Nature has been generous to Ventura. The city is snuggled between the Ventura River and the Santa Clara River valleys. I love this land of abundance, great natural beauty and a relaxed Southern California beach city vibe. You can look forward to a lively art scene, downtown galleries and museums. I like to take in the views from the Ventura Botanical Gardens. Sitting on the beach and watching the world go by is my second favorite.
My favorites by type of traveler:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Surf or kayak at Ventura Beach
- For History Buffs: Step back in time at Mission San Buenaventura
- For Shoppers: Browse the boutiques of Downtown Ventura
- For Couples: Take a sunset stroll on Ventura Pier
- For Families: Visit Ventura Harbor Village
Best Time to Visit Ventura, CA
The best time to visit Ventura is year-round thanks to its Mediterranean climate. I visited in mid-May and the weather was ideal
How to Get to Ventura, CA
- If you are traveling by car: Ventura is located off US-101, about 1.5 hours northwest of Los Angeles and 30 minutes south of Santa Barbara.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner stops in downtown Ventura, offering scenic coastal rail service from San Diego to San Luis Obispo.
- By Bus: Gold Coast Transit and regional services connect Ventura to nearby cities and LA Metro transit options.
Where to Stay in Ventura, CA
- Waypoint Ventura – Stay in a retro-chic vintage trailer park steps from the beach and downtown.
- Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach – Oceanfront hotel with modern amenities right next to the Ventura Pier.
- Inn On The Beach – Cozy beachfront inn with sweeping views of the Pacific and easy beach access.
Best Things to Do in Ventura, CA
1. Ventura Pier and Promenade
Built in 1872, the Ventura Pier is a symbol of Ventura’s past when the agriculture, construction, and oil industries were thriving. Today, the Ventura Pier is a tourist attraction, a favorite spot for fishing, and the best spot for admiring the sunset, ocean, coastline, and the Channel Islands. The ageing 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 the steel pilings, and it is the eighth longest pier in California. Besides great fishing, it has a nice 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 the current efforts to raise funds for its restoration and conservation. On both sides of the pier is the popular San Buenaventura State Beach.
2. Mission Basilica San Buenaventura - in the heart of downtown Ventura
Franciscan priest Junipero Serra founded Mission Basilica San Buenaventura in 1782 with the goal of converting the native Chumash people to Catholicism and Spanish way of life. Burned to the ground, rebuilt in 1809, and shaken by a series of earthquakes and threatened by pirates, the mission has a rich and turbulent past. The Mission Church is a magnificent working church open to Catholics and non-Catholics. It features an 1809 altar and reredos built in Mexico and a number of other significant art pieces. Visit Mission Museum, which contains some interesting religious artifacts and objects that depict the lives of those who spent their lives in and around the mission. The mission gardens are a lovely place for quiet contemplation. To learn more about the mission, join one of the tours run by highly knowledgeable docents.
3. The Museum of Ventura County - walkable from the pier
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 a core of today’s Museum of Ventura Country. He opened his collection to the public in 1913 as the Pioneer Museum. In 1977, the museum moved to the new 15,000 square foot building near historic Mission San Buenaventura. Today, the museum’s goal is to preserve, interpret, and celebrate Ventura Country’s art, culture, and history through collections, exhibitions, events, programs, research, their library, and various publications. The Agricultural Museum was added in 2011. The Museum of Ventura County is one of the best things to do in Ventura, CA for history lovers. The most important museum collection is the Fine Arts and Historical Artifacts collection with over 30,000 works of art and historical objects, including works of John Nava, Omar d’Leon, Jessie Arms Botke, Beatrice Wood, Horace Bristol, and over 200 historical figures by George Stuart, celebrated Ojai artist and historian. There is also a significant collection of artifacts left by Ventura’s early inhabitants.
Address: 100 E Main St, Ventura, California
Phone: 805-653-0323
4. Ventura Botanical Gardens - 1.5 hours from Los Angeles
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. Its core is Grant Park in the steep foothills above Ventura, a 107-acres of spectacular green space with 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. You can already enjoy the first completed trail, the Demonstration Trail, which is about a mile long and surfaced with decomposed granite and hand-made stone walls. The collection at the Botanical Gardens contains 160 plant species mostly from the Mediterranean regions. They also have a few sub-tropical species, a small Mediterranean pine forest, a Eucalyptus forest that consists of seven species, and a large swath of mixed California native plants.
