Things to Do in Ventura, California
Often overshadowed by its glitzy neighbor Los Angeles and the surfing spots of Santa Barbara, Ventura still holds onto its laid-back charm, coastal beauty, and hidden gems that make it well worth a stop. Choosing where to go can be tricky, but after exploring the town and its surrounds from my comfortable base at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach for three nights, here are the must-visit spots I’d love to share that I think you will enjoy.
1. Ventura Pier and Promenade
Ventura Pier had that easygoing kind of energy that makes you forget to check the time. I walked slowly along the wooden planks, watching fishermen cast their lines and kids chase seagulls. The ocean stretched out endlessly, and the breeze felt just cool enough to wake up my senses. I lingered to catch sunset from the pier, the sky painted pink and gold while the water glowed below. The whole scene had that quintessential Southern California feel — unhurried, salty, and full of small, happy details.
I loved my casual lunch at Eric Ericsson’s Fish Co on the pier, grilled fish tacos with chipotle aioli, shredded cabbage, and a side of crispy fries. The sea breeze and the sound of waves made every bite taste even better.
2. Mission Basilica San Buenaventura
Mission Basilica San Buenaventura is a serene, beautifully preserved Spanish mission that feels like stepping back into California’s early days. The whitewashed walls, red-tiled roofs, and bell tower framed by palms created a timeless, peaceful setting right in the heart of Ventura. Compared to the wild, natural energy of the hot springs or coastline, this space had a contemplative, spiritual vibe — a quiet refuge amid the bustle of downtown.
After a short walk from the Ventura Pier and Promenade, I arrived at the mission’s arched entryway. I explored the lovely gardens filled with roses, citrus, and fountains, then stepped into the basilica itself.
Inside, the richly painted wooden altar and ceiling details reflected a blend of Spanish and Indigenous craftsmanship. The atmosphere was hushed, with candles flickering and sunlight streaming through stained glass. I wandered the small museum, which displayed artifacts and stories from the mission’s founding in 1782 through its role as a community hub over the centuries. The courtyard, shaded by old olive trees, was the perfect place to pause and take in the history.
- Location: 211 E Main St, Ventura, CA
- Cost: Small suggested donation for entry
- Vibe: Sacred, historic, serene
Afterwards, I stopped for cappuccino and almond croissant afterward from Palermo Coffee nearby. I sat at a patio table, notebook open, letting the quiet linger a little longer.
3. The Museum of Ventura County
The Museum of Ventura County brings the region’s layered history and creative spirit together under one roof. Just a block from the Mission Basilica, the museum felt like a natural next step: moving from the Spanish colonial past into a wider story of the Chumash people, early settlers, and modern Ventura life. The vibe was both thoughtful and dynamic — quiet galleries balanced with colorful, contemporary exhibits.
After a leisurely walk from the mission, I entered the bright, airy lobby and wandered into the galleries. One wing showcased Chumash artifacts — baskets, tools, and ceremonial pieces that gave a vivid sense of the area’s first inhabitants. Another wing highlighted Ventura’s more recent past, from ranching and agriculture to the oil boom. I also stumbled into a rotating art exhibit featuring local painters and sculptors, adding a fresh, creative layer to the visit.
The museum’s courtyard was a pleasant surprise: a calm, open-air space dotted with sculptures where I sat for a while, surrounded by the hum of downtown. It made the visit feel more personal, like a pause between eras of Ventura’s story.
- Location: 100 E Main St, Ventura, CA
- Cost: $10 general admission; discounts available
I had a veggie-packed grain bowl from Harvest Cafe around the corner. I had quinoa, roasted carrots, avocado, and tahini dressing, bright and nourishing after a slow afternoon with stories.
4. Ventura Botanical Gardens
The Ventura Botanical Gardens offered sweeping views of the city, the coastline, and even the Channel Islands, all framed by plants from Mediterranean climates around the world. Unlike the bustling pier or the historic mission, this spot felt expansive and serene — a blend of natural beauty, global plant life, and ocean panoramas. The vibe was both invigorating and meditative, perfect for a slow wander or a sunset climb.
After leaving downtown Ventura, it was just a short drive (or an uphill walk) to the garden’s entrance. The trails wound up the hillside in gentle switchbacks, lined with lavender, succulents, Chilean wine palms, and California natives. Every turn revealed a new angle of the Pacific, the red-tiled rooftops of the city, and the distant outline of the islands.
