Guidebook for Ventura
Parks & Nature
Surfers Point Beach at Seaside Park in Ventura, California is located at the Ventura River mouth. A lagoon forms where the river backs up behind the beach which makes this a great birding location. The point faces south so waves coming from the west curl around it making right hand waves that roll in consistently. Surfers will start at various spots and ride these waves toward the Ventura City Pier. Kiteboarders and windsurfers put on a show in the area just west of the point when the wind is up.
44 locals recommend
Surfers Point at Seaside Park
Shoreline DriveSurfers Point Beach at Seaside Park in Ventura, California is located at the Ventura River mouth. A lagoon forms where the river backs up behind the beach which makes this a great birding location. The point faces south so waves coming from the west curl around it making right hand waves that roll in consistently. Surfers will start at various spots and ride these waves toward the Ventura City Pier. Kiteboarders and windsurfers put on a show in the area just west of the point when the wind is up.
Rincon is tucked slightly off Highway 101 between La Conchita and Carpinteria. There are no hamburger stands, no souvenir shops, no proclamations that you have arrived. What you’ll find is authentic surfing that anyone visiting California to surf must put on their list of experiences. Its fame is legendary as are the surfers who have driven or hitched a ride to this location. They come from around the globe to surf Rincon, making it one of mainland America’s top surfing destinations.
7 locals recommend
Rincon Beach Park
Via RealRincon is tucked slightly off Highway 101 between La Conchita and Carpinteria. There are no hamburger stands, no souvenir shops, no proclamations that you have arrived. What you’ll find is authentic surfing that anyone visiting California to surf must put on their list of experiences. Its fame is legendary as are the surfers who have driven or hitched a ride to this location. They come from around the globe to surf Rincon, making it one of mainland America’s top surfing destinations.
Just a short walk away. Enjoy a morning stroll or sunset views at the waters edge.
21 locals recommend
San Buenaventura State Beach
901 San Pedro StJust a short walk away. Enjoy a morning stroll or sunset views at the waters edge.
Sightseeing
San Buenaventura City Hall is the former Ventura County Courthouse built in 1912-13. This State of California Historical Landmark, listed on the National Register for Historic Places, is noted for its gleaming terra cotta exterior, copper sheathed dome and elegant Italian marble foyer.
San Buenaventura City Hall
501 Poli StSan Buenaventura City Hall is the former Ventura County Courthouse built in 1912-13. This State of California Historical Landmark, listed on the National Register for Historic Places, is noted for its gleaming terra cotta exterior, copper sheathed dome and elegant Italian marble foyer.
Set your sails to the most amazing point on California’s Central Coast – Ventura Harbor. Home to the Channel Islands National Park and Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center, as well as Ventura’s premier oceanfront attraction Ventura Harbor Village – to shop, dine and play! Come explore and enjoy a host of activities and amenities available year-round at the Ventura Harbor including fine dining, fresh seafood, boutique shopping, gallery and artist studios, kayaking, peddle boats, harbor cruises, scuba diving trips, sport fishing excursions, live entertainment, whale watching, carousel, comedy club, beaches, yacht clubs, boatyards, and tours of the Channel Islands National Park.
109 locals recommend
Ventura Harbor Village
1583 Spinnaker DrSet your sails to the most amazing point on California’s Central Coast – Ventura Harbor. Home to the Channel Islands National Park and Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center, as well as Ventura’s premier oceanfront attraction Ventura Harbor Village – to shop, dine and play! Come explore and enjoy a host of activities and amenities available year-round at the Ventura Harbor including fine dining, fresh seafood, boutique shopping, gallery and artist studios, kayaking, peddle boats, harbor cruises, scuba diving trips, sport fishing excursions, live entertainment, whale watching, carousel, comedy club, beaches, yacht clubs, boatyards, and tours of the Channel Islands National Park.
Ventura’s compact, walkable Downtown offers easy access to countless places to eat that will satisfy any craving, an outstanding mix of locally owned boutiques and specialty shops, and clean, green spaces for entertainment and play.
52 locals recommend
Downtown Ventura
Ventura’s compact, walkable Downtown offers easy access to countless places to eat that will satisfy any craving, an outstanding mix of locally owned boutiques and specialty shops, and clean, green spaces for entertainment and play.
Food Scene
Make sure you get a seat in the patio!! If you go for weekend breakfast go early or expect a wait.
65 locals recommend
Cafe Nouveau
1497 E Thompson BlvdMake sure you get a seat in the patio!! If you go for weekend breakfast go early or expect a wait.
Lure Fish House was created with the goal of providing you with a Top Tier Seafood Experience featuring fresh and sustainable seafood from trusted sources. Our restaurant strives to provide locally caught seafood, organically grown local produce, and wines from local vineyards whenever possible. We also feature a full bar with specialty cocktails, and an oyster bar serving a variety of fresh items that can vary daily. Happy hour all day Sunday!!
164 locals recommend
Lure Fish House
60 S California StLure Fish House was created with the goal of providing you with a Top Tier Seafood Experience featuring fresh and sustainable seafood from trusted sources. Our restaurant strives to provide locally caught seafood, organically grown local produce, and wines from local vineyards whenever possible. We also feature a full bar with specialty cocktails, and an oyster bar serving a variety of fresh items that can vary daily. Happy hour all day Sunday!!
Shopping
Patagonia
235 W Santa Clara StYes, this is where is all started. Visit the flagship store.
Entertainment & Activities
Seaside Park is the traditional name of an event venue located at 10 West Harbor Boulevard in Ventura, California. The 62-acre site is the home of the Ventura County Fair.
33 locals recommend
Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center
10 W Harbor BlvdSeaside Park is the traditional name of an event venue located at 10 West Harbor Boulevard in Ventura, California. The 62-acre site is the home of the Ventura County Fair.
Arts & Culture
Mission San Buenaventura is a Spanish mission founded by the Franciscans in present-day Ventura, California. Founded on March 31, 1782, it was the ninth Spanish mission established in California and the last to be established by Father Junípero Serra. The mission was named after Saint Bonaventure, a 13th century Franciscan saint and Doctor of the Church. The mission is located in the historic downtown of Ventura.
38 locals recommend
Mission San Buenaventura
211 E Main StMission San Buenaventura is a Spanish mission founded by the Franciscans in present-day Ventura, California. Founded on March 31, 1782, it was the ninth Spanish mission established in California and the last to be established by Father Junípero Serra. The mission was named after Saint Bonaventure, a 13th century Franciscan saint and Doctor of the Church. The mission is located in the historic downtown of Ventura.
Getting Around
Great way to visit Santa Barbara for the day. Station is walkable from from my place or better yet bring your bikes and take them with you!!
21 locals recommend
Ventura Raceway
10 W Harbor BlvdGreat way to visit Santa Barbara for the day. Station is walkable from from my place or better yet bring your bikes and take them with you!!