Venture out to make lifelong memories here.

With wide-open spaces along the California coast, it’s no wonder visitors come here to spend time outdoors. Even if you’re not a resident, you too can surf the swell at Port Hueneme, grab some fish tacos for lunch, spend the afternoon hiking to the perfect sunset spot and finish the day by enjoying some local brews.

Located between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, Ventura County Coast is a string of four unique cities—Camarillo, Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Ventura—that offer a wide variety of experiences. Spend some quality time in Camarillo’s historic Old Town or enjoy shopping, gallery hopping and visiting indulgent spas. Oxnard is ideal for foodies chasing great tastes and outdoor lovers wanting access to Channel Islands National Park. Port Hueneme blends a history-rich Naval Construction Battalion Center with wide, sandy beaches. Ventura’s active beach culture and artsy downtown lure many looking for a California-style getaway.

Those searching for an active way to enjoy the region might consider cycling along the grand loop, a 241-kilometre route that takes cyclists past beautiful beaches and climbing along mountain roads. Don’t worry, you can do just part of it. The route is easily broken up into segments best enjoyed at your leisure. 

FAMILY FUN & OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

For families, Port Hueneme Beach Park with its 20 hectares of landscaped parkland (complete with picnic areas and barbecue pits) and long strip of soft white sand is especially inviting for a day of fun. Adventuring families can take a boat from Oxnard’s picturesque harbour to Channel Islands National Park for kayaking, snorkelling, birdwatching, whale watching and island hiking.

Other family-focused stops include the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum in Port Hueneme, Camarillo’s Old Town, Ventura Harbor Village, Oxnard Beach Park, Marina Park and Camarillo Grove Park.

The sand dunes, bike trails and great swimming and surfing options of San Buenaventura State Beach run for about three kilometres along the Ventura Coast, and it’s the perfect place for picnics and barbecues. Hollywood Beach in Oxnard is popular with surfers, beach volleyball players and those wanting to slow things down and enjoy the sand and sun.

SHOPPING & DINING FOR ANY STYLE

Fresh and local ingredients make for great cuisine. Ventura County Coast is located along an agricultural greenbelt making it ideal for sampling fresh seafood from the Pacific Ocean and locally sourced produce. Farms in and around Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura have free tours and U-pick fun, where you can get your own taste of what’s available. Outdoor farmers’ markets provide great opportunities to sample fresh seasonal produce, artisan cheeses, gourmet sauces and olive oil, and to pick up plants, flowers and handcrafted items.

Oxnard’s multicultural influences and farming heritage make it a special place to try authentic Mexican, Brazilian, Thai and Italian dishes. Or just dine on seafood in the harbour—whatever you have a craving for. Camarillo is best known for its fresh farm stands, farm-to-table cuisine and delicious craft beer. Grab a glass of wine with your fresh seafood in Port Hueneme for optimal enjoyment. In Ventura, start your day with a hot cup of coffee, relax midday with local beer, and wind down at sunset with inventive cocktails.

For a behind-the-scenes foodie experience, the Ventura Food Tours introduces culinary fans to local chefs, brewmasters and chocolatiers. Plenty of opportunities exist for oenophiles at 11 wineries in Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura, as well as a combined wine-and-dine experience at the award-winning Tierra Sur inside Herzog Wine Cellars.        

Shoppers can indulge in some major retail therapy. Discover funky and unique boutiques in energetic downtown Ventura; major brand names at discount prices at the Camarillo Outlets; or luxury items at a new shopping destination, The Collection, in Oxnard.

Ventura County Coast offers a range of activities you can customize to fit your style. Whether you’re a beach lover, wildlife fan, art appreciator, history buff, shopper or wine and beer enthusiast, you’re welcome to explore them all when you venture out.

TRAVEL PLANNER

Plan a stay based on your budget and interests at venturacountycoast.com.