Ventura, California, United States: California Dreaming
Located between Santa Barbara and the megacity Los Angeles on the southern Pacific coast, Ventura still manages to hold on to a small-town feel with a focus on community and individualism. Ventura is quaint and charming with a bohemian flair and the Mediterranean-like climate ensures a varied array of visitors any time of year. Here, all guests are welcome with hotels and businesses catering to the eco- and pet-friendly, as well as the LGBTQ community. Local hotels also provide the perfect backdrop to those seeking the ideal wedding and honeymoon destination. Ventura has much to offer in taste, budget, and adventure.
Days on the Beach
Ventura’s most popular spot for locals and visitors is Ventura Beach and Marina Park. Warm year-round weather makes water activities popular with plenty of opportunities for surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking and jet skiing. The waves in the area are well-known and the beach has several professional surfing tournaments. The Marina Park area is great for families who can picnic and barbeque or wander along the Ventura Beach Promenade either on foot or by cruiser bikes with room enough for four. There’s even a pirate ship play area with a zip line, as well as opportunities for bowling and playing arcade games. A favourite beach spot for families is San Buenaventura State Beach which has picnic areas, restrooms, and grills. Ventura Pier is one of the longest wooden piers in the state and is popular with fishermen and perfect for watching those famous California sunsets. The pier also has several restaurants serving local fresh fish catches.
A Busy Harbour
Ventura Harbor Village has enough activities, restaurants, and entertainment for any taste and age. The harbour area is a popular spot for shopping in niche boutiques, such as Ventura County Potters Guild Gallery, as well as sitting on patios eating fresh-caught seafood and drinking local wines while viewing the water, boats, and luxury yachts moored there. It’s also possible to rent your own boat or charter a boat cruise for fishing or leisure. While hotels on the seashore are a treasure, waterfront hotels are also available close to the harbour with a free downtown trolley. This area is quite popular for watching dolphins and whales who frequent the coast. Ventura Harbor is also the site of charters to Channel Islands National Park, referred to as “The American Galapagos”. These five remote and untouched islands, collectively known as the national park, is the perfect site for hiking, diving, kayaking, bird and wildlife viewing, and cave exploring.
An Outdoor Lifestyle
There’s plenty to do for those who love the outdoor lifestyle that a warm California climate promotes. The area is home to several bike tails, which includes the Rincon Bike Trail, the Ventura River Parkway, and the Ojai Valley Trail. These trails can also be used for hiking. Dog friendly parks in the area include Arroyo Verde Park and Serra Cross Park at Grant Park, which has trails, picnic facilities, and restrooms. There are also several golf courses, including Buenaventura Golf Course, Olivas Links, and Saticoy Regional Golf Course. The beautiful natural setting isn’t lost on nonhumans as the area is also known as an important breeding and resting area for sea and land birds. Popular birdwatching spots are La Jolla Canyon Trail, Mugu Rock Overlook, and Santa Clara River Estuary. For those wanting to fully embrace the outdoor lifestyle, a hotel stay can be traded for camping under the stars at Ventura Beach RV Resort.
Closer to Shore
Ventura, though, isn’t only about what can take place outdoors or on the water. The city also has a rich cultural and historic presence. Ventura is home to one of the 21 missions founded along the California coast in the 1700s. Mission San Buenaventura was one such landmark and has been restored and is open for tours. It serves as a working Catholic church and welcomes visitors for liturgies. Other notable historic sites available for touring include the A.J. Comstock Fire Museum and Figueroa Plaza. There are also notable historic hotels, such as the Clocktower Inn, converted from a 1940’s firehouse. The art scene is vibrant in Ventura with painters, sculptors, and musicians adding live entertainment at many sites around the city, such as 643 Project Space. Night owls and music lovers will find much to enjoy as the city has several live music venues, including The Majestic Ventura Theater, a historic venue.
Strolling the Avenue
To get a real sense of Ventura’s sense of community and small-town feel, make a trip to Ventura Avenue. Here, there are dozens of eclectic restaurants and shopping venues with a real focus on second-hand stores. Ventura is known for its collectible, antique, and thrift stores, most of which are in the downtown area on Main Street. This area is perfect for strolling as you’ll be able to see artists live at work in their studios or playing music right on the street. There are yarn stores, book shops, and even the Antique Stove and Vintage Shop. For those wanting name brand purchases, the Pacific View Mall is also close by. There are also several hotels within easy walking distance of this vibrant, popular area.