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Ventura County ( / vɛnˈtʊərə / ⓘ) is a county located in the southern part of the U.S. state of California. As of the 2020 census, the population was 843,843. [10] [13] The largest city is Oxnard, and the county seat is the city of Ventura.
Find information and resources for residents, businesses, and visitors of Ventura County, California. Learn about the county's services, boards, commissions, news, events, and more.
Ventura, officially named San Buenaventura (Spanish for "Saint Bonaventure"), is a city in and the county seat of Ventura County, California, United States. It is a coastal city located northwest of Los Angeles .
- Ventura Pier
- Ventura Harbor Village
- Downtown Shopping
- Channel Islands National Park
- Serra Cross at Grant Park
- Ventura Botanical Gardens
- San Buenaventura Mission
- Harmon Canyon
- Taco District
- Music & Culture
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Why you should go
The Ventura Pier is currently under construction and is closed,likely to open in early 2024 Built in 1872, the Ventura Pier was once the epicenter of the county’s oil trade, agriculture, and fishing markets. Today, the pier is the heart of the city where people come for an evening stroll over the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Once the longest wooden pier in the state (storms weathered it down) the Ventura Pier is a must-visit landmark in town.
What to do
Walk to the end of the pier to get the best view of where the horizon blends with the ocean. Bring your dog, your friends, and your family to take pictures as you walk. Grab a bite to eat right on the pier at Eric Ericson’s or Beach House Tacos. Don’t forget to grab a drink at MadeWest. Recommended Hotels Nearby: Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach and Amanzi Hotel Back to Top
Why you should go
The Ventura Harbor Village is a shopping, entertainment, and dining hub in town. Right on the waterfront, the Ventura Harbor Village provides beautiful views of boats coming in and out of the harbor and has great family-friendly fun.
What to do
What isn’t there to do at the Ventura Harbor Village? Have a date night at Brophy Bros. or a more casual lunch at On the Alley or Andria’s. Play on the water in a kayak or swan boat rental. Make your own chocolate bar at Top This Chocolate. Bring your dog for a morning walk on the waterside walking path. Shop at the many boutiques and specialty shops. The opportunities for fun are endless. Recommended Hotels Nearby: Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort and Holiday Inn Express & Suite...
Why you should go
Downtown Ventura is the heart of shopping in the city. Main Street is lined with local businesses and boutiques. Thanks to Main Street Moves, the downtown area is open to pedestrians only allowing visitors to experience a safe stroll down the street.
What to do
Take a piece of Ventura home by browsing the shelves of Betty Belts, Shop Tiki Girl, Findings Market, Iron & Resin, or Plum Accessories & Boutique just to name a few. But don’t overlook our buzzing thrift shopping downtown either. Buffalo Exchange, Coalition Thrift Store, SPARC Second Chance Store, and GoodWill are popular thrift shopping spots for hidden gems. Recommended Hotels Nearby: Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach and Clocktower Inn Back to Top
Why you should go
We have a hidden treasure just off our coast. Dubbed the “Galápagos of North America”, The Channel Islands National Park consists of five unique islands perfect for those who want to unplug and get back to the things that matter. Just a quick ferry ride via Island Packersfrom the Ventura Harbor, you can step into another world and discover 2,000 different plant and animal species of which 150 are found nowhere else in the world.
What to do
Hike, stargaze, camp, sea cave kayak, and photograph cute furry foxes. Does that entice you yet? The Channel Islands National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the country yet it’s one of the most beautiful and untouched. Camp and hike on Santa Cruz Island, one of the more popular islands. Explore some of the world’s best sea caves. Go bird watching on Anacapa Island and make sure to snap a picture of the iconic arch of Anacapa Island. Recommended Hotels Nearby: Four Points b...
Why you should go
To put it simply: Grant Park is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike. With panoramic views of the entire downtown area and one of the best spots for sunrise or sunset viewing, Grant Park is home to weddings, events, and moments of reflection and awe. It’s easy enough to get to as well. Going to Grant Park is a no-brainer.
