Paul’s Guide to Camarillo
Sightseeing
The oldest church in Camarillo, and the final resting place of the city founder, this beautiful Catholic chapel dominates the skyline and is still in active use.
St. Mary Magdalen Chapel
2532 Ventura BlvdThe oldest church in Camarillo, and the final resting place of the city founder, this beautiful Catholic chapel dominates the skyline and is still in active use.
An easy hike with comprehensive local vistas and a good chance of wildlife sightings. Good for bikes, horse riding, and even children on foot.
Elliot Mountain
An easy hike with comprehensive local vistas and a good chance of wildlife sightings. Good for bikes, horse riding, and even children on foot.
Camarillo's newest public building, this extensive library is a great place to read and relax.
Camarillo Public Library
4101 Las Posas RdCamarillo's newest public building, this extensive library is a great place to read and relax.
Food scene
Olas de Carlos Surf Grill
1860 Ventura BlvdGreat mexican food, intense character, and reasonable prices.
Conveyor belt sushi has come to Camarillo! Kids love picking their own dishes, and adults won't mind the prices.
Sushi Fresh
2115 Pickwick DrConveyor belt sushi has come to Camarillo! Kids love picking their own dishes, and adults won't mind the prices.
If you're looking for a classy lunch, look no further. Feels like the jet-set and tastes like a dream.
17 locals recommend
Waypoint Cafe
325 Durley AvenueIf you're looking for a classy lunch, look no further. Feels like the jet-set and tastes like a dream.
This gem at the heart of the city is newly renovated and always busy. Great food and a great place to talk and laugh.
75 locals recommend
Toppers Pizza
2701 Peninsula RdThis gem at the heart of the city is newly renovated and always busy. Great food and a great place to talk and laugh.
Neighborhoods
Take a drive around the hills and gawk at million dollar mansions in the manicured north-west quarter of Camarillo.
Spanish Hills
Take a drive around the hills and gawk at million dollar mansions in the manicured north-west quarter of Camarillo.
Locals refer to the area north of Las Posas Road as "Camarillo Heights" or simply "The Heights". Loop road is the center of this area. Formerly avacado orchards, the heights are now a semi-rural suburban area, with large lots and an ecclectic range of styles.
North Loop Drive
North Loop DriveLocals refer to the area north of Las Posas Road as "Camarillo Heights" or simply "The Heights". Loop road is the center of this area. Formerly avacado orchards, the heights are now a semi-rural suburban area, with large lots and an ecclectic range of styles.
The main thoroughfare of "Old Town Camarillo", this road boasts wide sidewalks that stroll past newly renovated storefronts, restaurants, and shops.
Ventura Boulevard
Ventura BoulevardThe main thoroughfare of "Old Town Camarillo", this road boasts wide sidewalks that stroll past newly renovated storefronts, restaurants, and shops.
City advice
Getting around
If you don't have a car, take the CAT bus.
Camarillo Area Transit isn't the best public transit, but it's ours. Find the details at http://www.camarillotransit.com/
Getting around
Metrolink and Amtrack both stop at Camarillo Station
For getting to and from LA and Santa Barbara, the "Metrolink" commuter trains run from the Camarillo Transit station. Tickets are about $10 each way. Perfect for day-trips to famous destinations in Los Angeles while avoiding the infamous LA traffic.
What to pack
Beautiful weather year-round
Camarillo has some of the best weather on the planet. Leave your heavy coats at home and pack your sandals.
Useful phrases
"The 5" and "The 405"
When SoCal (that is, Southern California) residents casually refer to "The 5" and "The 405" they mean Interstate 5 and Interstate 405 highways. Both are notorious for their heavy use and constant bumper-to-bumper traffic jams. They serve as both geographical and sociological landmarks.
Interstate 5 runs roughly north-south through downtown LA, so a location "past the 5" means East Los Angeles, and over an hour drive.
Interstate 405 also is roughly north-south, and is the main highway for West Los Angeles. Check the traffic before making travel plans. It is busy even at three in the morning.
Useful phrases
"North" and "South" on the 101
Highway 101 runs all along the coast of California, so all the signs indicate "North" and "South". It also runs right through the middle of Camarillo. However, it runs east-west through Camarillo. So, if you want to go East (toward LA) you have to get on going "South". Camarillo residents will often give directions as North or South "on the 101", so just keep in mind that these actually mean West or East in cardinal directions.
Travelling with kids
Camarillo Library is great for kids
There is a huge kids section in the Camarillo Library. Paired with the well maintained public restrooms, and many children's activities, this makes it a great place to spend the day with your family or grandchildren.