Source:Harold Litwiler
Ventura serves as the center point for tourist to visit the Channel Islands and Southern California Coast. Whatever be the interest of the tourist visiting Ventura, vacationers are ensured to be astonished by the quantity of things to do in Ventura. It’s charming weather throughout the year makes people love the outdoors and enjoy the activities. Some of the most famous highlights of the city are Strawberry Festival and Ojai Music Festival . Adventure aficionados can appreciate whale watching, kayaking in the Channel Islands, angling, and notwithstanding taking surfing lessons on the shorelines. Below are some of the best things to do in Ventura.
1. Ventura Pier and Promenade
Source: Harold Litwiler
Since 1872, the Ventura Pier is showcased the historical past of the city when the farming, development, and oil commercial enterprises were flourishing. Today, the Ventura Pier is a vacation destination, a most loved spot for angling, and the best spot for watching sunset, sea, beach activities, and the Channel Islands. Besides extraordinary angling opportunities, it has a pleasant sand play area at its base with children’s swings.On both sides of the dock is the well-known San Buenaventura State Beach.
Information
- Name: Ventura Pier and Promenade
- Parking: Yes
- Address: Ventura Pier, Ventura, CA 93001, USA
2. McGrath State Beach Campground
Source: Ken Lund
Actually, McGrath State Beach is in Oxnard, however, it’s short separation from Ventura Harbor and beautiful nature gain it a spot on this page. The beach is open to visitors during the daytime. McGrath State Beach is among one of the famous bird watching spot in California, with Santa Clara River river banks and sand ridges along the shore. One can explore about 200,000 species of birds. The Santa Clara River makes a settling living space and flying creature estuary between the campground and the shoreline which implies access to the shoreline requires strolling around it .
Information
- Name: McGrath State Beach Campground
- Contact Details : (805) 968-1033
- Address: Oxnard, CA 93036, USA
- Dogs Allowed: Yes
3. Ventura Botanical Gardens
A garden which was the dream seed of local residents of Ventura, Ventura Botanical Gardens comprises of more than 160 species of plants prevalently from the Mediterranean atmosphere areas of the world, blended with a couple of more colorful sub-tropical species. Though it still is in progress, however when it gets finished Ventura Botanical Gardens will incorporate gardens from world’s five Mediterranean atmosphere zones, and also open social affair zones and botanic research centers and accumulation spaces, book stalls, gifts shop, dining facilities and also a center for events.
Information
- Name: Ventura Botanical Gardens
- Address: 501 Poli St Ventura, CA 93001
- Website: http://venturabotanicalgardens.com/
4. Surfers Point Beach
Source: mmcothern
Surfers Point Beach is situated in the Seaside Park where Ventura River meets the ocean. The shoreline point confronts south, constraining the waves to twist around it, and they come in consistently. Surfers can ride these waves the distance to the Ventura City Pier. The shoreline has a few open-air tables and seats, restrooms, and showers. It is mainly good for surfing activities, swimming is not advised at this beach.
Information
- Name: Surfers Point Beach
- Parking: Yes , $2.00 per hour
- Address: Shoreline Dr, Ventura, CA 93001
5. Emma Wood State Beach
Source: Kathleen Luschek
Emma Wood State Beach Park, situated around 2 miles from Ventura, is an awesome beach for swimming & surfing, however, is particularly well known for the fishing spot in Ventura. You can frequently see dolphins swimming nearby the beach itself. If you are not a great fan of fishing then you can explore the area – there are disintegrating vestiges of a ship with mounted guns site from the world war. You can likewise appreciate a beautiful perspective of the Channel Islands from the shoreline.
Information
- Name: Emma Wood State Beach
- Parking: Yes
- Contat Details: (805) 968-1033
- Address: Pacific Coast Hwy, Ventura, CA 93001
6. Mullin Automotive Museum
Source: Andrew Bone
It is a collection of well-known automotive collector Peter Mullin , sufficiently generous to showcase his amazing collection to the public. His showcase of excellent French cars from 1920 and 30’s incorporate some of the world-class brands such as Bugattis, Voisins, and much more. Mullin Automotive Museum is open to public only for few days in the month. Mullin additionally fused French furniture and beautifying art deco into the museum display, close by the tasteful elements of the car industry.
