Ventura: The Essential Guide

Ventura is reminiscent of an old California surf movie.

Visitors to Southern California don’t have the same worries about booking reservations or staying away from locals as they do in other cities. On their lunch break, people rush to the beach and stop to say hello to each other. While walking around downtown, you can find hidden gems thrift shops and smell the fresh pastries coming from local bakeries. What’s the best part? Ventura is only two hours away from Los Angeles.

“You will see dogs strolling on the beach and surfboards strapped up to cars’ roofs. You can also find bare feet in bars. Ventura is more about surf, suds and sand. Julie Madsen says that there is less glitz, glamor and glamour in Ventura. Visit Ventura“, who is a native of the town. “You don’t have to pretend that you are a certain kind of person in order to blend in. You can simply be yourself in Ventura.

Before planning your trip to Ventura in California, here’s some information to consider.

Best Hotels & Resorts 

Zachari Dunes 

The ocean is the inspiration for this collection Zachari Dunes It is the only all-suite beachfront resort in California. The resort is located in OxnardCalifornia pet-friendly hotel There is a gym, three restaurants and a pool on site. Take a free beach cruiser for a ride along the water and grab supper at Ox & Ocean. 

Inn on the Beach 

Inn on the Beach This boutique hotel offers rooms with views of the Pacific Ocean, Ventura Pier or Channel Islands. The elegant rooms feature antique furniture, floral wallpaper and fireplaces. The Inn on the Beach offers a continental buffet breakfast and is close to popular local attractions like the Social Tap You can also find out more about the following: Pierpont Tacos.

Hotel San Buena 

Hotel San Buena It is not a 32-room boutique property The hotel is located right in the center of Ventura. The courtyard villas are retro-styled and built in 1928. They have kitchenettes, large bathrooms and balconies. The hotel’s prime location allows guests to walk to some of Ventura’s best bars and restaurants, or use the complimentary bikes to ride to the beach. 

The Best Things to do

Visit the Channel Islands for a day.

Channel Islands National Park is one of the least-visited national parks in the country—but that’s really only due to its remote location. The “Galapagos of North America” is one of the nation’s most diverse and unique national parks. Santa Cruz Island has the highest number of visitors. Many people like to hike up to Potato Harbor. You will need sunscreen, good hiking shoes and food. There is no food on the islands.

Ventura Botanical Gardens – Take a stroll through the gardens.

It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. Ventura Botanical Gardens Have more than a few blooms. You can walk around the 107-acre property while enjoying 360-degree views. The gardens are primarily devoted to native plants and their collection is used in scientific research and conservation. 

Enjoy a day at the beach.

Ventura is home to many different kinds of people. beautiful beaches There’s so much to choose from. Harbor Cove and Mother’s Beach have a relaxed atmosphere, with smaller waves. Surfers in the area prefer Mondo’s Beach and C Street.

Taco District is a great place to eat.

Locals are fond of Ventura’s Taco District, a street covered with family-owned tacoerias. You can walk down the street and sample the specialties of each restaurant, then take a nap on the beach after a food coma. Stop by El Asadero For their al pastor, try chicken tikka masala tacos. Indian Rasoi. 

Best Restaurants 

Model Citizen

Model Citizen This neighborhood restaurant and bar rotates its menus seasonally to showcase the unique flavors from California and the Mediterranean. There is also a good happy hour menu of affordable wines and small bites. It’s a great spot to start the night with creative cocktails (and strong ones). 

Rumfish y Vino 

Rumfish y Vino This gastropub specializes in Central American cuisine and seafood. The patio has a perfect sun for brunch. And the palm trees have soft lighting to create a romantic atmosphere for dinner. Try the slow-braised pig belly tacos if you’re not taco-ed-out. 

Tierra Sur 

Oxnard Tierra Sur The extensive wine list is paired with bold dishes. Their chefs use local seasonal ingredients to create delicious dishes, such as the salmon with a Pico de Gallo made out of strawberries, avocados, and kiwis.

Barrel 33 

Enjoy artisanal cheese platters, salads, pizza and pastries Barrel 33Ventura’s favourite wine bar. Ventura’s outdoor patio has fireplaces that are ideal for date nights. Booking ahead is recommended as this is one the few Ventura restaurants that require reservations. 

The Best Time to Visit 

What is the best thing about Southern California? The climate is pleasant and warm all year round. On average, Ventura enjoys 273 sunny days per year The average temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Even at the coldest time of year, temperatures rarely drop below 50 degrees.

Visit from mid-July until early September to enjoy long, sunny days perfect for relaxing by the sea. Wildflowers and the Channel Islands Botanical Gardens come alive in spring. The Pacific swells make fall and winter the best seasons for Ventura surfing.

Medina, a local resident, says that fall is her favorite season. The sunsets in October are breathtaking, and the weather still feels like summer. You can enjoy your dinner outside, and then head to the beach on a whim for a picnic or walk at sunset. 

How to Get There

Los Angeles International Airport and Santa Barbara Airport are the closest airports. LAX is approximately 70 miles from Ventura, and you’ll find cheaper flights out of it.

Ventura, located along the scenic Route 92, is a great option for those who don’t want to drive. Amtrak Pacific SurflinerThe station is situated in the middle of the downtown area.

Cities & Neighborhoods to Visit

Oxnard

Nearby Oxnard It is located in the southern portion of the county about 11 miles south of Ventura. Enjoy a picnic at Olołkoy Beach Park, a scenic, 60-acre park. Spend the day at Point Mugu State Park You can do mountain biking, scuba-diving, hiking or windsurfing. 

Downtown Ventura 

Downtown Ventura has many restaurants, boutiques and a lively cocktail scene. The heart and soul is Ventura County. Take a tour and meet the locals. It is easy to walk from downtown to the beach.

Ventura Harbor Village 

Ventura Harbor Village offers a variety of activities, including paddle boats, escape rooms and wine tasting. Check out the Ventura Harbor Village’s calendar You can use it for live music, movie nights, and other events. an annual puppy parade. 

East End of Ventura

Locals refer to the East end of Ventura as “the wine and beer lover’s dream.” You’ll find several taprooms in this area within walking distance from each other. Start your beer crawl at Seaward Brewing Please read the following before continuing. Bright Spark Brewing You can also find out more about the following: Balcom Canyon CiderJust a few streets away, you will find.

How to Get Around 

Ventura’s most convenient method of transportation is by car. Parking is generally free. A car is the best way to access local hiking trails and sites, as well as transport camping equipment. Uber and Lyft, two ride-hailing services available in the region, may be difficult to find since Ventura is such a small city. Ventura also has a public transportation system Local lines are available, as are routes that connect nearby towns, such as Ojai Oxnard Port Hueneme. Ventura’s downtown area is very walkable. Local bike shops include Ventura Bike Depot The following are some examples of how to use Wheel Fun Rentals Renting is available.