Ventura is a dream spot for beach lovers and adventurers alike. It’s full of fun, from relaxing on uncrowded beaches to exploring the Taco District and hiking at the Channel Islands. This guide will show you the top 30 things to do in Ventura for the best trip ever.
Key Takeaways
- Ventura boasts 30 exciting things to do, from scenic beaches to outdoor adventures
- The Channel Islands National Park, dubbed the “Galápagos of North America,” offers 5 unique islands to explore
- Grant Park provides panoramic views of Ventura’s vibrant downtown area
- Ventura Botanical Gardens showcase 30,000 plants from five Mediterranean climate zones
- The Ventura Taco District features around 14 long-standing Mexican restaurants along Ventura Avenue
Ventura Pier: A Stunning Oceanside Landmark
The Ventura Pier is a key spot on the Ventura coast. It draws people from everywhere to see its historic feel and amazing ocean views. This famous pier stretches 1,600 feet into the Pacific. It lets people feel the beauty of the Ventura beaches and Ventura landmarks.
Walking on the pier, you see the ocean and the Channel Islands far away. The ocean breeze and wave sounds make it peaceful. It’s perfect for taking a break and enjoying the calm.
The Ventura Pier is not just for looking at the view. It’s full of places to eat and things to do. You can try fresh seafood or just have a drink while watching the sunset. It’s great for photographers, nature lovers, or anyone wanting a calm walk by the sea.
The Ventura Pier has a long history, built in 1872 and fixed up in 1993. It’s now the oldest wooden pier in California and a key Ventura landmark. Today, it shows off the city’s sea history and is a favorite spot for everyone.
Ventura Harbor Village: A Waterfront Wonderland
The Ventura Harbor Village is a lively spot by the Ventura harbor. It’s full of shops, places to eat, and fun activities. It’s perfect for people of all ages.
Walk through the small shops and find cool stuff like local art and unique jewelry. You can also find the latest fashion and beach clothes. Then, try some fresh seafood, craft drinks, and tasty food at the many restaurants and cafes.
Want to get on the water? You can rent a kayak, paddleboard, or swan boat. This way, you can see the Ventura harbor’s beauty up close. Or, just take a walk by the water and enjoy the view of the Channel Islands and the boats.
The Ventura Harbor Village has lots of fun things to do. You can enjoy live music, comedy, escape rooms, and a modern movie theater. It’s great for a romantic evening, a family day out, or just fun by yourself.
It’s easy to get to from the 101 freeway. The Ventura Harbor Village is the best place to see what Ventura has to offer. With its great shopping, eating, and entertainment, it’s a place you’ll love.
Downtown Ventura: A Shopper’s Paradise
The heart of shopping in Ventura is in its lively Downtown area. Main Street is now a car-free zone, making it perfect for walking. It’s filled with local shops and beautiful Ventura boutiques.
Shoppers can find trendy clothes at Betty Belts and Plum Accessories & Boutique. Or they can explore unique items at Shop Tiki Girl and Iron & Resin. Downtown Ventura has something for everyone.
But there’s more than just trendy clothes. The thrift store scene in Ventura is booming. Places like Buffalo Exchange, Coalition Thrift Store, SPARC Second Chance Store, and Goodwill attract many. They offer vintage and unique items that can make any outfit stand out.
If you want to shop around or go on a big shopping trip, Downtown Ventura is the place to be. It has a wide range of independent shops, a friendly atmosphere, and is easy to walk around. This makes it a dream spot for shoppers.
Channel Islands National Park: An Untouched Natural Oasis
A short ferry ride from Ventura Harbor takes you to the Channel Islands National Park. It’s like the “Galápagos of North America.” This place is perfect for adventure lovers and those who love nature.
The park has five islands, each with its own special wildlife and plants. You can hike, camp, and enjoy the beauty of this Ventura nature spot. You can also paddle through sea caves and see the famous Anacapa Island arch.
Keep an eye out for island foxes, the park’s cute animals. This park is not very busy, making it a special place for outdoor fun. You can hike, camp, and kayak in this untouched beauty.
