Ventura is an often overlooked city in California. Most people don’t even think to stop there, and likely only really know of it because of its historic pier and abundance of thrift shops, but there are so many fun things to do in Ventura that you’re going to want to stop in to check it out.
Ventura is truly an unexpected gem of a destination on the southern California coast, just one and a half hours north of Los Angeles. With its stunning and uncrowded beach, incredibly charming downtown area, and more craft breweries than you can imagine being in one town, Ventura is an ideal day trip destination from many of the top cities in California.
We visited Ventura in early 2022 and fell in love with it so much that we moved there in September. It’s a gorgeous place, and the best part is that it’s not your typical tourist town.
In fact, it’s relatively untouched by tourism. Instead, you have pristine and nearly deserted beaches, a fantastic downtown that’s never too crowded, and plenty of unbridled sunshine.
If you’re planning a trip to Ventura, I’d love to show you all the great things there are to do here, so you can fill up your itinerary and spend a weekend enjoying this wonderful town.
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How to Get to Ventura
To get to Ventura, you have two routes you can take. If you drive along Route 1, which hugs the coastline, you’ll get a sensational beachfront drive that’s really hard to beat. Or you can take the slightly faster route along Highway 101, but it doesn’t have a view.
The driving distance from Los Angeles to Ventura is approximately 63 miles, and the driving time can vary depending on traffic and other factors. On average, it takes about an hour to an hour and half to drive from LA to Ventura.
The driving distance from Santa Barbara to Ventura is approximately 30 miles. On average, it takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour to drive from Santa Barbara to Ventura.
Top Things to Do in Ventura
Once you arrive in Ventura, the first thing you’ll notice is the contrasting beautiful blue waters lapping against white sand beaches and the lush green mountains jutting up in front of you.
The beach in Ventura is a true gem. It’s practically empty most of the year, making you feel like you’re the luckiest person alive to be enjoying such a gorgeous spot.
San Buenaventura State Beach
Spend some time on the beach near the historic pier. It’s the oldest in California. Grab a beer from MadeWest, some tacos from Beach House Tacos, and enjoy lunch on the pier.
There is plenty of parking at San Buenaventura State Beach for $10/day. Near the parking lot you can rent cruiser bikes, electric bikes, or four-wheel Surrey cycles from Wheel Fun Rentals. We see people peddling along the paved pier path all the time. It’s a great time.
We like to spend time in San Buenaventura park, which meanders along the waterfront. There are picnic tables and bathrooms, plus nice walking paths to the beach. You might even be lucky enough to visit while The Jolly Oyster is open. It’s a raw oyster bar food truck that’s delicious.
Ventura Beach is known for its excellent surfing conditions, and there are many surf schools and rental shops in the area.
Ventura Pier and Promenade
Stroll along the Ventura Pier and Promenade for breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Ventura’s beautiful coastline. It’s one of the longest piers on the California coast, stretching out majestically into the Pacific Ocean, offering sweeping views of the coastline and the Channel Islands.
Our favorite thing to do at the pier is to grab a beer at MadeWest, a brewery located at the end of the pier, or get some tacos or a plate of grilled fish at Eric Ericsson’s Fish underneath the brewery, and just sit out on the picnic tables enjoying the view.
Wheel Fun Bike Rentals is located just on the beach next to the pier and you can rent bikes, electric bikes, or Surreys there. I often see families riding along the promenade in a surrey (which is a bit like a tuk tuk or a bicycle carriage).
Ojai Valley Trail
If you’re looking for something active to do, a great idea is to rent a bike from Wheel Fun and take a bike ride up the 9-mile Ojai Valley Trail that parallels Route 33 and leads all the way up to Ojai, which a cute little town in its own right.
The trail is paved and well maintained. You’ll see many other bikes, walkers, and runners on the path. It’s a great way to spend a sunny day.
Main Street
From the beach, it’s a quick walk to Main Street, where you’ll find dozens of boutique shops, thrift stores, antiques, great restaurants, breweries, cocktail spots, and coffee shops.
A few streets of the downtown area have been turned into a pedestrian only zone, so there are lots of outdoor spaces to eat and grab a cocktail. Plus, you can stroll around shopping without worrying about traffic.
We like the downtown area for an afternoon of shopping and strolling. There are a few really nice homeware stores. I’m in love with Plum Gift Boutique and the little plant store that’s in the back, called Fiddle & Fern. Apparently Ventura used to be known as the thrift store capital of California. There are still quite a few thrift stores downtown.
