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Head to Ventura County, about an hour north of Santa Monica, for a weekend of outdoor activities and great food options! Read on for what to do, where to go, and where to eat in Ventura County, CA.
In Ventura County , the four towns of Ventura, Camarillo, Oxnard, and Port Hueneme, combine to create a fun and diverse place for a weekend adventure. The towns sit along the coast of California, a little over an hour’s drive north of Santa Monica. Ventura County is great for outdoor activities , historical sites, and dining options.
Channel Islands National Park
Off the coast of Ventura, Channel Islands National Park beckons visitors to leave the human-dominated world. Designated in 1980, the park consists of five islands, submerged land, and the waters within one mile of the islands. A National Marine Sanctuary extends six nautical miles from each island to protect the 2000 species that live or pass through here.
I boarded the Island Packers ferry from Ventura Harbor with some trepidation about setting out across the ocean for the 90-minute trip. However, the ride was smoother than I feared, and I was distracted searching for sea life . I had never seen dolphins in the wild and hoped to catch sight of a few. The sea responded by sending a huge pod of dolphins, leaping and riding our wake. The captain estimated that there were several thousand swimming all around the boat. This amazing sight was repeated on our way back to the mainland. We also caught sight of a couple of whale fins and some seals and pelicans.
Scorpion Anchorage pier on Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands National Park. Photo by Judy Karnia
Santa Cruz Island
When the boat arrived at the pier on Santa Cruz Island, a ranger gave us a lay of the land, explained the rules, and reminded us to be ready to board the boat home in five hours. Some rustic restrooms and educational displays near the pier were the only amenities.
Various hiking trails spread along the coast and inland. I first headed up to the coastal overlook trail to Cavern Point. Along the trail, a Santa Cruz Island Fox snacked on flowers just off the path. This fox, about the size of a domestic cat, is a unique subspecies on each island. They have no natural predators and seem to take no notice of the humans gaping at them from a few feet away.
I then hiked inland up Scorpion Canyon, past the campgrounds. This steep, winding path topped out to spectacular views. A gradual decline over a dirt path through grasslands led back to the pier with vast views over the water. The day was filled with the sounds of crashing waves and the constant chirp of birds. To be well prepared, dress in layers, wear hiking boots, and bring plenty of water and snacks.
Ventura Harbor Village
Upon returning from the Channel Islands, stop at Ventura Harbor Village for some shopping and dinner. The 16 dining options include something for all tastes, from seafood to Mexican food, and many dessert choices. I enjoyed sitting next to the water with a classic burger and fries from the Parlor before grabbing a Triple Seas milkshake at Coastal Cone Ice Cream. This ice cream included caramel sauce and chocolate chip cookie chunks. You can browse 14 shops for clothing, gifts, and other items. I customized a chocolate bar for my daughter and bought some treats for myself at Top This Chocolate.
Ventura Harbor Village with shops and restaurants. Photo by Judy Karnia
Camarillo Ranch House
At the Camarillo Ranch House , you can go back in time and tour the 1892 Victorian house that Adolfo Camarillo built for his family. At 16, Adolfo inherited his father’s 10,000-acre ranch and added cash crops to the land, mainly lima beans. He grew his estate into a productive farm and funded many community improvements. After his death at 94, the house eventually fell into disrepair. A corporation bought the land and gifted the house and surrounding gardens to the City of Camarillo in 1997. The city created the Camarillo Ranch Foundation to restore the home for the public’s enjoyment.
As the original furniture was no longer in the house, the foundation collected as much décor as possible from the era of its creation. A few original items remain, such as the fireplace he ordered from the Sears catalog and one of the first walk-in refrigerators.
The great lawn next to the house features three enormous old trees. The Star Pine is considered the tallest in California at 110 feet tall. The “widow maker” Bunya Bunya tree drops 15-pound seed pods, and children climb in one of the state’s largest Moreton Bay Fig trees. Many wedding parties choose to pose for photos in front of this gigantic fig tree. The foundation still hosts events, often with food trucks and live music open to the public.
Docents lead weekend tours from 11 am to 2 pm, where guests view and learn about the house and grounds. The foundation also supports education by hosting students for a day of history.
Camarillo Ranch House from beneath the Moreton Bay Fig. Photo by Judy Karnia
Camarillo Grove Park
Just a short drive from the commercial area, Camarillo Grove Park offers an excellent spot for a short hike with fabulous views. There are two trailheads, one across from the entrance booth and one at the end of the park road. After a moderately steep climb up a few switchbacks, I reached a lookout point over this part of the Santa Monica Mountains. Long rows of orchards spread across the lowlands, and orange and yellow flowers dotted the hills around me. A parking fee, which was $5 on weekends and $3 on weekdays when I visited, must be paid at the entrance booth.
View from Camarillo Grove Park hiking trail. Photo by Judy Karnia
Ventura Boulevard Restaurants
Ventura Boulevard in Old Town Camarillo features many dining opportunities. The Mark food hall’s spacious outdoor patio and warehouse-like indoor space attracted many families and groups of friends. Freda’s Kitchen, Topa Topa Brewing, Rori’s Artisanal Creamery, and Café Ficelle share the hall. I ordered truffle fries with Parmesan and a roasted beet salad with apple slices and artichoke hearts from Freda’s and tried a 4oz milk stout and 4oz Irish stout from Topa Topa. I followed this with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream from Rori’s as I watched a basketball game on the large-screen television.
The Mark food hall in Camarillo. Photo by Judy Karnia
Heritage Square in Oxnard
In the center of the small town of Oxnard, Heritage Square , there are 11 turn-of-the-century homes, a church, and a water tower. As I wandered around the brick walkways, I stopped at each placard to read about the history of each structure and the style it represented. They were beautifully restored, including my favorite, the Petre Ranch House, built in the California Bungalow Style. Heritage Coffee & Gifts is now located in the Petre Ranch House, one of the many businesses in the square.
Near Heritage Square, I sat on the small back patio of Tacos el Diablo , surrounded by the bright primary colors of the tables, chairs, umbrellas, and flower pots. Lively Mexican music accompanied my delicious lunch, a quesadilla with shredded pork and cheese served with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and guava lemonade. I found a parking spot in the small lot beside the restaurant, but there was plenty of street parking throughout the neighborhood.
Heritage Square in Oxnard. Photo by Judy Karnia
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Hueneme Beach
In the southern part of Ventura County, the 50-acre Hueneme Beach Park provides a wonderful place to enjoy the ocean. The park offers a long pier, a walking path, sand volleyball courts, and the Surfside Seafood snack bar along with the waves. The parking lot has plenty of spaces and is easy to access.
Hueneme Beach Park. Photo by Judy Karnia
By visiting Ventura County, you can “Find Your Vibe” by exploring amazing natural features, playing in the ocean, learning about local history, and enjoying fun restaurants.
When planning your trip to Ventura County, check out Wander With Wonder for other beach vacations and California destinations.
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Explore Four Fun California Towns in Ventura County
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