• January 11, 2025 - Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Ventura Pier and Promenade

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Dima_Rogozhin - Fotolia.com

2. Mission Basilica San Buenaventura

© Courtesy of Bill Perry - Fotolia.com

3. Museum of Ventura County

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Museum of Ventura County

4. Ventura Botanical Gardens

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of kenkistler1 - Fotolia.com

5. Serra Cross Park

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of steheap - Fotolia.com

6. Surfers Point Beach

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of EuToch - Fotolia.com

7. Emma Wood State Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of Cesar - Fotolia.com

8. Ventura to Ojai Paved Bike Path

Tours in the Area
© Courtesy of 3293477_jc - Fotolia.com

9. Rubicon Theatre Company

Category: Entertainment Near Me
© Rubicon Theatre Company

10. Island Packers

Romantic Islands

11. Ventura Food Tours

Tours in the Area
© Ventura Food Tours

12. Olivas Adobe

13. Ventura Harbor Village

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of steheap - Fotolia.com

14. Dudley House Historical Museum

Category: Local Attractions
© Dudley House Historical Museum

15. Lake Casitas Recreation Area

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of motion shooter - Fotolia.com

16. Lure Fish House

Category: Nearby Food & Drink

17. Spencer Makenzie's Fish

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Spencer Makenzie's Fish

18. Cafe Fiore

Category: Nearby Food & Drink

19. Himalaya Restaurant

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Himalaya Restaurant

20. Topa Topa Brewing Company

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Topa Topa Brewing Company

21. Old Creek Ranch Winery

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Old Creek Ranch Winery

22. Golf N' Stuff

© Julia/stock.adobe.com

23. The Ultimate Escape Rooms

Category: Entertainment Near Me
© The Ultimate Escape Rooms

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Nature has been generous to Ventura: snuggled between the Ventura River and the Santa Clara River valleys and sheltered by Mt. Pinos with 9,000-foot-high peaks, it is the land of abundance, great natural beauty, and a relaxed Southern California beach city vibe.
  • Best things to do in Ventura include the lively art scene, downtown galleries and museums, and the views from the Ventura Botanical Gardens.
  • Sitting on the beach and watching the world go by is another wonderful way to enjoy Ventura.

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