Ventura's Best

With over two miles of soft sand and gorgeous wildlife, this beach is the perfect place to kick-back for the day or go exploring. Brimming with scenic sand dunes, everything about this sandy paradise is one-of-a-kind. If you plan on relaxing over a picnic, each area has tables and grills for anyone to use.

For those planning on making a day of it, The Jolly Oyster, Good to Go Juice Truck, and Wheel Fun Rentals are located on-site during weekends and holidays, with delicious food and drinks as well as bike rentals—the local bike trails connect to other beaches and also lead to Ventura Pier. With two miles of sandy shoreline and six acres of turf, this beach has something exciting for everyone, from sunbathers to explorers. 

Whether you’re here on business and want to stop by between meetings or you’re here for a getaway and want to bring something special home with you, this amazing outdoor shopping experience is open year-round, rain or shine.

Charming visitors and locals since1989, and open from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, this market offers products from over 25 California farmers and food vendors every week and is located at the Pacific View mall.

Walk around, grab some food, and enjoy the outdoors. The market is brimming with fresh fruits and vegetables brought to you by California farmers, along with fresh-cut flowers, potted plants, honey, eggs, herbs, artisan bakery treats, and ethnic foods—so prepare to indulge.

Ready to shop? Visit their website for more information and start planning your visit today!

From December 13th to 14th, this incredible boat parade with a “SEAing is Believing” theme, will light up the sea with holiday cheer. Make sure to stick around for the fireworks too!

Sound like fun? The celebration continues in the same place the following weekend on December 21st. The Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace will be brimming with live reindeer, holiday characters, festive carolers, fake snow, and of course, holiday gift shopping.

Planning on making a day of it? Restaurants close by and accepting reservations include Margarita Villa Mexican Restaurant, The Greek Mediterranean Steak & Seafood, and Water’s Edge Restaurant. After the festival, we highly suggest stopping by Coastal Cone Ice Cream for a special treat.

Planning on spending the day? Make sure to check out the amazing marine life at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center! This highly interactive marine education facility offers close encounters with marine life from the Santa Barbara channel—they even offer a Live Dive series. Think sharks, stingrays, sea stars, sea urchins and more—all on display to interact with on their wet deck.

Foodie? We’ve got you covered. For casual dining, check out Char West, where you can sit back and indulge in fish and chips, cheeseburgers, and more. If you’re looking for more of an upscale dining experience, we highly suggest The Harbor Restaurant. Offering a stunning view and an exquisite menu of fresh fish and steaks, prime rib, cocktails, and select fine wines, this restaurant is all part of the Santa Barbara experience. Plan your visit today! 

Participating breweries include the Lagunitas Brewing Company, Institution Ale Company, Leashless Brewing, Poseidon Brewery, Red Tandem Brewery, Rincon Brewery, Seaward Brewing, Ventura Coast Brew Co., and Topa Topa—and festival participants can purchase up to 20 tasting tickets.

Not a fan of craft beer? Not to worry, local food trucks will be at the festival selling breakfast and lunch. After you’ve found the grub, make sure to check out the demos and deals from local and national vendors.

On October 19th from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm, get ready to drink some beer and jam out to blues and funk. The purchase of tickets will also include a limited edition Ventura Brew Fest glass stein—learn more today.

Join their passionate tour guides for free tours that cover botany, wildlife, geology, and photography. Whether you’re visiting with the family, you’re here on business, or on a romantic getaway, they offer programs for everyone.

Seeking a day of rejuvenation? On September 12th, beginning at 9:30 am, refresh your mind, body, and spirit with yoga in the Gardens. Surrounded by wildflowers and coastal views, all you need to bring is a positive mind and your yoga mat!

On Tuesday, September 17th, you can also head to their Library in the Gardens program for a relaxing day of reading under the sun—the Ventura Mobile Library visits with books on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month.

Plan your visit today to discover the beauty of Ventura Botanical Gardens.

From its place in a special section of Grant Park, visitors can marvel at bustling Downtown Ventura, the hulking Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands, and more. The Cross is an attraction in and of itself, too: Designated as a city and state landmark, the current edition is the fourth to be built since the original was erected nearly 250 years ago.

Getting there is easy. Set atop La Loma de la Cruz, the Cross is a brisk one-mile hike from our front door. So, lace up your walking shoes and head for the hills; you’re in for a rewarding workout.