Things to Do in Ventura, California
Ventura is one of the best and most unique spots in the Golden State, an underrated favorite that always delivers a coastal escape full of character.
Ventura activities are some of the most unique and underrated experiences on the California coast. Over the years, Ventura has become one of my favorite seaside cities to explore.
I love how Ventura offers the best mix of laid-back beach vibes, historic charm, and outdoor adventure. It’s the kind of place where you can surf in the morning, wander through artsy downtown streets in the afternoon, and end the day with a stunning Pacific sunset.
What makes Ventura truly unique to me is its variety. You can take a boat to the Channel Islands, stroll along Ventura Pier and Promenade, shop local boutiques, or simply relax on uncrowded beaches. It’s the perfect balance of activity and relaxation, which makes every visit memorable.
So if you’re planning a trip, think about what excites you most: ocean adventures, cultural gems, or just soaking up small-town California charm.
Best Things to Do in Ventura, CA
Waves and wanderings at 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 remember leaning over the railing and thinking, “This is exactly where I need to be right now.” The rhythm of the waves and the hum of conversation made the whole promenade feel alive in the gentlest way.
What I Loved Most: Sitting at the edge of the pier during golden hour, watching the sky shift colors while pelicans glided low over the surf.
My highlights? A casual lunch at Beach House Fish 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.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 750 Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA
- Hours: Open daily, 6 AM – 10 PM
- Cost: Free to access; food and parking vary
- Vibe: Relaxed, classic, family-friendly
- Good For: Sunset walks, people-watching, oceanfront dining
Stillness and spirit at Mission Basilica San Buenaventura
Stepping into the Mission Basilica San Buenaventura was like entering a quiet that echoed. The air smelled faintly of wax and wood, and the cool stone offered relief from the sun. I sat in a pew for a while, listening to the hush and thinking, “Some places ask for silence, not because they demand it, but because they deserve it.” The gardens outside were just as moving, with shaded paths and blooming peace.
What I Loved Most: The historic altar lit by candles, and the way light filtered through stained glass onto the floor, soft and reverent.
My highlights? A cappuccino and almond croissant afterward from Palermo Coffee nearby. I sat at a patio table, notebook open, letting the quiet linger a little longer.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 211 E Main St, Ventura, CA
- Hours: Daily 10 AM – 5 PM; check schedule for mass times
- Cost: Small suggested donation for entry
- Vibe: Sacred, historic, serene
- Good For: History buffs, spiritual seekers, architecture lovers
Stories and snapshots at The Museum of Ventura County
This wasn’t just a museum...it felt like Ventura’s memory bank. Each room held pieces of lives lived here, from Chumash artifacts to mid-century surf culture. I wandered slowly, pulled in by the personal details, letters, photos, everyday objects that whispered, “We were here.” I remember standing in front of a black-and-white image of a farm family and thinking, “History feels different when it’s rooted in place.”
What I Loved Most: The thoughtful curation of local stories, and the way the exhibits made space for both past and present to breathe together.
My highlights? 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.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 100 E Main St, Ventura, CA
- Hours: Thurs–Sun, 11 AM – 5 PM
- Cost: $10 general admission; discounts available
- Vibe: Introspective, local, curated with care
- Good For: Art and history lovers, travelers curious about community roots
Bloom and breath at Ventura Botanical Gardens
As I climbed the hillside trail through the Ventura Botanical Gardens, the scent of lavender and sun-warmed sage surrounded me. The city fell away below, and every turn in the path brought a new color, a new view, a new reason to pause. I remember sitting on a stone bench mid-hike and thinking, “This is the kind of beauty that asks nothing of you.” It wasn’t just a garden, it was a meditation on space and place.
What I Loved Most: The Chilean terraces and their vibrant succulents, and the panoramic view of the Pacific that felt like it belonged in a dream.
My highlights? A fresh-pressed juice and avocado toast from Sunflowers on the Square back downtown. Bright, simple flavors that echoed the freshness of the trail.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 567 S Poli St, Ventura, CA
- Hours: Tues–Sun, 9 AM – 5 PM
- Cost: $7 entrance fee; members free
- Vibe: Natural, serene, inspiring
- Good For: Hikers, plant lovers, photographers
Golden silence at Serra Cross Park
The drive up to Serra Cross felt like a quiet journey upward, and the reward at the top was more than just a view, it was a moment. The cross stood tall and still, a gentle sentinel above the city, and the sky around it melted into gold. I remember leaning on the fence and thinking, “Some places fill you with peace before you even know you needed it.” The hush up there wasn’t lonely, it was full.
What I Loved Most: Watching the sunset with others who had come just to sit in the silence. It felt communal, reverent, and timeless.
My highlights? A takeout dinner from Spencer Makenzie's. I had crispy fish tacos and sweet potato fries which I enjoyed picnic-style on the hill, watching the light fade over the rooftops.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 699 Brakey Rd, Ventura, CA
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Cost: Free
- Vibe: Scenic, spiritual, contemplative
- Good For: Sunset watchers, reflection, quiet moments
Salt spray and rhythm at Surfers Point Beach
Surfers Point wasn’t polished or posed. It was raw, alive, and in motion. I walked barefoot across smooth stones and felt the pulse of the ocean in every gust of wind. The surfers were already out, cutting across the waves with grace that felt almost choreographed. I remember watching one ride all the way in and thinking, “This is a kind of poetry I’ll never write, but I’m glad I get to watch.” The sea was the star here, and everyone knew it.
What I Loved Most: Sitting on a driftwood log with seafoam at my feet, the sun warming my shoulders as kite surfers painted arcs across the sky.
My highlights? A warm post-beach bowl from Pacific by NoRu. I had ahi poke over jasmine rice, mango slaw, and sriracha aioli. Light, fresh, and full of flavor that matched the energy of the waves.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Shoreline Dr & Figueroa St, Ventura, CA
- Hours: Open access, best in early morning or late afternoon
- Cost: Free
- Vibe: Energetic, natural, surf-focused
- Good For: Surfing, walking, ocean watching, photography
Driftwood dreams at Emma Wood State Beach
Emma Wood State Beach felt wild in the most beautiful way. There were no crowds, no lifeguard towers, just sea and sky and the sound of your own footsteps in the sand. Driftwood lined the shore like forgotten sculptures, and the breeze carried the scent of eucalyptus and salt. I remember standing at the water’s edge and thinking, “This is the kind of quiet that heals.” The waves rolled in steadily, unbothered, eternal.
What I Loved Most: The contrast of rugged rock and soft sand, and the way the sun lit up the water in the early evening. It was pure, untouched California.
My highlights? I brought a packed lunch: a turkey and brie sandwich from Palm & Boy Coffee and a bottle of sparkling water. I ate it cross-legged on the sand, toes buried, ocean sparkling out in front of me.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Off Pacific Coast Hwy 101, Ventura, CA
- Hours: 8 AM – sunset
- Cost: $10 vehicle day-use fee
- Vibe: Wild, simple, calming
- Good For: Beachcombing, solitude, rustic nature time
Ventura Food Tours
Ventura Food Tours offers a three-and-a-half-hour whirlwind walking tour of the best food spots Ventura has to offer.
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 in Southern California:
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.