I spent the afternoon strolling the main trail, pausing on benches tucked among blooming shrubs and fragrant herbs. The higher I climbed, the wider the horizon became — ocean, mountains, and sky stretching endlessly. As the sun began to set, golden light washed over the landscape, turning the hillside into a painterly scene.
Travel Tips:
- Cost: $7 entrance fee
- Vibe: Natural, serene, inspiring
5. Serra Cross Park
Serra Cross Park is perched high above Ventura on the hillside near Grant Park, offering one of the most breathtaking panoramas of the city and the Pacific Ocean. The simple wooden cross, first placed here by missionaries in the late 1700s, has become both a historic landmark and a gathering place. Compared to the bustle of the pier or the quiet focus of the mission, this spot felt wide open and contemplative — a place to just stand still and take it all in.
After winding up the hillside roads from downtown Ventura, I reached the park and walked to the overlook. From there, the view stretched across the entire coastline — the curve of the Ventura Pier below, the Channel Islands offshore, and the Santa Monica Mountains fading into the horizon. The cross itself stood stark and dignified against the sky, framed by native plants and open lawn.
6. Surfers Point Beach
Surfers Point Beach is Ventura’s wave-washed heart, where the Ventura River meets the Pacific. The long, pebbly shoreline and steady swells make it a mecca for surfers, kiteboarders, and windsurfers, but it also has a laid-back, communal vibe that welcomes everyone. Compared to the historic calm of the mission or the hillside stillness of Serra Cross Park, this place pulsed with energy — the rhythm of the ocean, the swoop of seabirds, and the hum of board fins carving waves.
After an easy stroll west from Ventura Pier along the promenade, I reached the point where the shoreline curved and the surfers clustered. I spent time watching the lineup: wetsuited locals dropping into long rides, their silhouettes backlit by the sun. The beach itself was more rugged than sandy, with driftwood and smooth stones scattered along the tide line, giving it a raw, natural feel.
I walked along part of the coastal trail, with the ocean on one side and palm trees swaying on the other. The whole scene felt quintessentially Ventura: relaxed, ocean-focused, and deeply tied to the surf culture.
7. Emma Wood State Beach
Emma Wood State Beach felt raw and untamed, with waves crashing against a rugged shoreline, driftwood scattered in the sand, and trains occasionally rumbling by on the bluff above. Compared to the lively energy of Surfers Point or the cultivated calm of the botanical gardens, this beach had a more elemental, back-to-nature vibe. It was the kind of place where you can lose track of time just listening to the surf and watching the horizon.
After following the coast west out of downtown Ventura, I reached the entrance and parked near the dunes. From there I wandered along the wide, pebbly beach, where tidepools formed around rocks and shorebirds darted in the surf. The ocean stretched endlessly, with the Channel Islands faint in the distance.
I also noticed the rustic campsites tucked right along the shoreline — nothing fancy, just ocean views and the sound of waves to lull you to sleep. It gave the beach a slightly nomadic, road-trip feel, especially with the tracks of RVs and vans parked just feet from the water.
- Location: Off Pacific Coast Hwy 101, Ventura, CA
- Cost: $10 vehicle day-use fee
8. Ventura Food Tours
Ventura Food Tours turned the city into a walking feast, blending history, culture, and local bites into one delicious adventure. Unlike the contemplative stillness of the mission or the wild openness of Emma Wood State Beach, this experience was lively and social — a chance to meet locals, discover hidden eateries, and taste the essence of the city one stop at a time.
Starting downtown, I joined a small group led by a friendly guide who wove Ventura’s stories into every stop. We sampled everything from fresh fish tacos and artisanal olive oils to hand-crafted chocolates and local wines. Each tasting spot was paired with bits of Ventura’s history — the early mission days, the rise of agriculture, and the evolution into today’s creative, coastal town.
Between bites, we strolled past historic buildings, colorful murals, and the lively promenade. By the end, I felt like I had not only eaten my way through the city but also connected with its personality — laid-back, diverse, and proudly local.
My favorite? In addition to sampling delicious food, you will learn about city history and architecture, how to pair food with wine, and the nuances of California-made olive oils.
Conclusion
From windswept beaches to blooming hillside trails, Ventura moves at a pace that lets you breathe. It’s a place to reconnect, with nature, with stories, and maybe with yourself. Whether you’re watching the sun dip behind the cross on the hill or sipping coffee after a morning walk, Ventura reminds you that the most memorable moments often happen when you slow down enough to notice them.
More to Explore:
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
