Ventura's Best

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.