What to do
Walk or drive up (parking is limited) to Grant Park along the winding hill road with an ever-present view of the blue Pacific Ocean. As you climb up the hill you’ll feel your mindset start to change too. Grant Park and the Serra Cross do something to everyone who visits. Serra Cross is a symbol of perseverance and community to many locals — when the Thomas Fire raged across town in 2017, Serra Cross remained virtually untouched. Recommended Hotels Nearby: Waypoint Ventura and Amanzi Hotel Bac...
Why you should go
Another great spot for beautiful views of our city. Marvel at the 107 acres of 30,000 different plants from the five Mediterranean climate zones of the world (Chile, the Cape of South Africa, Southern Australia, the Mediterranean Basin, and California). Free on Fridays, the Ventura Botanical Gardens is a beautiful way to start the day.
What to do
Take a self-guided tour through the gardens or request a tour. Attend events hosted at the gardens. Recommended Hotels Nearby: Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach and Vagabond Inn Ventura Back to Top
Why you should go
The San Buenaventura Mission was founded on Easter Sunday in 1782 as Junipero Serra’s ninth and final mission. Known as the “Mission by the Sea”, the San Buenaventura Mission is full of rich history and beautiful architecture.
What to do
Roam the mission on a self-guided tour daily between 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Marvel and learn the history buried in the walls of the mission at your own pace. Reflect in the beautiful garden and grotto or view Michelangelo’s Pietà. Recommended Hotels Nearby: Clocktower Inn Back to Top
Why you should go
2,100-acre expanse of natural beauty practically has peace and quiet written all over it. Harmon Canyon will transport you back to early California — look around at the oak groves, coastal sage hillsides, tree-lined creeks, and expansive scenic views. You won’t want to leave.
What to do
Thanks to the Ventura Land Trust, Harmon Canyon is a hiker’s, cyclist’s, walker’s, and wanderer’s dream. Go up roughly 2.5 miles to uphill trails and look around at the views. Even bring your leashed dog to Harmon Canyon Preserve. Recommended Hotels Nearby: La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Ventura Back to Top
Why you should go
Ventura’s Taco District consists of around 14 long-time Mexican restaurants along Ventura Avenue. Taste some of the best Mexican cuisine the city has to offer.
What to do
Spend a whole afternoon chowing down on tacos, enchiladas, burritos, you name it! And if you’re in town, you can’t miss our annual Avenue Taco Week. Recommended Hotels Nearby: Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, Clocktower Inn, and Motel 6 Downtown Ventura Back to Top
Why you should go
Ventura’s music and culture scene is thriving. With The Rubicon Theater hosting jaw-dropping theatrical performances and Ventura Music Hall and The Majestic Ventura Theaterbringing in big-name artists, a night out on the town isn’t hard to come by.
What to do
Catch a theater performance at the Rubicon. See show-stopping performances like Switchfoot, Bad Suns, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds at Ventura Music Hall, the music venue in Ventura’s living room. Marvel at the historical Majestic Ventura Theater and enjoy 1920s ambiance while watching bands like Black Flag, Morrissey, and the Neighbourhood. Recommended Hotels Nearby: Waypoint Ventura, Comfort Inn & Suites Ventura Beach, and Ventura Beach Marriott Back to Top
Discover the best attractions and activities in Ventura, a beach lover's dream and an adventurer's playground. Explore the pier, the harbor, the taco district, the Channel Islands, the botanical gardens, the mission, and more.
4 days ago · Plan your trip to Ventura, a coastal city with rich history, culture and outdoor activities. Explore the neighborhoods, attractions, events and tips on how to get there and around.
Map of Ventura County — switch to interactive map. Ventura. The city of Ventura is the County Seat, and has a thriving beach culture and the original mission San Buenaventura which lends the county its name. Oxnard. Oxnard is the largest city in the county, but it remains close to its agricultural roots.
Things to Do in Ventura County Coast, California: See Tripadvisor's 81,896 traveler reviews and photos of Ventura County Coast tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in June. We have reviews of the best places to see in Ventura County Coast. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.