Address: 567 Poli St, Ventura, CA 93001
Phone: 805-232-3113
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
5. Serra Cross Park - Just minutes from downtown Ventura
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 on it. The cross was to serve as a road sign for travelers looking for the mission. The original cross has been destroyed by elements many times, but it has never been forgotten. The residents not only replaced it but also enlarged the original area where it stood and created the Serra Cross Park in 1918 on 107 acres donated to the City by Kenneth and Tonie Grant. The current park has been improved and landscaped over the years and is today a favorite spot for watching the sunset over the ocean or enjoying the view of the city below.
Address: Grant Park, Ventura, CA
For Beach Lovers:
6. Surfers Point Beach - Bike from downtown Ventura
Surfers Point Beach is located next to the Seaside Park at the mouth of Ventura River. The river goes behind the beach, forming a lagoon – a great habitat for many species of birds. The beach point faces south, forcing the waves to curl around it, and they roll in consistently. Surfers can ride these waves all the way to the Ventura City Pier. West of the point windsurfers and kiteboarders start their show as soon as the wind picks up. Also to the west of the point is Emma Wood State Beach, while to the east is Seaside Park and the Promenade, a path that takes you straight to the pier. If you are wondering what to do in Ventura with kids, head to Surfers Point Beach. The beach has several picnic tables and benches, restrooms, and showers. This beach is not much fun for swimming.
Address: Shoreline Dr, Ventura, CA 93001
7. Emma Wood State Beach - 5 minutes from downtown Ventura
Emma Wood State Beach Park, located about two miles west of Ventura, is great for swimming and surfing, but is especially popular among fishermen who go there for perch, cabezon, bass, and corbina. There is a good reason for such a rich 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 great habitat for other wildlife such as raccoons, various songbirds, and great blue herons. You can often see dolphins swimming just offshore. Exploring the park is fun even if you are not into fishing – there are crumbling ruins of a coastal artillery site from the WWII. You can also enjoy a lovely view of the Channel Islands from the beach. Camping in the park is allowed but very basic.
Address: Ventura, CA 93001
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
8. Ojai Bike Path - 15 miles one way
Bikers can have lots of fun exploring the area around Ventura. Why not bike to the nearby city of Ojai, nicknamed "Shangri-La" because of its natural beauty and dedication to health and spirituality? This paved bike path is an easy ride even for beginners. The trail is built on an old Ventura-Ojai railway line. After passing the first few miles of a fairly industrial area, you will come to the beautiful Foster Park on your west. This is the only relatively steep portion of the path, so take a break after that and enjoy the view. Soon after passing the park, the path branches off to the picturesque Sulphur Road, which is a little steeper but has nice views. If that’s not 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.
Trail Access: Ojai Valley Trail, Ventura County, CA
9. Rubicon Theatre Company - walkable from the beach and Mission
For over two decades, the Rubicon Theatre Company has been entertaining and educating the residents of Ventura and its visitors through its innovative and original professional theatre productions, annual festivals, special events, and popular education programs. The company has provided Ventura residents with over 110 productions of contemporary and classic dramas, musicals, and comedies, and they have served more than 42,000 students through their after-school programs and events. Rubicon has won numerous awards for its theatrical productions as well as for its service to the community. Rubicon’s small and intimate main stage is located in downtown Ventura on Main Street. If you are looking for romantic date ideas in Ventura, watch a performance at the Rubicon Theatre Company.
Address: 1006 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001
Phone: 805-667-2900
10. Set Sail for Adventure with Island Packers Tours
Island Packers can make your trip to Ventura even better: they can take you to the beautiful Channel Islands in full comfort with their fleet of luxurious catamarans and cruisers. Five magnificent islands are called the American Galapagos for the riches of plant and animal life, some of them unique to the islands. Island Packers have a range of cruises from short day-trips to island camping, allowing you to explore the wildlife, enjoy whale watching, or cruise the Ventura harbor. The Island Packers are a family-run company, and they have been sharing their passions for the Channel Islands with thousands of visitors since 1968.
Address: 1691 Spinnaker Dr #105B, Ventura, California
Phone: 805-642-1393
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