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 obtained me decked out for promenade, and the Channel Islands was residence 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 most effective 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 whole lives, our time on the Ventura County Coast was full of adventures.
Try our Ventura County Coast journey information and begin planning your personal journey to one in every 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 practically 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 grow to be a well-liked seashore vacation spot, it’s remained right down to earth, preserving its pure magnificence and small-town vibe.
With a vigorous Principal Avenue, 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’ll discover our favourite issues to do in Ventura, together with the most effective 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 Avenue. 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 price, you’ll be able to discover the museum to be taught concerning the mission’s founding by (not too long ago 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 immediately. We wandered the plush courtyard and caught the tail finish of a service to take in this metropolis oasis.
Store Principal Avenue Ventura
Overlook visitors and parked vehicles, Ventura has turned 5 blocks of its Principal Avenue right into a pedestrian-only zone with tons of outside cafes, artisan pop-ups, classic outlets, and probably the most 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 remains to be headquartered). The fun of the strip is popping out and in of shops that decision to you, however right here is our must-shop checklist:
- 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 purchasing space’s inexperienced house
- Cat’s Cradle Rescue, Discount Field, and extra thrift outlets that help charities and sustainable vogue
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 section 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 world wide, 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 group 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 folks to take a more in-depth look. Entrance is $7, or get in free on Fridays or whereas volunteering of their pretty 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, 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 children and practically a thousand girls over 40 the best way 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 formidable meals scene with a deal with native substances and their multicultural influences. As plant-based eaters, we discovered a ton of improbable choices, from ethnic eating places to pure vegan eateries.
Seaside Home Tacos: Greater than Mexican meals, it is a traditional Ventura outside eating expertise on town’s Nineteenth-century wood pier, the place you’ll be able to watch the surfers as you savor each spicy chunk. We beloved 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 chunk on the patio, Seed Ranger nails it relating to pleasant service and recent plant-based eats, notably their sushi and “spam” musubi!
Rice by Mama: In case you ask any Venturan for his or her favourite eating places, Rice by Mama makes the checklist! This family-owned Thai restaurant has all of the traditional curries, noodle dishes, and distinctive twists for a flavorful feast. On the center of Principal Avenue, 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 up to date house is ideal for breakfast lunch or enjoyable over espresso. Vegans, don’t miss their unbelievable “cheese” platter!
Rumfish y Vino: Our Ventura County buddies mentioned this Belizian-fusion restaurant is their go-to for date night time and it was as romantic as they mentioned. 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 many who need all of it, Fluid State has such good vibes and libations. In case 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 “Finest Seaside on the West Coast,” Oxnard has loads going for it! Downtown has a ton of character, from its Victorian Properties, funky outdated theaters, grand Plaza Park, and top-notch taco scene. Oxnard is essentially the most various metropolis in Ventura County, with notably 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 group organizing within the civil rights and farmworker motion, Oxnard pleasure runs deep and comes via in every part from the meals to the road artwork!
Stroll Plaza Park
This European-style sq. anchors downtown with an expansive inexperienced house, a fantastic pagoda, and the grand Carnegie Artwork Museum. It’s a beautiful place to sit down or play any day of the week, however most vigorous 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 unusual and historic buildings have been susceptible to being demolished within the Nineteen Eighties, residents banded collectively to safeguard them in what’s now Heritage Sq.. Right now 11 Victorian homes, a church, a water tower, and a storehouse have been changed into 25 fabulous companies and occasion areas. We occurred to fulfill 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 season live performance collection, 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 Right now 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 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 houses. We got here for a cerveza on the awesomely old-school Rudder Room and a sundown seashore stroll. It was top-of-the-line sundowners we’d had all 12 months, with the Channel Islands within the distance, birds enjoying within the glowing surf, and the shortage 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 firms 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 vehicles, 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 cross to assist folks 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 home made 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 every part 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 helpful Home of Tacos and La Huerta. In case you can go to all 15 eateries on the Taco Path you win a T-shirt boasting your glory…ship us a photograph for those who do!
Finest Eating places in Oxnard
You could possibly definitely eat Mexican the whole time in Oxnard (we might fortunately), however Oxnard has way over 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, it is a good spot to start out your day. Save a little bit Honey Cup espresso in 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 chunk!
