Ventura, California

• What is the history of the Ventura Pier?
  • Built in 1872, the Ventura Pier and Promenade is a symbol of Ventura’s past when the agriculture, construction, and oil industries were thriving.
• What can visitors do at Ventura Pier today?
  • Today, the Ventura Pier is a tourist attraction, a favorite spot for fishing, and the best place to admire the sunset, ocean, coastline, and the Channel Islands.
• Has the Ventura Pier changed over the years?
  • The aging pier has been renovated many times, and its current length of 1,700 feet is about 300 feet shorter than the original. It is made entirely of wood except for the steel pilings, and it is the eighth longest pier in California.
• What amenities are available at Ventura Pier?
  • Besides great fishing, the pier has a sand playground at its base with kids’ swings. There are also many benches for pleasant sunset watching and numerous panels with photos and information about the pier’s history and current restoration efforts.
• What is located near the Ventura Pier?
  • On both sides of the pier is the popular San Buenaventura State Beach, a great place for relaxation and outdoor activities.

• Who founded Mission Basilica San Buenaventura?
  • Franciscan priest Junipero Serra founded Mission Basilica San Buenaventura in 1782 with the goal of converting the native Chumash people to Catholicism and the Spanish way of life.
• What historical events has the mission endured?
  • The mission was burned to the ground, rebuilt in 1809, and later faced a series of earthquakes and threats from pirates, giving it a rich and turbulent past.
• Is Mission Basilica San Buenaventura still active?
  • The Mission Church is a magnificent working church that is open to both Catholics and non-Catholics.
• What are the notable features inside the mission?
  • It features an 1809 altar and reredos built in Mexico, along with a number of significant art pieces.
• What can visitors explore at the mission?
  • Visitors can explore the Mission Museum, which contains interesting religious artifacts and objects that depict the lives of those who lived in and around the mission.
• Are there outdoor spaces at the mission?
  • The mission gardens are a lovely place for quiet contemplation.
• How can visitors learn more about the mission?
  • To learn more about the mission, join one of the tours led by highly knowledgeable docents.

Mission Basilica San Buenaventura, 211 E Main St, Ventura, California, Phone: 805-643-4318

• How did the Museum of Ventura County originate?
  • When Dr. Cephas Bard, a Pennsylvania doctor who came to Ventura after the Civil War, started accepting priceless Chumash, Spanish, and Mexican historical objects instead of cash for his services, he did not imagine that his collection would become the core of today’s Museum of Ventura County.
• When did the museum first open to the public?
  • Dr. Bard opened his collection to the public in 1913 as the Pioneer Museum. In 1977, the museum moved to a new 15,000-square-foot building near historic Mission San Buenaventura.
• What is the mission of the Museum of Ventura County?
  • Today, the museum’s goal is to preserve, interpret, and celebrate Ventura County’s art, culture, and history through collections, exhibitions, events, programs, research, their library, and various publications.
• What additional museum was added in 2011?
  • The Agricultural Museum was added in 2011 to further expand the museum's focus on Ventura County’s rich agricultural history.
• Why is the Museum of Ventura County a must-visit for history lovers?
  • The Museum of Ventura County is one of the best things to do in Ventura, CA for history lovers.
• What is the most important collection in the museum?
  • The most important museum collection is the Fine Arts and Historical Artifacts collection, which includes over 30,000 works of art and historical objects.
• Which artists and historical figures are featured in the collection?
  • The collection includes works of John Nava, Omar d’Leon, Jessie Arms Botke, Beatrice Wood, and Horace Bristol, as well as over 200 historical figures by George Stuart, a celebrated Ojai artist and historian.
• Does the museum have artifacts from early Ventura inhabitants?
  • Yes, the museum has a significant collection of artifacts left by Ventura’s early inhabitants.

Museum of Ventura County, 100 E Main St, Ventura, California, Phone: 805-653-0323

• When was the Ventura Botanical Gardens founded?
  • A group of passionate Ventura residents initiated the project of the Ventura Botanical Gardens in 2012, and they have been progressing happily with the help of everyone who loves nature.
• Where are the Ventura Botanical Gardens located?
  • The gardens are centered around Grant Park in the steep foothills above Ventura, covering 107 acres of spectacular green space.
• What views can visitors enjoy from the gardens?
  • Visitors can enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of the ocean, the city of Ventura, the coastline, the Channel Islands, and the surrounding mountains, vineyards, and citrus groves.
• What is the first completed trail at the Ventura Botanical Gardens?
  • The first completed trail is the Demonstration Trail, which is about a mile long and surfaced with decomposed granite and hand-made stone walls.
• What types of plants can be found at the gardens?
  • The collection at the Botanical Gardens contains 160 plant species, mostly from the Mediterranean regions.
• Are there any other notable plant collections?
  • Yes, the gardens also include a few sub-tropical species, a small Mediterranean pine forest, a Eucalyptus forest with seven species, and a large area of mixed California native plants.

Ventura Botanical Gardens , 567 Poli St, Ventura, CA 93001, Phone: 805-232-3113

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

• What is the history of the Serra Cross?
  • After founding Mission Basilica San Buenaventura in 1782, Spanish missionary Father Junipero Serra blessed the land on the hill above the mission church and planted a wooden cross to serve as a road sign for travelers looking for the mission.
• Has the original Serra Cross been preserved?
  • The original cross has been destroyed by the elements many times, but it has never been forgotten.
• When was Serra Cross Park created?
  • The residents not only replaced the cross but also enlarged the original area where it stood, creating the Serra Cross Park in 1918 on 107 acres donated to the City by Kenneth and Tonie Grant.
• What improvements have been made to Serra Cross Park?
  • The current Serra Cross Park has been improved and landscaped over the years.
• Why do visitors go to Serra Cross Park?
  • Today, the park is a favorite spot for watching the sunset over the ocean or enjoying the view of the city below.

