11 Incredible Experiences You Can Only Have in Ventura, CA
HOME TO CLASSIC SURF BREAKS, carefree vibes, and 250 days of sunshine a year, Ventura is the quintessential California beach town. Think sweeping coastline and swaying palms, flip flops, wetsuits, old Volvos hauling surfboards, fish tacos and Tecate beer, and sunsets that never seem to end.
Despite being sandwiched between two of the state’s wealthiest regions, Ventura is decidedly laid-back. Expect an unpretentious-yet-dynamic scene. The arts play a big role here, and all those creative types need places to mingle. This means an abundance of bustling bars, cafes, restaurants, and music venues. Add in the surrounding area, and Ventura kinda seems to have it all. Here are 11 experiences not to miss.
1. Surfing one of the best waves in the continental US
It’s hard to find a Venturan who doesn’t surf at least occasionally. This may have something to do with year-round breaks suitable for all levels.
Up the coast, at the Cove section of Rincon, the wave of surfer dreams forms September through January. When sand, swell, wind, and tide line up, it’s flawless. Mondos has small, mellow waves perfect for beginners and longboard cruising.
Maybe all this is why professional surfer, environmental activist, and all-around superstar Mary Osborne has her digs
2. Grabbing authentic Mexican at Lalo’s, Cuernavaca, and Johnny’s
Amazing Mexican food in Ventura County is commonplace. And I don’t mean white-washed Tex-Mex; I mean Mexican-grandma-style food. These three perennial favorites are all found on Ventura Avenue downtown.
3. Taking the Ventura brewery tour
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Start out sampling beer inside
Definitely check out
4. Sunset hiking at Arroyo Verde Park
A ten-minute drive from Ventura’s harbor leads to this sprawling hillside 9-5 escape, just north of downtown. Over 100 acres of grass provides room for picnics, sports, and dogs to run free, but it’s the trails above that make
A haven for trail runners, these undulating paths more often than not lead to wide-open views of Ventura, the Pacific, and epic sunsets. The 2.9-mile loop trail gives you an orientation (with some incline), but there are lots of forking trails to choose from. You’ll need to bring $2 on weekends for parking, but admission — and ocean views — are free.
5. Thrift store crawling through Ventura culture on Main Street
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Minutes from the beach, downtown Main Street blends local heritage with an always-fresh lineup of independent shops and eateries. Tattoo parlors and bookstores neighbor modern wine bars and fine restaurants. For some local history, join a tour or explore on your own at the
Hunt for secondhand treasures on a “thrift shop crawl” in downtown’s many secondhand shops — shoes, knickknacks, frying pans, whatever you need is on offer here. Grab coffee at
Other standouts include:
6. Exploring Ventura Harbor Village
In operation since 1963, Ventura Harbor is a launching pad to adventure and offers ample waterfront dining options.
Guided diving and fishing excursions run daily from here, too. Sunset kayaking or SUPing with a backdrop of Topa Topa Mountain bathed in pink light never disappoints.
7. Hiking the botanical gardens
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One of the best panoramas in Ventura is seen from this hill behind city hall at
8. Beachside schucking at the Jolly Oyster
Buy fresh, sustainably farmed oysters and clams at
The real kicker? You can bring your own cooler full of beer, champagne, or white wine to wash down the shellfish. It’s completely legal. But don’t get too carried away — schucking knives and drunkenness don’t mix. If you plan to hang out a while, you’ll have to pay the $10 park fee, well worth it to keep this beachside tradition going.
9. Seeing live music at the Majestic Ventura Theater and Bombay Bar & Grill
Photo: Albert Munoz for
For the best burger in town paired with local music nearly every night, check out
You can also catch national touring acts at the palatial 1920s-era
10. Grabbing discount Patagonia gear at Real Cheap Sports
A local favorite since 1981,
11. Discovering Channel Islands National Park with Island Packers
Head out into the Pacific Ocean with
Santa Cruz Island is the largest — three times the size of Manhattan — and offers 360-degree views from its many trails and sea kayaking along its craggy perimeter. Rent a kayak and explore the sea caves along its coast (including one of the largest and deepest in the world), or camp, surf, sail, snorkel, dive, or just chill out. Sometimes called “the American Galapagos,” Santa Cruz Island alone is home to 60 different species of flora and fauna that don’t exist anywhere else on Earth.