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 connoisseur restaurant that attracts kosher diners from world wide? Strolling into the company workplace, we weren’t certain 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…and so they 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 outside patio with lounge chairs and firepits is so attractive for sundown apps and cocktails. Plus, they run nice comfortable hour specials. Their effective 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 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 obtained into. Listed here are the most effective issues to do in Ventura County’s very personal Camarillo.
Store Previous City Camarillo
A tree-lined road with historic buildings full of 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 Data vinyl store is doing so effectively, that it’s including a second location as a listening room and late-night espresso store. Throughout the road is Studio Channel Islands, a improbable free artwork venue with reveals that rotate each two months, cultural occasions, common lessons for teenagers, and an amazing boutique. Then the store that actually made us headbang was The Rockin’ Edge, a clothes retailer run by the style queen of 80s Steel. Melissa Cantor has made garments for Slash, The Doorways, Megadeth, and one-of-a-kind threads for the rockstar in all of us.
U-Decide Backyard & Wine Tasting at McGrath Household Farm
Based in 1868, the McGrath property is the oldest natural farm in Ventura County and remains to be run by the identical household…5 generations later! Of their early days, that they had land all the best way 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 girls 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 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 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 if you’d like 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 via Camarillo’s veggie farms to the Pacific Coast Freeway and reached the favored Chumash Path. Mountain climbing switchbacks up via 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 consider have been in my residence vary! With a 2.5-mile round-trip hike, that is the quickest and most rewarding option to benefit from the state park. To dive deeper, proceed alongside the ridge to the La Jolla Valley Loop Path via the Pure Protect.
Ultralight Flying
Bungee leaping, skydiving, gorge swings…we’ve flown via the air in a wide range of batty methods. With regards 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 critical thrills. Learn the complete publish and watch the video above for one of many very best 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 court docket and nice group cling house. The Mark was packed on a Thursday night time, 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 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 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 may inform from the neon signal and windowless stone facade that this was a superb one. Order Lamplighter’s legit bloody marys and play a spherical of pool. There are a couple of sharks in right here, however none of them chunk 😉
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 linked to the mainland, these isles advanced 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 nearly no services (lodging, eating places, outlets, or first help), so come ready! Santa Cruz Island is essentially the most “developed” with a customer heart, 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 preserve monitor 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 title of recreation, analysis, and schooling, and so they 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 might 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 obtained off at Santa Cruz, however Island Packers additionally runs journeys to the outer islands for devoted wildlife watching, pelagic birding journeys, and may also 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 presents unimaginable vistas of Scorpion Harbor, sea cliffs, and neighboring islands. When you’ve got time proceed two extra miles to the attractive Potato Harbor. If you wish to preserve your hike good and simple, begin on the campground close to website #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 via the rock arches. Dipping right into a sea cave we noticed a household of sea lions enjoying within the surf. What a morning!
Tip: The Discovery Tour presents the proper period of time if you wish to slot in different actions like mountaineering or snorkeling and nonetheless make the afternoon ferry. Although we like to kayak, we’re glad we break up our time so we may 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 transferring 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’ll be able to combo with kayaking for a full-day journey) and the responses we heard from snorkelers made us jealous! Swimming via 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.
Lodges in Ventura County
The cities on the Ventura County Coast are solely 20 minutes aside, so you’ll be able to simply base camp in a single to discover the entire space. Although for us to get to know the county higher and provides our resort suggestions from expertise, we stayed a couple of 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 improbable Ventura County resorts.
Ventura: Waypoint Classic Trailer Resort
Retro-cool campers simply blocks off the seashore and Principal Avenue? Waypoint Classic Trailer Resort had our title throughout it! Began by a brother-sister staff in 2014, the twins have been curating and renovating their good 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. When you’ve got your personal swanky camper, you can too 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 resort has completed a superb job with the decor and facilities…a number of eating places, an expansive pool, trendy health club, 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 seashore, Zachari Dunes is the most effective resort in Oxnard!
Camarillo: Sonesta Choose
We stayed on the Sonesta Choose and this not too long ago renovated, reasonably priced, and conveniently positioned resort was an amazing 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 are maintaining wild areas lovely 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 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 a wide range 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 beloved our time on the Ventura County Coast! To point out our gratitude to the locals and assist protect the world’s pure magnificence, now we have donated to the Ventura Land Belief, Channel Islands Restoration, and Ventura Meals Share. Many due to Ventura County Coast and their superb 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, try VenturaCountyCoast.com and see our VCC Vibes Instagram Spotlight Reel.