If you love nature, adventure, or just want peace, visit the Channel Islands National Park. It’s a unique spot for your Ventura trip. Discover this untouched paradise and make memories in this amazing place.
Grant Park: A Panoramic Gem
Grant Park in Ventura sits on a hill and is a top spot for both locals and visitors. It’s a Ventura landmark known for its wide views of downtown. It’s perfect for seeing sunrises or sunsets.
As you go up the hill, you feel your worries fade away. This peaceful spot lets you enjoy the beauty around you. The Grant Park Ventura and the Serra Cross show the area’s strength. They survived the Thomas Fire in 2017.
Grant Park is great for photos, picnics, or just enjoying the view. It has beautiful gardens, trails, and overlooks. It’s a key spot for anyone in Ventura.
Close by, the Ventura Botanical Gardens is another beautiful place. Together, these spots offer a break from daily life. They invite you to relax, breathe fresh air, and enjoy Ventura’s beauty.
Ventura Botanical Gardens: A Floral Wonderland
In Ventura, the Ventura Botanical Gardens is a peaceful place full of beauty. It covers 107 acres and has over 30,000 plants from five Mediterranean climate zones. This makes it a unique spot for nature lovers.
Visitors can walk through the gardens on their own or take a guided tour. Guides share stories about the plants and their history. You can see the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands along the way.
The Ventura Botanical Gardens faced big challenges, like the Thomas fire in 2017. But, many plants came back in just 60 days. This shows how strong the plants are.
Now, the gardens are being replanted. The first 40 acres are done with 10,000 new plants. You can see different areas, each with plants from a Mediterranean region.
The Ventura Botanical Gardens are more than just beautiful. They host events all year. It’s a great place for a walk, learning about nature, or enjoying the Ventura nature.
- The gardens cover 107 acres and have paths that go about two miles from the Welcome Center to the top.
- Entry costs $7, but it’s free on Fridays. You can get an annual pass for $45 or $75 for a family.
- Over 3,000 people have joined the annual membership for free entry.
- The Perennial Society has 250 members who give $1,000 a year for five years to help the gardens.
If you love plants, nature, or just want a quiet place, visit the Ventura Botanical Gardens. It has beautiful views, many plants, and events all year. It’s a place that will amaze and delight everyone.
San Buenaventura Mission: A Historic Treasure
Step back in time at the San Buenaventura Mission. It was founded on Easter Sunday, March 31, 1782. This mission, known as the “Mission by the Sea,” shows the Ventura history and Ventura landmarks that have amazed people for years.
Take a self-guided tour of the mission grounds. It’s open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. See the beautiful architecture, lush gardens, and the history that fills this place. In 1816, the mission had 1,328 people and over 41,000 animals, like 23,400 cattle and 4,493 horses.
See the three-tiered campanario, or bell tower. It has five bells, with two from 1781. Inside the church, built in 1809 and rebuilt in 1816, you can feel the history of over 150 years.
The San Buenaventura Mission has seen a lot over the years. It was secularized in 1836 but came back to the Catholic Church in 1862. President Abraham Lincoln signed the proclamation. Today, it shows the strength and spirit of Ventura history and Ventura landmarks.
Harmon Canyon Preserve: An Outdoor Playground
The Harmon Canyon Preserve is a hidden gem in Ventura. It’s a 2,123-acre nature spot that opened in 2020. It’s perfect for hikers, cyclists, and anyone who loves nature.
It has many trails for different levels of hikers. The main trail is 2.5 miles long and takes you through beautiful landscapes. There are also five more trails for those who want a bigger challenge.
Mountain bikers will love the singletrack trails here. These trails are designed for fun rides through Harmon Canyon’s beauty.
Dogs can join you on the main road for up to 1.5 miles. But, you can’t bring horses to the preserve.
At Harmon Canyon, you might see many animals. Cameras have caught deer, coyotes, and even bears here.
