Visit beautiful Ventura! Ventura is a California coastal city, northwest of Los Angeles. It’s known for its beaches, like San Buenaventura State Beach, with a long, wooden Ventura Pier. Surfer’s Point is popular for surfing and windsurfing. Landmarks on downtown’s Main Street include the Mission San Buenaventura, with its 1809 church. Boats depart Ventura Harbor for Channel Islands National Park, a habitat for rare island foxes and scrub jays.
In many ways, Ventura still feels like a small town; the old-fashioned Main Street, wooden pier, historic buildings, but Ventura has a wide variety of things to do. Ventura Harbor offers an array of water activities including harbor cruises, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and whale watching. It’s also the gateway to Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary just 14 miles off the coast that offers world-renowned diving through kelp forests. The park, known as North America’s Galapagos because it is home to 150 endemic species, is also a spectacular place to hike, camp, kayak, and view wildlife. Back on the mainland, Ventura Harbor Village surrounds the marina with opportunities to shop local, eat freshly-caught seafood, and view original artwork at galleries and studios.
Ventura has fantastic weather year-round, earning it descriptions like “the land of eternal spring.” Whether you want to surf, paddle board, kayak, jet ski, catch a professional surfing tournament, Ventura has it all. Enjoy the many wonderful beaches of Ventura, (you’ll find a list here), then visit Ventura!
Ventura Weather – When to Visit
The best time to visit Port Hueneme is from March to May or from September to November. Temperatures are fairly mild year-round, hovering in the 60s and 70s, but traveling in early spring or fall ensures you won’t be fighting crowds and rates will be less expensive. Summer welcomes most of the city’s annual events and it’s also peak season if you’re looking for a beach vacation, but you’ll have to contend with more crowds. If you’re traveling during the winter months, make sure to pack an umbrella because Santa Barbara sees most of its rainfall between December and February. No matter when you decide to visit, pack layers as the as morning and late evening temperatures tend to be much cooler than the daytime high.
Ventura’s Best Beaches
Ventura State Beach
Ventura State BeachVentura State Beach is located right next to the pier and is the most popular beach. With a full playground right next to the pier, and one of the best fish taco places right on the boardwalk, this beach feels like summer all year long. Take a stroll along the pier, and take your rods if you want to fish. The promenade and connecting bike path is popular for easy cycling for the whole family.
Marina Park Beach
Marina Park BeachMarina Park is a great way to spend the day for the whole family, dogs included. There is an extended grassy area that’s great to play on, a full pirate ship, and dogs are allowed on leash. Enjoy your lunch at the picnic tables and BBQ grills. There is also a fishing dock, so cast your line and catch your lunch!
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Pierpoint Beach
Pierpoint BeachPierpoint Beach is a local’s spot at the end of Seaward Avenue. You can enjoy authentic seafood, frozen yogurt, cafes, and pubs. This long stretch of beach has life guards and is ideal for swimming, body surfing, beach combing, and extended walks. Volleyball nets are set up all year long, and dogs are welcome.
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McGrath Beach
McGrath BeachThis quiet, untouched beach is ideal for bird watchers, nature lovers, and experienced surfers. There are wetlands to walk and sand dunes to explore. Camping is available and surfing is popular here, although because of the strong riptides, swimming is not recommended.
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Mother’s Beach (Harbor Cove)
Mother’s Beach (Harbor Cove)This beach is the safest in Ventura with lapping waves and soft sand dunes that are great for kids to play in. This beach is close to the Ventura Harbor, restaurants, cafes and shops. The Channel Islands Visitor’s Center is across the street and you can hop on a ferry out to the islands, or rent a paddle board.
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Surfer’s Point
Surfer’s PointSurfer’s Point is the best place to surf , or just sit and watch. The sand dunes make for pleasant walking along this beach, and it’s all only a few seconds jump over the fairgrounds, and a few blocks from Downtown. Parking here can be competitive, so park Downtown or at the pier, and then stroll over to the Point.
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Best Ventura Restaurants
Beach House Fish $11 – 30
Located on the historic Ventura Pier, Beach House Fish is anchored right in the middle of the Ventura County State Beach promenade. Providing magnificent views of the Channel Islands, and moments away from downtown shopping and major hotels is the perfect place to grab a relaxing bite. Whether you’re watching the surfers at C-street, sipping on an after-work sunset cocktail or simply visiting our Fish Market, there is plenty for everyone to enjoy! Telephone: 805-643-4783 Web: Beach House Fish.
The Jolly Oyster $11 – 30
They are a small family business dedicated to farming top quality oysters and clams. Specializing in Kumamoto and Pacific oysters, they control the complete production cycle from their hatchery producing the seed, through their farms, to your table. With no appreciable fresh water rain or river runoff to dilute the waters, they offer an outstanding ‘Full Ocean’ experience from the cool pristine waters of Baja California. Telephone: 805-798-4944 Web: The Jolly Oyster.
