A quaint beach destination with small town feels and plenty of old-school charm, Ventura is nestled along the Central Coast of California, just two hours from Los Angeles. Known as the “city of good fortune,” Ventura offers a variety of cafés, vintage stores, and boutiques—not to mention beach views and plenty of things to do. Unravel the town’s early beginnings by exploring Mission San Buenaventura, marvel over thousands of plants at the Ventura Botanical Gardens, or ride the ferry to the nearby Channel Islands National Park for a whole day of ocean activities.
Since Ventura is located by the beach, locals and visitors alike look forward to the warmer months of summer to enjoy outdoor activities and casual strolls in sandals and shorts. Summer also sees the majority of Ventura’s most popular events take place, such as the Ventura Music Festival, the Tequila and Taco Music Festival, and the Ventura County Fair.
To explore destinations farther away from the city, consider taking the train (Amtrak). Alternatively, if you'd rather view local spots right in town, relying on rideshare apps or renting a car are your best options. Opted for the latter? Always be on the lookout for free parking structures (a commonality in this city). And don’t forget to see if your hotel offers a shuttle service to or from the airport.
If you’re looking for some quick grab-and-go dining options, consider Angie’s Deli & Mexican Food for hearty breakfast burritos; Peirano’s for Italian-inspired side dishes; and Harbor Mart for the best sandwiches—the Hot Pastrami is a must-try. Alternatively, for dinner and a show, head over to The Six Chow House in Downtown Ventura, a local favorite that offers great food and drinks with country-inspired ambience and live music on the weekends.
