12 Things to do in Ventura: Beaches, Restaurants & More

Ventura, located between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, is a beautiful city full of history that is also the jumping-off point to Channel Islands National Park. The city is located right on Pacific Coast Highway and has a fun downtown, great restaurants, and a beautiful beach. I have spent a lot of time there over the years, and here are 12 spots you should explore on a visit to Ventura. Let me know what I left off in the comments!

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California Through My Lens
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[evslone]

Last time I visited Ventura I stayed at a hotel by the harbor to spend the next day out at the Channel Islands. While walking the beach adjacent to the harbor at sunset I came upon a woman being pulled by her Golden Retriever down to the water's edge. She told me he was so excited because he visits his friend, a dolphin, most evenings. Right, I thought. Rendezvous with a dolphin. So of course I had to hang around to see if she was just pulling my leg. Within 15 minutes three dolphins appeared and one of them came over to the surf near us, and her dog went bounding in. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes I never would have believed it. Just made that beautiful place even more special.

[ivyyoung]

Born and raised in Ventura, and still here. This is my paradise.

[michaelrexrode]

I greatly appreciate the way you have improved your delivery. Public speaking, even for online audiences, is not as easy as people think.

[dixienormous]

I used to live in Ventura. It’s quiet there and life moves slow, but Downtown Ventura is fun. The worst thing about Ventura is the hard water.

[TravelSmallLiveBig]

My hometown! My parents got married in The Mission. There are so many excellent restaurants Aloha, Cafe Fiore, Cafe Zack, Lure and so many more. Ventura is also known for its thrift stores. Nice list Josh!

[Bigfig]

I love Ventura grew up there and enjoy going back.

[SouthwestSasquatch]

The “Top Hat” had the best burgers in Ventura.

[cmichaelhaugh]

I rented an AirBnB house in Ventura with my children several years ago. It’s still one of my fondest memories!

[shannonfitzgerald]

I’m convinced this needs to be my hometown very soon!!

[Pixics]

That's a nice hike on the ventura botanical garden.

[victorsolano]

How grateful I am to be able to say I was born in Ventura 🙌🏼

[davidm.]

Moved to Venture11years ago from Napa CA hated not looked back since. Without a doubt everything you said and then some.

[kellyjohnson]

You are finally in my home town. Ok what you left out ( though I agree with everything you said wholeheartedly) was the beach trail from the state beach toward Santa Barbara. It’s a gorgeous ride along the beach. For restaurants, have you ever been to cafe nouveau? If you like pancakes I don’t think there are better. It’s an experience in itself. It’s a fusion restaurant that defies description and everything is good but seriously try their pancakes. Also in the marina the best fish and chips I’ve ever had is andrias seafood. It’s simple, the fish is angel fish. Nothing else compares now that I had it made their way. Always a line around the block. Any restaurant downtown is great, but for a mix of Mac and cheese and wine tasting, paradise pantry rocks. Bring the twins for the killer Mac and they have probably the best wine flights in the county, and I’m pretty much lumping in Santa Barbara county too. The owners have great taste when it comes to their wines. And their Mac and cheese is truly killer. Bring mom and dad if they like a good wine and Mac. They have other food too that’s really good. But nothing like their Mac and cheese. Just some ideas next time you’re here. Also for a hike check out the newly opened Harmon Canyon trail

[katrinamaynez]

My hometown this was so beautiful made

[CaloNord]

Waypoint in Ventura is great too!! You stay in Airstrips. Super fun experience

[nicolletteashtiani]

Yes love this! Ventura is my favorite little gem, and I feel so lucky to have grown up here. A few things I also think are great in the marina are: Andria’s Seafood. Honestly the best fish & chips you’ll ever have. And they make other yummy goodies too. I also love the retro arcade the marina has. As a kid, I was obsessed! Definitely great for kids. You can also rent paddle boats or kayaks around the marina and that’s always a fun thing to do. Sometimes you’ll see fishermen with their catch of the day, sea lions, or other fun things. And lastly, downtown Ventura has amazing thrift stores! A few even work with some great organizations. Anyways thanks for capturing all the amazing things that Ventura offers. ☺️

[nancymaltez]

Ventura has so much to offer! Amazing restaurants. Johnny’s mexican Food, Lalos, Cuernavaca, Great Central Steak and Hoagie, and all of the restaurants mentioned by others. I miss Ventura!!!

[CC]

Ventura is my moms hometown. This place is beautiful. Your food suggestions were point..

[jeanettewaverly]

Ventura is a great little city with a small town vibe. I’d recommend a visit to the Olivas Adobe while you’re there.

[sarahfogo]

Born and raised in Ventura and there is so much to do around here its great. Park downtown and you can walk to all the shops, the pier, botanical gardens, and more in one day. Palermo is a great coffee house and rocket fizz next door is a great candy spot for kids. If you like tai food Rice by Mama is top notch! Great video so cool to see my hometown through your lens!