20 Best Things to Do in Ventura

Ventura County is for adventure seekers, food lovers, history buffs, and all who desire sun, surf, and local culture. Visitors can enjoy San Buenaventura State Beach with its salty winds, explore the trails of Ventura Botanical Gardens and Harmon Canyon Preserve, and discover beautiful vistas while hiking. Experience the beauty of Downtown Ventura with its quaint streets filled with cafés, boutiques, and the stunning Old Mission Basilica, as well as sampling local wine in Ojai after a scenic drive. Families can spend time at Marina Park, have fun at Ventura County Museum, and relax on the historic Ventura Pier. And when you're hungry, enjoy breakfast at Pete's Breakfast House or sip on unique cocktails from Rumfish y Vino.

Whether you're looking for excitement, culture, relaxation with an ocean view, or anything in between, explore our list of 20 best things to do in Ventura, CA, to jumpstart your travel plans.

With over 200,000 titles, the Ventura County Library features some of the best treasures. The library also offers free public Wi-Fi. Every month, it hosts a variety of programs, clubs, and author events; specific event dates and times are announced on their Facebook page. For more information about book signings and other exciting events, visit the library’s Facebook page for up-to-date schedules and details.

Ventura's Farmers Market allows residents and visitors to shop for fresh produce and locally produced artisanal goods. It is held every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Many vendors offer samples of their products, making it easy to find the best fruits, vegetables, and other produce available in the county. Don’t forget to grab a cup of organic coffee, made from Ventura County-grown coffee beans.

Ojai is just 30 minutes north of Ventura, a small town great for those who enjoy tasting local wines or art. Many local wineries allow visitors to sample wines in their quaint tasting rooms surrounded by rolling hills and trees. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of hiking opportunities nearby along the Ventura River Preserve Trail. Art lovers can explore galleries and hands-on workshops, such as 2-hour pottery sessions and studio tours.

Harmon Canyon Preserve offers over 2,100 acres of pristine wilderness. The trails meander through the preserve, providing hikers and mountain bikers access to a wide variety of terrains and elevations. In spring, the canyon becomes a lush paradise with thick green hills and streams. Adventure seekers can use the Harmon Canyon to Overlook Bench route for an extended hike, or take shorter routes along the main canyon road or side paths.

The craft beer scene in Ventura is thriving. Transmission Brewing is adjacent to Toppers Pizza, allowing visitors to enjoy a hoppy brew with a slice. Ventura Coast Brewing Company has a lively outdoor patio with food trucks, offering craft beer and freshly made food. MadeWest Brewing Co. on Ventura Pier provides oceanfront views with tasty brews. Topa Topa Brewing Co. operates several locations in the Central Coast region, including Ventura, Santa Barbara, Ojai, and Camarillo, serving fantastic beers. Rincon Brewery offers a laid-back environment with many food options.

For wine lovers, Four Brix Winery and Tasting Room in downtown Ventura, just three blocks from the beach, offers wines from Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and Ojai regions. Open Friday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., the winery also features live music, wine and cheese pairings, and interactive events on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Museum of Ventura County, located downtown a few blocks from Mission Basilica San Buenaventura, provides a combination of local and regional cultural experiences. Exhibitions include Ventura’s history and the Chumash tribes. Children will enjoy the outdoor area with straw huts and interactive musical instruments.

The Ventura-Ojai Bikeway is a scenic 15-mile ride that starts in Ojai and descends to downtown Ventura. The path winds through groves and greenery, with stunning mountain views along the route.

The Channel Islands National Park is a short boat ride from Ventura Harbor. It includes five islands: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, and Santa Rosa. Visitors can hike, kayak, camp under the stars, or snorkel. Trips are available through Island Packers Cruises, departing from Ventura Harbor. Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands are open year-round, while the others have seasonal access. Whale-watching and wildlife-watching cruises are also available.

Downtown Ventura is a vibrant area with pedestrian-friendly streets lined with restaurants, cafés, bars, boutiques, yoga studios, and antique shops. Visitors can enjoy seasonal events like the Ventura Wine Walks in December, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in March, and festive Holiday Tree Lightings. The historic Old Mission Basilica of San Buenaventura is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., where guests can admire its beautiful gardens, intricate artwork, and impressive sculptures.

Atop Grant Park, the Serra Cross is a Ventura landmark with panoramic coastal views. Visitors can reach it by walking or driving to the summit, where a small parking area and pathways lead to the historic cross, originally built in 1782 by a Spanish missionary.

Emma Wood State Beach features sandy beaches and primitive campsites with restrooms. A scenic bike route begins near Surfers Point Dunes. Visitors may spot dolphins in the surf.

Surfers Point within Seaside Park is ideal for surfing, windsurfing, and birdwatching. Weekends attract locals and dogs, so parking on Shoreline Drive or nearby areas is recommended. The Ventura Promenade leads along the coast or west to quieter beach areas.

The Ventura Pier, over 100 years old, stretches into the ocean. Visitors can stroll, fish, or watch surfers. Nearby dining includes Eric Ericsson's Fish Co. and MadeWest Brewing Co. The Ventura Promenade extends south from the pier entrance, offering a long coastal walkway.

Mondo’s Beach is a popular Ventura location for beginner surf lessons. Instructors provide guidance, safety tips, and gear, making it easy for first-timers to enjoy the waves.

Above downtown Ventura, the gardens offer hiking trails with ocean views. Trails are suitable for families. Fridays are free entry for all visitors, while people with dogs on leashes can visit on Wednesdays and Fridays. Parking is available near the Welcome Center.

Ventura Harbor Village has shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities. Popular dining includes Brophy Bros., Andria’s Seafood, and Baja Bay Surf N Taco. Coastal Cone & Parlor serves creative soft-serve treats like Fishzookies and Mermaid Yaki Fish Cones. Island Packers Cruises depart from here for Channel Islands trips.

Ventura offers tasty spots for breakfast, brunch, and sweet treats. Pete's Breakfast House serves classics like Pancake Rolls with yogurt and granola, Homemade Corned Beef Hash, Chile Verde Omelets, Huevos Rancheros, and Biscuits & Gravy — perfect to start your day. For dessert or a midday treat, McConnell's Ice Cream delights with flavors such as Salted Caramel Chip, Eureka Lemon & Marionberry Swirl, Sweet Cream Caramel Brownie, Coffee with Molasses Chips, and Banana Cream with Toffee.

This 15-acre park by Ventura Harbor features open spaces, walking paths, ocean views, and a beach-style playground resembling a ship. Families can relax or enjoy the harbor and nearby ocean activities.

San Buenaventura State Beach offers surfing, swimming, volleyball, picnicking, and a bike trail along the pier. The Jolly Oyster Ventura serves grilled oysters, fried oyster tacos, and uni ceviche tostadas.

Rumfish y Vino serves inventive cocktails and Central American-style tapas. Try the Rum Punch, Hibiscus Rum Sour, La Paloma, or Forager Vodka Habanero Gimlet, paired with tapas.

Book your stay at Victoria Motel, Ventura — close to beaches, downtown, and top attractions!