For Beach Lovers:

• Where is Surfers Point Beach located?
  • Surfers Point Beach is located next to Seaside Park at the mouth of the Ventura River.
• What natural features can be found at Surfers Point Beach?
  • The Ventura River goes behind the beach, forming a lagoon, which serves as a great habitat for many species of birds.
• Why is Surfers Point Beach popular with surfers?
  • The beach point faces south, forcing the waves to curl around it, rolling in consistently. Surfers can ride these waves all the way to the Ventura City Pier.
• What other water sports are common at Surfers Point Beach?
  • West of the point, windsurfers and kiteboarders start their show as soon as the wind picks up.
• What are the nearby attractions to Surfers Point Beach?
  • West of the point is Emma Wood State Beach, while to the east is Seaside Park and the Promenade, a path that takes visitors straight to the pier.
• Is Surfers Point Beach a good place for families?
  • If you are wondering what to do in Ventura with kids, head to Surfers Point Beach. The beach has several picnic tables and benches, as well as restrooms and showers.
• Is Surfers Point Beach good for swimming?
  • This beach is not ideal for swimming, but it offers plenty of other activities for visitors to enjoy.

• Where is Emma Wood State Beach located?
  • Emma Wood State Beach is located about two miles west of Ventura.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Emma Wood State Beach?
  • The beach is great for swimming and surfing, but it is especially popular among fishermen who come for perch, cabezon, bass, and corbina.
• Why is Emma Wood State Beach known for its rich fish population?
  • At the southeast end of the park, the Ventura River forms the Ventura River Estuary, creating a great feeding ground for many species of fish and a habitat for wildlife such as raccoons, various songbirds, and great blue herons.
• What marine life can be spotted near the shore?
  • Visitors can often see dolphins swimming just offshore.
• Are there any historical landmarks at Emma Wood State Beach?
  • Yes, visitors can explore the crumbling ruins of a coastal artillery site from World War II.
• What scenic views can be enjoyed from the beach?
  • The beach offers a lovely view of the Channel Islands.
• Is camping allowed at Emma Wood State Beach?
  • Camping is allowed in the park but is very basic.

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

• Can bikers explore the area around Ventura?
  • Yes, bikers can have lots of fun exploring the area around Ventura.
• Where can bikers ride from Ventura?
  • One great option is to bike to the nearby city of Ojai, nicknamed "Shangri-La" because of its natural beauty and dedication to health and spirituality.
• What is the Ojai Valley Trail?
  • This paved bike path is an easy ride even for beginners and follows an old Ventura-Ojai railway line.
• What can bikers expect along the trail?
  • After passing the first few miles through a fairly industrial area, bikers will reach the beautiful Foster Park on the west.
• Is the trail difficult?
  • The only relatively steep portion of the path is near Foster Park, so taking a break there to enjoy the view is a good idea.
• Are there alternative routes?
  • After passing the park, the path branches off to the picturesque Sulphur Road, which is a bit steeper but offers nice views.
• What should bikers do upon reaching Ojai?
  • If Sulphur Road isn’t on your agenda, continue on the easier path to Ojai and treat yourself to a cold drink and a bit of sightseeing before heading back.

• What is the Rubicon Theatre Company?
  • The Rubicon Theatre Company has been entertaining and educating the residents of Ventura and its visitors for the last 17 seasons through its innovative and original professional theatre productions, annual festivals, special events, and popular education programs.
• How many productions has Rubicon Theatre Company presented?
  • The company has provided Ventura residents with over 110 productions of contemporary and classic dramas, musicals, and comedies.
• Does Rubicon Theatre Company offer educational programs?
  • Yes, they have served more than 42,000 students through their after-school programs and special events.
• Has Rubicon Theatre Company received any awards?
  • Rubicon has won numerous awards for its theatrical productions as well as for its service to the community.
• Where is the Rubicon Theatre located?
  • Rubicon’s small and intimate main stage is located in downtown Ventura on Main Street.
• Is the Rubicon Theatre a good date idea in Ventura?
  • If you are looking for romantic date ideas in Ventura, watching a performance at the Rubicon Theatre Company is a great option.
• What is the address and contact information for Rubicon Theatre?
  • 1006 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001, 805-667-2900

• What is Island Packers?
  • Island Packers can make your trip to Ventura even better by taking you to the beautiful Channel Islands in full comfort with their fleet of luxurious catamarans and cruisers.
• What are the Channel Islands known for?
  • Five magnificent islands, often called the American Galapagos, are known for their rich plant and animal life, some of which are unique to the islands.
• What types of trips does Island Packers offer?
  • Island Packers offers a range of cruises, from short day-trips to island camping, allowing visitors to explore the wildlife, enjoy whale watching, or cruise the Ventura Harbor.
• Who runs Island Packers?
  • Island Packers is a family-run company, and they have been sharing their passion for the Channel Islands with thousands of visitors since 1968.
• What is the address and contact information for Island Packers?
  • 1691 Spinnaker Dr #105B, Ventura, California, Phone: 805-642-1393