Nestled between the famous beaches of Malibu and Santa Barbara lies the charming city of Ventura. This laid-back coastal destination may fly under the radar for many Southern California roadtrippers. But for those willing to veer off the busy freeway for a day or two, Ventura offers a delightful blend of beautiful scenery, historic sites, casual vibes, and oceanfront activities.
Why Put Ventura on Your California Itinerary?
So what convinces travelers to exit the 101 and spend some time in Ventura? For starters, the city provides a peaceful yet lively atmosphere that differs greatly from its bustling neighbors Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. The miles of uncrowded beaches allow endless opportunities for surfing, swimming, walking, and relaxing in the sun and sand. The scenic harbor community supplies visitors with boutique shops, sidewalk cafes, fresh seafood, and sweeping views of the Pacific.
Ventura also serves as an affordable home base for explorers aiming to visit Santa Barbara, Malibu, or the famous Channel Islands National Park. Hotel rates and dining tabs tend to run lower than the surrounding beach towns. So travelers can save their money for kayak tours, whale watching cruises, shopping sprees, wine tastings, and more.
Sure, if you’re seeking world-famous attractions like Disneyland or the Santa Monica Pier, then other California destinations may better fit the bill. But if your goal involves slowing down and experiencing the state’s laid-back atmosphere, Ventura should rank high on your travel bucket list.
Ventura Travel Logistics: Getting There and Getting Around
Before highlighting the best things to do in Ventura, let’s cover some trip logistics. Travelers can reach the city by flying into one of three nearby airports:
- Santa Barbara Airport – Only 30 minutes north of Ventura
- Los Angeles International – A longer drive at 60+ miles, but more flight options
- Hollywood Burbank Airport – Also 60+ miles, but typically lower airfare
Renting a car is highly recommended for fully exploring Ventura and the surrounding areas. Those relying on public transportation may find it quite limited.
Ventura’s rather compact size allows travelers to access most attractions by foot or short car rides. And downtown’s abundance of pay parking lots and metered street parking make finding a spot simple enough.
Now let’s highlight the best places to see, things to do, and food to eat while visiting this underrated beach town.
Top 7 Attractions and Activities in Ventura
1. Channel Islands National Park
It seems crazy that one of America’s most spectacular park systems flies so far beneath the radar. But Channel Islands National Park receives a fraction of the visitors compared to icons like Yellowstone and Yosemite. Made up of five islands ranging from 11 to 96 miles off Ventura’s shores, this unique destination offers remarkable outdoor recreation and an abundance of natural beauty.
Popular activities involve camping, hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, photography, and more. Highlights include dense kelp forests, rocky cliffs, sea arches, secluded pocket beaches, crystal clear water, and a variety of birds and marine creatures. Plus the islands hold significant cultural history, with archaeological sites and artifacts left by early Chumash inhabitants.
Reaching the islands requires advanced planning, as visitors must take boats or planes leaving from Ventura, Santa Barbara, or Oxnard. But the effort pays off tenfold once feet hit the sand of this incredible national park.
2. Walkable Downtown and Main Street Area
Downtown Ventura may lack the glitz and glamour of LA or Santa Barbara. But visitors who take time to explore Main Street and the blocks surrounding will discover an artsy, eclectic district brimming with antique shops, galleries, breweries, taco stands, wine bars, and more.
The area truly comes alive at night, when strings of lights illuminate the streets and neon signs advertising local establishments flicker from every direction. So join the residents and take an evening stroll through these vibrant blocks, popping into any business that catches your eye.
3. Surfer’s Point and Promenade
Ask locals about the best area beach, and most will likely point you toward Surfer’s Point right off Seaward Avenue. The wide expanse of sand fills up with surfers, bodyboarders, stand-up paddleboarders, and boogie borders thanks to its prime waves and swell.
Visitors can watch the water action from several oceanside parks with playgrounds, grassy lawns, and barbecue pits. Or take a relaxing stroll down the paved promenade stretching 1.5 miles from Marina Park to the Ventura Pier.
4. Mission San Buenaventura
History buffs and architecture admirers will appreciate visiting downtown’s Spanish Mission. Founded in 1782 by Saint Junípero Serra, Mission San Buenaventura showcases original frescos, statues, vistas, and fountains within its tranquil courtyard and gardens. The small museum features early photos and artifacts from when Ventura operated as a Mexican pueblo.