Lure Fish House $11 – 30
Lure Fish House features fresh and sustainable seafood from trusted sources. They provide locally caught seafood, organically grown local produce, and wines from local vineyards whenever possible. They also feature a full bar with specialty cocktails, and an oyster bar serving a variety of fresh items that can vary daily. Lure specializes in Mesquite charbroiled seafood while also providing uniquely prepared selections by their chef. Menus are printed daily to reflect availability and guarantee freshness. Telephone: 805-567-4400 Web: Lure Fish House.
Brophy Bros Clam Bar & Restaurant $11 – 30
Brophy Bros has a fun, lively atmosphere with beautiful views of the mountains and harbor. Choose your spot – sit at the full length bar facing the view and the clam bar, grab a window and lean in or sit at a table either inside or out. Everyone is welcome at Brophy Brothers ! Telephone: 805-639-0865 Web: Brophy Bros Clam Bar & Restaurant.
Best Venrua Nightlife
Bombay Bar & Grill
A local landmark in the community, Bombay is dedicated to serving locals and tourists alike for over 35 years. Bombay features a full restaurant, a cozy patio, two full stages with two dance floors and the friendliest staff in town, slinging Award Winning Food, Craft Cocktails and Local Beers. Telephone: 805-643-4404 Web: Bombay Bar & Grill.
Barrel 33
Relax and enjoy their extensive wine list by the glass and bottle. Barrel 33 is your local wine bar and restaurant in Ventura, California. Their romantic outdoor patio with open flame and fine selection of wines provides you with an unforgettable experience. Enjoy a quaint setting with their knowledgeable and pleasant service to accompany wines and wine-tasting together in a sophisticated style. Telephone: 805-652-1810 Web: Barrel 33.
Brophy Bros
Brophy Bros has a fun, lively atmosphere with beautiful views of the mountains and harbor. Choose your spot – sit at the full length bar facing the view and the clam bar, grab a window and lean in or sit at a table either inside or out. Everyone is welcome at Brophy Brothers ! Telephone: 805-639-0865 Web: Brophy Bros Clam Bar & Restaurant.
Barrelhouse 101
With over one hundred craft beers and micro brews on tap and an exceptional food menu, Barrelhouse 101 in Ventura is every beer and burger lover’s dream. Telephone: 805-643-0906 Web: Barrelhouse 101.
Ven Tiki Tiki Lounge & Lanai
VenTiki is an Island Paradise located in Downtown Ventura, CA featuring the best in Traditional Cocktails, Modern Tiki Drinks, Polynesian Inspired Cuisine, and even Sushi. VenTiki is guaranteed to transport you away from your modern life to a tropical oasis right in the heart of Ventura. Escape your work week with Magnum Monday’s, Tsunami Tuesdays, Beachbum Wednesdays and Throwback Thursdays from six to closing. Telephone: 805-667-8887 Web: Ven Tiki Tiki Lounge & Lanai.
Best Ventura Hotels
I just want to say thank you this post is very helpful. Your interpretation is absolutely wonderful. Continue to write great things I will return soon to read more stuff. Great dude. The timing of your post is fantastic. Thank you very much for sharing this great post.
You are most welcome and I hope you have a fantastic time in Ventura! Wonderful coastal community. Thanks for reading visit Ventura!
Hi Ventura,
Having read your post about Ventura I really can’t wait to go and visit this place,the area and beaches look absolutely amazing!Ventura is a very historical place with loads of places to visit, we love the outdoor life so it would really suit us,thanks for the information.
Glad you stopped by to visit Fintan. Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
My kids have been asking us to visit Ventura but I had no clue why. Thought it was just the Californian weather.
Now I see it’s much more than that…
Surfing and stand-up paddle boarding are activities they love but haven’t been able to practice. There they would be able to experience them again.
I guess Ventura is going to the top of our future travel destinations list. 🙂
Shoot you would love it too Elaine! My son is a surfer, so anywhere there are waves, he is happy. Thanks for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com.
Hmm, I love that you get to enumerate places to visit as well as things to do. The thing about traveling especially when not on package tours is how to budget time and visit all the must-see places. This is a good reference whenever there’s a plan to travel. Bookmarking! I love beaches as well. Although I’m miles away from Ventura, I would love the idea to be able to visit and try all those stuff you cited. Great stuff!
Thanks! Ventura is a great little coastal community, and you would really love a vacation here. Thanks for visiting!
Leahrae,
Was in LA for a business trip a few years ago. Your information would have been very helpful before I went. Looks like there is a boat load of stuff to do in a very small area. When I go to an area like this, I love the shops and piers, they offer a great amount of stuff to look at. The seafood cannot be beat at most places right on the beach.
