations within the marina provide 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 move to assist individuals navigate all this deliciosa. We began at Tacos La Bonita, a meals truck so profitable it’s changed into a correct outside restaurant throughout from Plaza Park. Their do-it-yourself 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 artworks, with all the things from chamoy gummy worms, hearth Cheetos, and a sparkler gentle present, with a Norteña serenade! If we weren’t stuffed to the gills, we might have hit up the extremely really useful Home of Tacos and La Huerta. For those who can go to all 15 eateries on the Taco Path you win a T-shirt boasting your glory…ship us a photograph in the event you do!
Finest Eating places in Oxnard
You would actually eat Mexican your entire time in Oxnard (we might fortunately), however Oxnard has excess of tacos. Listed here are our favourite eating places in Oxnard.
Honey Cup Espresso: With fantastically crafted oat lattes, gooey Nutella pastries, and a tree-shaded patio, this can be a good spot to start out your day. Save somewhat Honey Cup espresso to 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 group 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 biggest producer of Kosher wine on the West Coast is in Oxnard? And that inside Herzog Wine Cellar’s headquarters is a connoisseur restaurant that attracts kosher diners from all over the world? 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 crimson 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 convey out the flavors…and so they have been all divine!
Tacos La Bonita: Whereas we didn’t conquer the entire Oxnard Taco Path, we will 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 outside patio with lounge chairs and firepits is so attractive for sundown apps and cocktails. Plus, they run nice completely happy hour specials. Their wonderful 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 individuals 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 costume) however made the widespread mistake of overlooking Camarillo’s Previous City, atmospheric farms, and distinctive alternatives for journey. Surrounded by mountains and quarter-hour from the seashore, they nonetheless get ocean breeze and 300+ days of sunshine, for an superior outside life-style that we completely bought into. Listed here are one of the best issues to do in Ventura County’s very personal Camarillo.
Store Previous City Camarillo
A tree-lined avenue with historic buildings crammed with boutiques and cafes, Camarillo’s Previous City is traditional, with some edgy surprises for a city recognized to be extra conservative. For instance, the American Pie Information vinyl store is doing so nicely, 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 courses for youths, and an awesome 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, they’d 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 group Hilary & Kennedy defined extra about their regenerative practices as we explored the rows of microgreens, flowers, berry patches, and outside 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 yr! 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 at all times on the lookout for volunteers for harvest if you would like a really 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 Camarillo’s veggie farms to the Pacific Coast Freeway and reached the favored Chumash Path. Mountaineering switchbacks up by cactus groves and vista factors to the ocean, we reached a surprising valley. One other brief and steep climb led us to Level Mugu Peak for sweeping ocean views and jagged mountains that I couldn’t consider have been in my residence vary! With a 2.5-mile round-trip hike, that is the quickest and most rewarding technique to benefit from the state park. To dive deeper, proceed alongside the ridge to the La Jolla Valley Loop Path by the Pure Protect.
Ultralight Flying
Bungee leaping, skydiving, gorge swings…we’ve flown by the air in quite a lot of batty methods. In relation to 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 total submit and watch the video above for one of many best possible methods to see the Southern California Coast!
Finest Eating places in Camarillo
Try 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 hold area. 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 cheerful crowd. The plant-based pizza was wonderful and washed down properly with a Nitro Milk Stout.
Previous New York Deli: Serving a few of the finest bagels this aspect 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 nice 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 direction of native animal rescues and nonprofits! Proceed searching for the animal kingdom with their vegan choices like Soyriz Energy Bowl and the Somis Sammy.
Lamplighter: We love a dive bar and we might inform from the neon signal and windowless stone facade that this was an excellent 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 possibility.
THINGS TO DO IN CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Fondly referred to as The Galapagos of the North, the eight Channel Islands and Nationwide Park are a biodiversity dream with over 2,000 species of vegetation and animals. Simply 12 miles off the Ventura County Coast, but by no means related to the mainland, these isles advanced in isolation, leaving 145 species discovered nowhere else on Earth! Layer on the truth that individuals 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.
Be aware: Channel Islands Nationwide Park has nearly no services (lodging, eating places, retailers, or first help), so come ready! Santa Cruz Island is probably the most “developed” with a customer heart, loos, potable water, and common ferry service. Exterior of summer time, days are brief and the ferry is rare, so benefit from 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 training, and so they deal with this hour experience to Santa Cruz Island as a chance 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 very best brief overview hike on Santa Cruz Island, Cavern Level Loop presents unbelievable vistas of Scorpion Harbor, sea cliffs, and neighboring islands. 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 website #22 for a extra gradual ascent and a clockwise two-mile loop again to the Customer Middle.
Sea Cave Kayaking
Channel Islands’ wave motion has carved unbelievable 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 unbelievable kelp forests swaying within the teal waters. We paddled alongside the sheer cliffs and timed the waves to experience by 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 presents the right period of time if you wish to slot in different actions like climbing or snorkeling and nonetheless make the afternoon ferry. Despite the fact that we like to kayak, we’re glad we cut up our time so we might additionally discover the park by land.
Snorkeling the Channel Islands
The Channel Islands Nationwide Marine Sanctuary is understood 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 possibly can combo with kayaking for a full-day journey) and the responses we heard from snorkelers made us jealous! Swimming by the kelp forests and sea caves, they noticed girabaldi, lion sharks, and playful child sea lions!
For extra pictures and movies from Channel Islands Nationwide Park, see our Fb gallery.
Inns in Ventura County
The cities on the Ventura County Coast are solely 20 minutes aside, so you possibly can 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 accommodations.
Ventura: Waypoint Classic Trailer Lodge
Retro-cool campers simply blocks off the seashore and Important Road? Waypoint Classic Trailer Lodge had our identify throughout it! Began by a brother-sister group 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. In case you have your personal swanky camper, you too can BYO and be part of the neighborhood.
Oxnard: Zarchari Dunes
Throughout our three days in Oxnard, we made our residence base on the beautiful Zachari Dunes Resort, set proper on the sugar-sand Mandalay Seaside with views of the Channel Islands. With Spanish-style structure and a current renovation, this all-suites lodge has achieved a superb job with the decor and facilities…a number of eating places, an expansive pool, trendy gymnasium, enjoyable rec room, and a strong 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 seashore, Zachari Dunes is one of the best lodge in Oxnard!
Camarillo: Sonesta Choose
We stayed on the Sonesta Choose and this lately renovated, reasonably priced, and conveniently situated lodge was an awesome 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 might be preserving wild areas lovely and making them much more enjoyable for residents and guests, like Ventura Land Belief. This org is preserving 1000’s of acres for public recreation and training, with so many superior applications. We joined their Harmon Canyon naturalist-led hike and so they made us fall in love with the world. Hike or bike Harmon’s trails any day or be part of VLT for quite a lot of superior occasions round Ventura, from their Wild & Scenic Movie Pageant, River Restoration Days, Lecture Sequence, Seaside Cleanups, and weekly wildlife restoration.
#VCCvibes
We completely cherished our time on the Ventura County Coast! To indicate our gratitude to the locals and assist protect the world’s pure magnificence, we now have 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 unbelievable slice of California, take a look at VenturaCountyCoast.com and see our VCC Vibes Instagram Spotlight Reel.
