Visit Ventura Harbor: Great beaches, food and a National Park

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Nestled along California’s central coast, Ventura is a triple threat: beaches, great food, and access to a gorgeous National Park. What’s not to like? With so much to do and see it’s a wonder that more people aren’t visiting this hidden gem of California more. The natural beauty of the area, exciting day trips, activities, great food and beautiful beaches should bring this location to the top of your “places to visit in California” list… if you have one. And if you don’t have that list, here is your first recommendation. Start it.

Ventura can be both technically an LA location, or a Central California beach town, which makes it completely unique. The city runs along the Pacific Ocean, and HWY 101 travels right through the middle of it. (A road trip down HWY 101 should also be added to your list of things to do in California. Check out this post to plan your itinerary) Downtown Ventura is home to many shops, restaurants and Mission Buenaventura. Which is how the city got it’s name: “The City of Good Fortune.” The pier is one of the longest in California and runs right by a wonderful bike path, has a park next to it, and gives amazing views of Ventura and the Channel Islands.

However, if you are looking for one area that has a ton of character and seaside fun, head over to the picturesque Ventura Harbor!

Ventura Harbor

Here you will find beautiful boutique shops with unique items made by local creatives who share their work in the village, top notch restaurants overlooking the marina, and fun family activities. Like: a carousel and arcade, swan pedal boats (which can light up at night), Duffy boats to self drive around the area, kayaks or SUP boards to rent, whale watching expeditions, island cruises, and the best ice cream going! Or you can walk directly across the street and sit on the best kept secret beach in Ventura. Beat the crowds at this beautiful beach, search for sea glass, watch the surfers or take in a sunset. One of the best parts about the harbor is that everything there is easily walkable, and parking is free! Meaning you can come, eat, spend time on the water, shop and enjoy a full day without worry or driving around all day.

During our stay our family opted to take out a Duffy Boat. We brought some snacks and enjoyed an hour out on the water, checking out the homes, had sea lions swimming next to us, saw California brown pelicans, and just overall enjoyed the day. I highly recommend it!

To see the full list of available rentals at Ventura Boat Rentals click here.

Restaurants

With tons of options, you are sure to find exactly what you want.

Our Greek Food from “The Greek ” was amazing

Loved the fresh steak and seafood from the Boatyard Pub

Can’t go wrong with chips, salsa and tacos from Margarita Villa

And don’t leave the harbor without the most amazing, creative ice cream concoctions and stuffed fish waffle treats from The Coastal Cone and Parlor. Seriously, these were some of the best, most unique treats I’ve had in a long time. They were almost too good to eat. Almost. (check out the reviews for this place if you don’t believe me—it’s a must stop shop).

Plus there are so many more food options! Check out this list to see more.

I do have one regret while visiting Ventura and that is that we didn’t give ourselves a full day to take a boat out to the Channel Islands.

The Channel Island National Park

While visiting the harbor we stopped into The Channel Island National Park Visitors Cente r (Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center at Channel Islands National Park). After watching a video about the islands (known as the Galapagos of North America), talking to the rangers there, and checking out the gift shop (where I got my new favorite hat ever), I am kicking myself that we did not make time to experience the islands for ourselves during our stay. They look absolutely, breathtakingly, and utterly beautiful. There are “five remarkable and remote islands right off the Ventura coast: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara. The Channel Islands and encircling waters are home to over 2,000 plants and animals, of which 145 are found nowhere else in the world including the Island Fox. Established as a National Park in 1980, each of the islands is a fascinating world unto itself.”

“Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Isolation over thousands of years has created unique animals, plants, and archeological resources found nowhere else on Earth and helped preserve a place where visitors can experience coastal southern California as it once was.”

I would like to take the I sland Packers boat over to snorkel or kayak around the island. Look for whales and other sea life. Maybe camp for a night or 2. How have we had this National Park so close by and never taken advantage of it? And upon further research, I have heard nothing but amazing stories from those who have gone. These well preserved islands are full of life and natural wonders!

Photo courtesy of: sbadventure.com of The Painted Cave at The Channel Islands. Only accessible by kayak tour

Check out the video and you’ll see why I am dying to visit!

Mark my word… we will be back to do that soon!

If you like us, plan on visiting the area and checking out The Channel Island, I would suggest staying in one of the nearby hotels. Like this one.

Ventura Events to Plan For

Whale watching (best time December-April) or in the summer (June 10-September 30)
Pirate Day (early June)
Sportfishing (June 1-September 30)
Seaside live music (Sundays June 17-Labor Day)
Art/Street painting festival (early September)
Parade of Lights (at the Harbor mid December)
Santa Paddle (late December)
Live music on weekends in the summer at the Harbor

To request a Ventura Guide fill out the info here. To read more about the Ventura Harbor and planning your visit to Ventura head here. And for a great place to stay in the area, check this post out!