After walking around, head to a seafood restaurant like Rumfish y Vino or Lure, or grab a cocktail at Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust or The Saloon. These are all great options for an afternoon in Ventura.
San Buenaventura Mission
If you’re interested in history, the San Buenaventura Mission is a historic and cultural landmark nestled in the heart of downtown. It was founded in 1782 by Father Junipero Serra. Take in the beautiful architecture, learn about its rich history, and enjoy the peaceful gardens surrounding this historical mission. The museum displays artifacts from over 200 years ago.
Renowned as the ninth and last mission founded by Serra, the mission is a testament to early Spanish colonial architecture and history. You can explore its serene gardens, beautifully preserved church, and the extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits detailing the mission’s history and the life of the Chumash people. The mission’s bell tower has picturesque views of the city and the Pacific Ocean.
Ventura Botanical Gardens
The Ventura Botanical Gardens, tucked into the hillside behind Ventura City Hall, is a 107-acre sanctuary that showcases Mediterranean climate plants from around the world. The Gardens’ network of trails is a great way to take in the stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Channel Islands, and the city of Ventura.
As you meander through the diverse plant collections, you’ll encounter a variety of flora, including the remarkable Chilean gardens and the South African plant exhibit. The Garden is not just a visual treat, it’s also a learning center promoting conservation, environmental education, and the celebration of the natural beauty of Ventura County.
Ventura Harbor Village
Once you’ve left downtown, the next fun spot to check out is Ventura Harbor Village. There are a variety of shops, restaurants, and family-friendly attractions. You can rent a paddle boat (swans, dragons, and ducks available!) or a kayak to take out into the calm waters of the harbor, you can play around at Harbor Cove Beach, or even play a game at the beach volleyball courts.
We often go there around sunset to grab a glass of wine at Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room, then grab some dinner at the Boatyard Pub or Brophy Bros., then grab an ice cream at Coastal Cone & Parlor. There’s also an Escape Room game and a comedy club at the harbor.
If you wanted to go whale watching or on a harbor cruise, this is where it leaves from. You can also get a ferry out to the Channel Islands from here with Island Packers.
The village is also home to weekend festivals and events throughout the year, so be sure to check the local event calendar during your visit.
Kayaking and Sailing
The Ventura Harbor is the perfect place for kayaking and sailing enthusiasts. You don’t have to bring your own equipment, and you don’t even have to know what you’re doing. You can rent equipment or take a class to explore the harbor and the nearby Channel Islands. The calm waters and breathtaking coast make this activity an unforgettable experience.
Surfing
Ventura’s beaches are known for their fantastic waves and talented surfers. The stretch of coastline along Ventura offers great surfing throughout the year. If you’re already experienced, you’ll know what to do, but if you’re a beginner, you’ll want to call up Ventura Surf School and book a lesson. They run them on a demand basis, so just give them a call to set up a lesson.
Whale Watching
During the migration season, you have the opportunity to witness the magnificence of whales as they pass by Ventura’s coastline. Head to the harbor and embark on a guided whale watching tour, providing unforgettable up-close encounters with these gentle giants.
There are over 28 species of whales and dolphins that inhabit the waters of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, so it’s very likely that you’ll see more than you expected, depending on the time of year you go. We once were lucky enough to see a dolphin stampede in the waters between Ventura and the Channel Islands, and I can tell you it was absolutely a once in a lifetime experience.
Ventura Spirits
Ventura Spirits is a craft distillery that started up in 2011, run by 4 guys. They’re making some unique spirits like YOLO, California’s version of a tequila, Amaro, Limoncello, and Prickly Pear brandy. If you have a few hours on your hands, you can head out to the distillery for a tasting and tour.
The distillery is located on 3891 N. Ventura Ave. Drop-in tastings ($12) are available Monday through Friday from 12:00pm – 5:00pm. Reserved tastings take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Craft Breweries
Located all around Ventura and neighboring Oxnard are more than 11 craft breweries that you can visit, such as Topa Topa Brewing Company, Seaward Brewing, and Transmission Brewing. We’ve been to every single one of them and definitely have our favorites, but there are many experiences to be had. Here are a few highlights:
- Topa Topa has an incredible outdoor oasis of a space at 4880 Colt St. There’s always a food truck and (usually) lots of sun.
- Transmission Brewing has a location at 1098 E Front St that shares a space with Topper’s Pizza (also one of our favorite pizza places in town). Grab a beer and a pizza!