Visiting Harmon Canyon is a great way to enjoy Ventura’s outdoors. It’s free to get in and has plenty of parking. It’s perfect for families who love the outdoors.
The Ventura Land Trust helps keep Harmon Canyon beautiful. They need volunteers and donations to keep it open for everyone. So, if you like hiking, biking, or just being in nature, you should visit Harmon Canyon.
Things to do in Ventura: The Taco District
If you love Mexican food, check out Ventura’s Taco District. This area on Ventura Avenue has many taquerías. They serve some of the best Mexican food in town. Spend an afternoon here and try different tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and more.
The Taco District has over 50 places to eat. They offer many kinds of food, like Italian, American, Japanese, Thai, Cajun, and Irish. You can also find breweries and bars for craft beers and cocktails.
Don’t miss the annual Avenue Taco Week. It lets you try the best food in the Taco District. You might find your new favorite place to eat in Ventura. The district is known for its great food and fun vibe.
Looking for a quick taco or a big meal? The Taco District has it all. It’s known for its variety, friendly atmosphere, and quality food. This place is a highlight of Ventura’s food scene.
Ventura’s Vibrant Arts and Culture Scene
Ventura is a place full of arts and culture. It has many entertainment options for visitors. The city is known for its famous places like the Rubicon Theater, Ventura Music Hall, and the historic Majestic Ventura Theater.
At the Rubicon Theater, you can see amazing plays and concerts. The Ventura Music Hall is great for music fans, with big-name bands and musicians. The Majestic Ventura Theater is a historic spot for shows and music events.
Ventura’s arts and culture scene has more to offer:
- The First Friday of the month, Bell Arts Factory opens its studios. Artists show their work, like ceramics and paintings.
- Art City Studios and Working Artists of Ventura (the WAV) let you see local artists’ work.
- The annual Art Walk in Downtown Ventura brings together artists and craftspeople. They show off their art, like jewelry and mosaics.
- There are many art and photo galleries in Ventura. Some are Vita Art Center, H Gallery + Studios, Latitudes Gallery, Mermaid Gallery Art Studio, and Art is Passion.
Ventura’s arts and culture scene is full of things to see and do. It’s a great place for art lovers and culture seekers.
Biking Adventures in Ventura
Ventura is perfect for outdoor lovers. It has many bike trails for every cyclist. You can explore beautiful nature on two wheels, whether you’re experienced or just starting.
The California Coastal Trail is great for those who love the ocean. It runs along the coast and shows off the Pacific and Channel Islands. For a tougher ride, try the Ojai Valley Trail. It goes through the Topa Topa Mountains and offers wide views of the Ojai Valley.
For a calm ride, check out the Ventura Beach Promenade. It’s a flat path by the water, great for enjoying the sea air and coastal views.
Finding a bike to rent is easy. Places like Ventura Bike Depot and Wheel Fun Rentals have many bikes and gear. Wheel Fun Rentals at Ventura Pier is a top choice, with a 4.4 rating from 73 reviews.
For a tough ride, try the Lake Casitas loop. It starts in Ventura and has a big drop to the ocean. Mountain bikers will like the trails at Sulphur Mountain Road. They offer a fun climb and great views of the Ojai Valley.
Ventura’s bike trails are perfect for any skill level or terrain. So, put on your helmet, get on a bike, and see the city’s beauty at your pace.
Conclusion
Ventura is a coastal gem with lots to offer. It has beautiful beaches, historic sites, outdoor fun, and a lively arts scene. It’s perfect for relaxing, exploring, or enjoying new things.
The city has a lovely pier, a busy harbor village, and a vibrant downtown. Just outside the city, you’ll find the stunning Channel Islands National Park and the beautiful Ventura Botanical Gardens. There’s also the historic San Buenaventura Mission to explore. It’s great for nature lovers, culture fans, or anyone looking for a break.
When you leave Ventura, remember the good times. Think of the peaceful walks on the pier, the tasty local food, the exciting outdoor activities, and the rich arts scene. Ventura is a place that will stick with you, inviting you to come back again and again.