Information
- Name:Mullin Automotive Museum
- Parking: Yes
- Address: 1421 Emerson Ave, Oxnard, CA 93033
- Timings: 10AM – 1PM
7. Enjoy Beer at Surf Brewery
Enjoy some of the best beers in the city at Surf Brewery, where they trust that beer of California are the world’s best, including their own beers. You can see whether you concur with them or not at their extensive, fun, and constantly bustling tasting room appended to the brewery. The stylistic layout is a mixed blend of a surf and museum dedicated to the history of beer with some truly well-known surfboards. Also, you can enjoy movies showcasing surfing videos inside the bar. Saturday is the best time for visiting this bar. It does not serve any food, but you can find a food truck just outside the bar.
Information
- Name: Surf Brewery
- Parking: Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Address: 4561 Market St, Ventura, CA 93003
- Timings: 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm
8. Ventura County Fair
Source: Clotee Allochuku
This yearly spectacle happens right beside the shoreline and conveys everything from a parade to ranch creatures, where you can even watch pig races! You’ll likewise discover fair rides and various live events, musical events and enough divine treats to make you shiver with enjoyment. Group shows, for example, photography and patio nursery shows unite members and spectators for an opportunity to praise local talents of the city.
Information
- Name: Ventura County Fair
- Parking: Yes
- Address: 10 W Harbor Blvd, Ventura
- Timings: 12AM–11:59PM
- Website: http://www.venturacountyfair.org/
9. Golfing in Ventura
Source: Dan Perry
Ventura offers a classy golf experience for both novices and experts alike. Ventura Golf clubs play host to an assortment of title competitions and corporate occasions. They additionally offer a wide choice of classes and individual guideline from eminent golf geniuses. Some of the famous golf grounds in Ventura are Buenaventura Golf Course, Olivas Links, Saticoy Country Club, and Saticoy Regional Golf Course. So if you are a golf person you may go to any of these world-class golf course in Ventura.
10. Channel Islands Harbor
Source: Ken Lund
This harbor is a get-together place for people who adore the ocean: cruising on it, enjoying waters sports in it and rolling along its shores. Along the Channel Islands Harbor, you’ll discover a large group of eateries and shops, also various hotels, yacht clubs and so forth. On the off chance that you need, you can rent bicycles or boats, enjoy water sports and picnic, or essentially appreciate the climate and the landscape. Various events like Pirate Days and others takes place at the harbor.
Information
- Name: Channel Islands Harbor
- Parking: Yes
- Address: 3850 Harbor Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93035
- Website: http://www.channelislandsharbor.org/
11. Fishing in Ventura
Source: snapper
Ventura is a famous fishing area in California with an unending list of spots , from fishing in saltwater in Ventura and Oxnard to fishing in freshwater of inland lakes. Waterfront areas of Ventura and Channel Islands are best destinations of ocean fishing here. Otherwise, Lake Casitas offers the best freshwater fishing experience in California Southern areas, also, you can enjoy fishing rainbow trout at Lake Piru.
12. Ventura Harbor Village
Ventura Harbor Village is one of the most famous places in Ventura that offers something for every type of visitor. There are various eateries, shopping places, area for adventure sports, shorelines and various others. For the individuals who loves land more than water, the harbor offers an assortment of enchanting boutiques to skim in. Get comfortable on one of the yards sitting above the water while savoring fresh fish and a glass of wine. Otherwise, you can take a cruise to the Channel Islands where you can encounter whales and dolphins playing in an ocean.
Information
- Name: Ventura Harbor Village
- Parking: Yes
- Address: 1583 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001
- Timings: 8:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Takes Reservations: Yes
13. Shopping at Downtown Ventura
Source: Nicolás Boullosa
Ventura offers mixed, local shops where you can discover things you won’t see anyplace else. Downtown Ventura, located few steps away from the beachfront promenade, a stroll through Main Street is similar to no other. Immediately, your focus will be attracted by innumerable storefronts. Venture into Heavenly Couture which is a boutique sort store where you can find the latest fashion at 15 dollars or less. On the off chance that you have an occasion coming up like prom or an extravagant supper, then it is sure that you will find an ideal dress here in Downtown Ventura. Overall this place will offer you anything you are trying to find for shopping.
14. Visit Rubicon Theatre Company
Past 17 years, the Rubicon Theater Company has been amusing and teaching the inhabitants of Ventura and its guests through it’s imaginative and unique expert theater productions, yearly celebrations, live occasions, and prominent training programs. Rubicon has won various honors for its dramatic creations and in addition for its support of the local people. Rubicon’s little and private primary stage is situated in downtown Ventura.