- Bellringer Brewery, one of the newest breweries in town, has an incredible double smash burger that you must try!
- Leashless Brewing, housed in an old tire shop, is a certified organic brewery crafting gluten and gluten-reduced Belgian styles and IPAs. You can order food from Barrelhouse 101 next door.
Channel Islands National Park
A visit to Ventura isn’t complete without exploring the breathtaking Channel Islands National Park. Comprising five beautiful remote islands, this park is known for its unique plants, wildlife, and archaeological resources.
There is only one company allowed to take visitors out there, Island Packers, so you’ll want to visit their website to get ferry tickets. It’s the only way to get there. Once you’re there, it’s hiking, bird-watching, snorkeling, and even spot some seals and sea-lions.
There are no facilities on the island, so it’s a very rustic and off-the-beaten-path experience. Be prepared with everything you need for the day.
Santa Rosa Island is very rare. It offers stunning views, outdoor activities, and a chance to experience the natural beauty of California with hardly any people and absolutely no services on land. There aren’t many places like this in the U.S.
Channel Islands Harbor
If you’ve got a bit more time on your hands, visit Channel Islands Harbor, in Oxnard, where you can rent a pontoon boat and float around the harbor. It costs something like $80 for an hour, and you can putt around all the fingers of the harbor with some wine and cheese on board.
On Sunday’s there’s a farmer’s market from 10am to 2pm, and there are plenty of places to stop for a drink or bite to eat with a view. You can also rent bikes from another location of Wheel Fun Rentals, or you can take out a kayak on the calm waters.
Accommodations
Hotels
If you are looking for a hotel with ocean views, the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach is your best bet. The Ventura Beach Marriott is very close walking distance, but no views. Another popular hotels is the Amanzi Hotel, all located near the Ventura Pier and Promenade.
While in Ventura, you can also find budget-friendly options for your stay. Here is a list of hotels for you to browse and select the perfect accommodation within your budget.
Useful Information
Transportation and Parking
You can easily access the city by car via Highway 101 or use public transportation options like Amtrak. The Surfliner train station is easy walking distance from everything. If you prefer more sustainable modes of transport, consider renting a bike to explore the city and take advantage of Ventura’s well-developed network of bike lanes.
Parking in Ventura is generally hassle-free. There are numerous free public parking lots and if you can’t find a spot there (which has never happened to us), you can park on-street for pretty cheap. Make use of the Downtown Ventura parking map to find convenient parking locations near popular attractions.
Weather
Ventura’s climate can be described as Mediterranean, with mild temperatures year-round and an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Here’s a brief overview of the weather conditions you can expect during your visit:
- Spring (March-May): Ranging from 55°F (13°C) to 68°F (20°C), spring days in Ventura are generally sunny and mild, with occasional rain showers. There is a period of time from May to June that’s a bit gloomy. Locals call it May Grey and June Gloom. You’ve been warned.
- Summer (June-August): Summer temperatures in Ventura typically average around 75°F (24°C) during the day, with cooler evenings. Coastal fog can roll in during the morning hours, often burning off by the afternoon.
- Fall (September-November): Fall temperatures in Ventura vary between 58°F (14°C) and 78°F (25°C), with shorter days and cooler nights as the season progresses.
- Winter (December-February): Winter in Ventura sees chilly temperatures between 45°F (7°C) and 65°F (18°C), with occasional rainfall. It’s essential to pack layers to stay warm during colder periods.
Keep in mind that weather can always be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to check the local forecast before venturing out and pack appropriate clothing for possible weather changes during your visit.
» Looking for more inspiration along the route? Check out all our guides to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Diego. Find the best beaches in Monterey, waterfalls in Southern California, and national parks.
Travel Planning Guide
🚙💨 Where should I book my rental car?
Renting a car is one of the best ways to get around in California, no matter where you’re visiting. Public transportation can only get your so far, even in big cities. I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks the prices of all major rental car companies, so you get the best rates.
🛌 What’s the best way to book my accommodations?
For hotels and vacation rentals, Booking.com or Expedia.com are the best sites, but you can also book through TripAdvisor. If you’re considering renting a house instead, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb.
🧳 What do I pack for California?
Head to the our California Packing List or Disneyland Packing List to get all the info on packing.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to California?
For finding cheap California flights from around the world, I recommend Skyscanner. I’ve also had pretty good luck with Kayak.com.
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Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.