Thanks for the information on Ventura, I will use this information and add a few days to my next trip to LA, watching a sunset over water never gets old. Do they offer a sunset cruise any where close by.
John
Hi John, you are right, watching the sunset over the ocean does never get old. Yes, you will find sunset cruises here. It will be a nice distraction for you from your business trip. Thanks for reading Visit Ventura.
I had no clue Ventura had so much to offer! Once again you bring a ton of great info to the table in a readable and helpful way. this beachbum loves this blog!
Thanks Penelope! From one beach bum to another, Ventura is awesome! Thanks for visiting!
Great article! I am originally from Los Angeles, California. We use to go to the Ventura Pier a lot while growing up. We love the old fashion look that it still has to this day. But we also love that there are a ton of things to do while visiting. Thanks for all the wonderful info.
You are welcome Fred, and glad I took you back in time a little 🙂 Thanks for visiting my Visit Ventura page.
I visited Los Angeles as a kid when my uncles lived there. One thing I didn’t get to do when I was there was go to the beach. Ventura sounds like a nice beach town in the LA area. Maybe if I get back to California again, I’ll check Ventura out. I’d like to check out the Ventura pier. Thanks for the information!
You’ll love the Ventura pier. Lots and lots to do and see. Great town! I hope you can get back that way soon 🙂
Grand Theft Auto 5 is a remake of LA and damn does it look good to roam around the pier on TV haha but when you see it in reality nothing compares!
I’ll have to visit the beach soon, looks like it’ll be a lot of fun!
Thankyou:)
Well, now you have to go in person Jeremy! It’s a great coastal community worth visiting 🙂 Thanks for reading!
Great Post! I had no idea Ventura had so much to offer. I’m not sure why but it has never been a place on my “must visit” list- but after reading your post that may well change! I must also say I love your website. Your detailed descriptions of the venues and points of interest, places to stay, where to eat and things to do make it an incredible resource and a “go to guide” when planning a vacation.
Bookmarked! Thanks!
Thanks Jason and I am glad you enjoyed visiting my website beachtraveldestinations.com 🙂 Ventura is a great coastal community with so much to offer besides beautiful beaches. Thanks for reading!
Thanks for some really great information!! I’ve always wanted to visit California and after reading your post I will definitely be giving Ventura a visit 🙂
Anywhere along the California coast is going to be great, but you will love the Ventura coastal community and all the wonderful areas to visit. Thanks for reading!
Wow! Who knew there was so much to do in Ventura, I didn’t! I have always wanted to go to the Channel Islands, but I had no idea that you can spend the night over there. Do you happen to know what Island has the camping? I appreciate all of the activities that you have listed. And one more thing, Spring is the best time to visit! Especially in April and May 🙂
There is actually a camp ground on each island! So you could island hop 🙂 Yes, I agree April and May! Thanks for visiting my Visit Ventura guide Colleen!
Love all these places to visit, things to do, and the restaurants! Choosing one or two will be tough lol.
It’s great that you also add the best hotels to stay in. Love your one stop page to find everything I would need to enjoy my Cali vacay!
Great and that is what I strive for, your one stop beach destination guide 🙂 Glad you enjoyed!
Very detailed and interesting information, you made me think about traveling there, and when I do I will definitely visit the places you wrote about. You collected everything that I would need and together with the video it just makes me planning and planning 😀 Saved your article, thanks a lot for your work! 🙂
You are welcome Reka and I am glad I could help nudge into visiting such a wonderful beach destination. Thanks for reading Visit Ventura.
Im visiting California this summer! Ventura beach here I come! I feel like kicking back with an ice cold lemonade and getting my tan on! very helpful information thank you.
Oh you will have so much fun Alycia! It is an awesome area. Thanks for reading Visit Ventura!
Hey Leahrae,
I just finished visiting your post on Visiting Ventura and found it to be well written and very engaging. It was well structured in that the flow of information was smooth and so inclusive in that
you described your subject in an easy to read format that kept my attention throughout. There are many
people who share this problem if they are not fully engaged. You were able to do this in a manner that caused me to remain eager to continue reading as I was learning a lot. The greatest takeaway for me was the fact that ALL surrounding points of interests were identified along with information for a
visitor to get answers to possible questions already included in your post. Great job!
Thank you Ken! I am glad you enjoyed reading and I kept your attention 🙂 I guess it is easy with a wonderful destination like Ventura. Thanks for visiting beachtraveldestinations.com.
I love the descriptions, makes me feel like I am there. I lived in California when I was young but that was so many years ago. I would love to go back and here is one place I would definitely visit.
Thanks Taianne ! I love the beach so visiting these wonderful places is my passion. Ventura is definitely worth a visit 🙂