The mission still conducts mass and events, but visitors may explore on their daily from 6 AM to 5 PM. Admission is free, making it a budget-friendly activity ideal for learning about California’s early settlers and seeing well-preserved mission architecture.
5. Ventura Harbor Village
Another excellent area for strolling, shopping, harbor views, and dining involves the Ventura Harbor Village. Cobblestone walkways weave between dozens of stores ranging from surf shops to art galleries. Visitors can watch the waves while munching fish tacos or slurping oysters on the pier.
Kids love checking out the resident sea lions that snooze on floating docks. Travelers seeking physical activities can rent electric boats, paddleboards, kayaks, and bikes from local outfitters.
6. Ventura Pier and Promenade
At 1,958 feet long, the historic Ventura Pier stands as the longest wooden pier along the California coast. Visitors can soak up incredible ocean scenery while walking to the very end. Good wave action draws surfers hoping to catch a ride. Fishermen reel in catches like halibut, croaker, and perch from designated areas.
The pier also delivers prime access to Ventura’s bustling promenade. Lined with palm trees, park benches, and seaside shops and cafes, this vibrant pathway sees joggers, dog walkers, bicyclists, and more soaking up stunning shoreline vistas daily.
7. Local Beaches
It seems everywhere you turn in Ventura, another gorgeous beach comes into view. In addition to Surfer’s Point and the parks around the pier and promenade, visitors love heading to San Buenaventura State Beach off the 101 freeway. The miles of clean golden sand get great waves, especially for beginner surfers. Plus the park facilities like restrooms, showers, and picnic tables provide ample amenities.
Travelers seeking a beach offering exceptional wildlife sightings should visit Emma Wood State Beach on Ocean Drive. This protected area serves as a bird sanctuary for herons, cormorants, brown pelicans, and more. The adjacent estuary also hosts a variety of fish, invertebrates, and native plants.
Best Restaurants and Nightlife
After all that beachcombing, sightseeing, and activity, your group will likely work up hearty appetites. Here are some highly rated Ventura eateries and watering holes worth checking out:
Local Favorite Restaurants
- Topa Topa Brewing Co – Trendy gastropub with excellent craft beers, elk burgers, fish tacos and more
- Beach House Tacos – Casual counter-serve joint for tasty Baja-style fish tacos and burritos
- Midici – Charming pizzeria dishing NYC-quality pie, salads, and antipasti in the downtown location
- Lure Fish House – Creative seafood dishes, oyster bar, and harbor views in a classy bayside setting
Harborfront Dining
- Andria’s Seafood – Popular local gem for award-winning clam chowder in bread bowls
- Spencer Makenzie’s Fish Company – Huge seafood plates starring salmon, mahi mahi fish, jumbo shrimp and more
- Aloha Steakhouse – Festive Polynesian atmosphere with grilled meats, island cocktails and nightly entertainment
Coffee Shops and Sweets
- Prospect Coffee Roasters – Phenomenal salted caramel lattes, vanilla macchiatos and avocado toast
- Chillpop – Graband go gourmet popsicles in wild flavors like horchata, matcha latte, and pineapple chili
- Top This Cupcake Bar – Cute downtown bakery crafting heavenly daily cupcake flavors
Bars and Breweries
- Made West Brewing – Laid-back taproom pairing quality house brews with beer garden games and food trucks
- Ventiki Tiki Lounge – Themed cocktail lounge shaking up rum drinks and Pacific fusion small plates
- Winchesters – DFS neighborhood pub with 40+ beers on tap, billiards, darts, karaoke and dancing
Best Hotels and Accommodations
Ventura delivers plenty of convenient and affordable lodging options. Here are some top-rated hotels and motels to consider across different budgets:
Luxury
- Four Points Sheraton Ventura Harbor – Sophisticated rooms with harbor or mountain views, outdoor pool/hot tub
- Ventura Beach Marriott – High-end property on stunning beachfront, full spa, multiple restaurants/bars
Mid-Range
- Holiday Inn Express – Recently renovated, complimentary breakfast buffet, short walk to downtown
- Clocktower Inn – Charming boutique hotel with unique converted firehouse architectural features
Budget
- Motel 6 Ventura Beach – Simple but comfortable rooms under $100/night, one block off the beach
- Bella Maggiore Inn – European style inn with inexpensive rates and family suites
With its relaxed atmosphere, scenic setting, and abundance of outdoor recreation, Ventura makes for an excellent addition to any Southern California itinerary. Follow this guide to experience the best this underrated beach town has to offer!