THINGS TO DO IN VENTURA

Island Packers Cruises | Channel Islands National Park
BOAT TRIP
Ventura County Museum of History & Art
collections, exhibits, educational programs and publications
MUSEUM
Ventura Visitor Center Information & Shop
A place that embodies a casual soul and unexpected allure
INFO AVENUE
Ventura Pier and Promenade
The Ventura Pier and Promenade is an oceanfront attraction and one of the top places to visit in Ventura
BEACH WALK
Ventura Marina Park
A 15-acre oceanfront park sprinkled with palm trees, featuring a playground & volleyball area
BEACH WALK
Ventura Harbor Village
Waterfront retail complex with specialty boutiques & restaurants offering sunset & ocean views
DINE & SHOP
Surfers Point at Seaside Park
Small destination beach for surfers & windsurfers, with picnic tables, showers & restrooms
BEACH WALK
Main Street, Downtown Ventura
Safely shop, sip, dine & stroll in the streets during Main Street Moves (and beyond, with more food and shopping options on side streets
Channels Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources
BOAT TRIP
Lake Casitas Recreation Area
Lake Casitas had two group camp areas, Owl Court and Lakeside. Owl Court is near the entrance gate and Water Adventure
CAMPING
Emma Wood State Beach
Emma Wood State Beach offers primitive camping for fully self-contained vehicles ONLY
Ventura Botanical Gardens
The Ventura Botanical Gardens (VBG) is a 107-acre world-class site with spectacular views of the California coastline, verdant agricultural vistas
explore the ventura's pier

The Ventura Pier is a must-visit attraction in Ventura. Stretching out over the Pacific Ocean, this historic pier offers breathtaking views of the coastline and is a great place to take a stroll, enjoy the sunset, or do some fishing.

Visit the Ventura Botanical Gardens

The Ventura Botanical Gardens are a beautiful oasis of native plants and trees. Take a guided tour, explore the trails on your own, or participate in one of the many events and activities offered throughout the year.

Go whale watching

Ventura is a prime location for whale watching, with tours available year-round. You’ll have the chance to see humpback whales, blue whales, gray whales, and even dolphins and seals Reserve your ticket with Ventura Isld Packer office.  

Hike the Ventura River Preserve

The Ventura River Preserve is a beautiful natural area with miles of hiking trails, wildlife, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a great place to go for a hike, picnic, or birdwatching.

Check out the Ventura County Fair

The Ventura County Fair is a classic summer event with carnival rides, games, and live entertainment.
The fair also features agricultural exhibits, contests, and competitions.

Visit the Channel Islands National Park

The Channel Islands National Park is a group of five islands off the coast of Ventura. The park is home to unique wildlife, including the island fox and the California sea lion, as well as beautiful beaches and
hiking trails.

Explore downtown Ventura

Downtown Ventura is a lively area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries. Take a stroll down Main Street, browse the boutiques, or catch a movie at the historic Majestic Ventura Theater.

Take a surf lesson

Ventura is known for its excellent surf conditions, and there are plenty of surf schools in the area that offer lessons for all skill levels.

Visit the Olivas Adobe

The Olivas Adobe is a historic adobe mansion that dates back to the early 1800s. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the adobe and its former residents.

Attend a Music show at the Ventura Theater

The Ventura Theater is a historic venue that has hosted a variety of concerts and events over the years.
Check the schedule to see what’s coming up during your visit.

Take a bike ride on the Ventura River Trail

The Ventura River Trail is a paved bike path that runs along the Ventura River. It’s a great place to go for a leisurely bike ride or take a picnic lunch.

Visit the Museum of Ventura County

The Museum of Ventura County is a cultural institution that showcases the history and art of the Ventura region. Check out the exhibits and events to learn more about the area’s rich cultural heritage.

Go fishing in Ventura Harbor

Ventura Harbor is a great place to go fishing, with a variety of species available depending on the season. You can rent a boat or go on a fishing charter to explore the waters of the Pacific.

Visit the San Buenaventura Mission

The San Buenaventura Mission is a historic Catholic church that dates back to the late 1700s. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the mission and its significance to the Ventura community.

Take a yoga class at the beach

There are plenty of yoga studios in Ventura, but why not take your practice to the beach? Many yoga instructors offer outdoor classes on the sand, with the calming sound of the waves as your soundtrack.

Go rock climbing at Wheeler Gorge

Wheeler Gorge is a popular spot for rock climbers of all levels. The area features a variety of routes, from beginner to advanced, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Take a day trip to Ojai

Ojai is a charming town just a short drive from Ventura. It’s known for its artsy vibe, outdoor activities, and beautiful scenery. Visit the shops and galleries on Ojai Avenue, hike in the nearby hills, or take a dipin the natural hot springs.

Visit the Ventura Harbor Village

The Ventura Harbor Village is a bustling waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
Take a stroll along the boardwalk, rent a paddleboard or kayak, or indulge in some fresh seafood at one
of the restaurants.

Take a hot air balloon ride

Take in the stunning views of the Pacific coastline from above with a hot air balloon ride. Several companies offer rides over the Ventura area, with sunrise and sunset flights available.

conclusion

Ventura may be a small town, but it offers a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing day at the beach, there’s something for everyone in this coastal gem. From the historic Ventura Pier to the breathtaking Channel Islands National Park, the possibilities for adventure are endless. I hope this list of 20 things to do in Ventura has inspired you to plan your next trip to this beautiful California town.

Sibca's blog. I manage and publish articles like things to do and discover all over California
About The Author SIBCA AWAN

“You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it.

That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.” SIBCA AWAN