Information
- Name: Rubicon Theatre Company
- Parking: Yes
- Address: 1006 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001
- Timings: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Website: http://www.rubicontheatre.org/
15. California Strawberry Festival
Source: Clotee Allochuku
This greatly cherished celebration, California Strawberry Festival, draws a large number of guests every year. The crisp, full and ruby red strawberries are tasty in stand-out dishes like the famous shortcake and margaritas. Live groups play great rock and Latin music while Strawberryland takes into account children’s hobbies with a wide range of kids activities and entertainers. Also, there are a number of art and craft stalls along with a number of restaurants for food lovers.
Information
- Name: California Strawberry Festival
- Parking: Yes
- Address: Strawberry Meadows of College Park,3250 S Rose Ave,Oxnard
- Timings: Weekends (10:00 am – 6:30 pm)
- Website: http://strawberry-fest.org/
16. Ventura County Wine Trail
Source: Jim G
Wineries are pretty much an important piece of Ventura County as much importance as the beaches. You must explore , and taste whatever number wines possible and ensure that you hit all the best wineries in the zone. Every year Ventura County Wine Trail presents the wine guide with suggested wineries, restaurants, hotel, and attractions, alongside the subtle elements on each of them, to help you in choosing the best.
Information
- Name: Ventura County Wine Trail
- Address: 3201 Camino Del Sol, Oxnard
- Timings: 8 Am – 5 Pm
- Website: http://www.venturacountywinetrail.com/
17. Lake Casitas Recreation Area
Source: Mitch Barrie
Located in Los Padres National Forest, Lake Casitas was built as an aftereffect of the development of Casitas Dam on Coyote Creek. The lake is a most loved recreational destination for the locals of Ventura and people of the encompassing areas. It features about 400 campgrounds for a wide range of camping facilities, which includes lakeshore camping , amidst the trees, or in the hillside area of the lake. You can also indulge in boating and fishing, hiking and biking, and a fabulous children’s play area.
Information
- Name: Lake Casitas Recreation Area
- Parking: Private Lot
- Address: 11311 Santa Ana Rd, Ventura, CA 93001
- Website : http://www.casitaswater.org/
18. Ojai Music Festival
Source: Ken Lund
With celebration from past 60 years , this revered music celebration is eminent for entertainers, interesting symposia and film screenings in Ventura. The vast majority of the performances occur in the outside area of the Libbey Bowl, making shows more easygoing and engaging. You will find visitors with their picnic items enjoying the festival and music. It takes place during the month of June for 4 consecutive days.
Information
- Name: Ojai Music Festival
- Address: 201 S Signal St, Ojai, CA 93023
- Website: http://www.ojaifestival.org/
- 2016 Festival Dates: June 9-12, 2016
19. Olivas Adobe
Source: Konrad Summers
Built by Raymundo Olivas in 1841, Olivas Adobe is currently a music center in Ventura which gives you a chance to step back in time. Amid the late spring months, you can purchase tickets for the famous Music Under the Stars. Tables will be set up on the patio, all confronting a stage close to the house where a band plays wonderful music. The Music Under The Stars is a must to attend the event in Ventura, where skilled performers play on Saturday in the courtyard.
Information
- Name: Olivas Adobe
- Parking: Yes
- Address: 4200 Olivas Park Dr, Ventura, CA 93001
- Timings: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
20. Spencer Makenzie’s Fish
It’s one of the best places in America to taste fish tacos. Awarded for 7 years consecutively, among top tacos in America, best shrimps burrito in the nation – no big surprise individuals loves eating the tacos from Spencer Makenzie’s Fish, which is constantly stuffed. Charming, eccentric, and elegantly decorated in beach style, this extremely prevalent eatery offers relishing sauces and salsas. It is a must visit destination for seafood lovers.
Information
- Name: Spencer Makenzie’s Fish
- Parking: Yes
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Accepts Credit Card: Yes
- Address: 806 E Thompson Blvd,Ventura
- Pricing: Under $10
- Timings: 10:30 am – 9:00 pm
- Website: http://www.spencermakenzies.com/
Ventura pleasant climate and a great number of outdoor activities make it one of the best places for outdoor activities in California . Walk around the Promenade and enjoy the superb white sand shoreline. Stroll down the delightful Ventura Harbor Village with its extraordinary shops, eateries, and open-air bistros. There are endless activities for tourists of which above mentioned are some of the best things to do in Ventura.
Have a good trip and travel!
