If you’re looking for some inspo on what to do, where to eat, where to stay and MORE in Ventura, California.. this post is for YOU.
I’ll be honest, I spent a little too much time in Ventura.
While it always depends on what you want to do and how you are spending time while traveling, spending two weeks in Ventura is more than enough time to see and experience this quiet beach town.
It’s also why I spent time in Ojai! See the Ojai blog post here
That being said, this spot IS a gem and there are many things to discover!
Ventura, California is a perfect spot for a weekend getaway or a few days. That’s an adequate amount of time to enjoy the outdoors, spend time exploring and eat at the fantastic restaurants.
Where is Ventura, California?
Located south of Santa Barbara, but north of Los Angeles, Ventura, California is a great place to visit for a weekend getaway and a great place to stop ESPECIALLY if you are doing the drive up the California coast.
The VIBE in Ventura, California
Hippie beach town with some modern vibes.
I went to a very fun (very relaxing) yoga class at Yoga Jones and it perfectly defines how I feel about Ventura…
It’s a homey and welcoming with some modern aspects to it, has a lot of charm, eclectic decor pieces and when you walk in the door, you get a hug.
That felt like Ventura to me.
Btw, if you want to find workouts EVERYWHERE you travel, but at a fraction of the drop in price, I LOVE using Classpass. Check it out and get a discount on your first bookings.
Ventura is a quiet beach town with a hippie vibe, but has some great (modern, but casual, upscale restaurants) and cool coffee shops. It’s a place you don’t need to dress up for and I wouldn’t put the words “Ventura” and “ritzy” or “glam” in the same sentence.
Ventura is a gem, below are some things to explore…
Don’t miss doing these THINGS in Ventura
Plan your trip to Ventura with good weather (which should be relatively easy to do) because many things to do are outside. You can find the monthly average weather info here.
I was here in fall and winter and while cold in the evenings (in the 50s) we have 70-80 degree days that were bright and sunny. Many of my suggestions for Ventura are outdoors
Rent bikes and explore
There are infinite ways you can ride a bike in Ventura, but there are three paths I recommend taking.
1. Bike to Ojai
If you’re opting for a long ride OR you have an electric bike, consider the longer (9+ mile) ride from Ventura to Ojai along the dedicated Ojai Valley Trail bike path. It follows the 33 freeway and you have a dedicated paved road shared only with other bikers, joggers, etc.
Checkout the video below to learn more about the trail or read more on the Ojai Valley Trail website.
2. Bike along the beach going North
For a few miles you’ll find a dedicated bike lane with beautiful views of the ocean. However, there will come a point in which (yes there is a bike lane), but you are riding next to traffic (which on these roads, cars can be driving well over 50 mph). Not recommended for a family bike ride, but if you’e on a road bike with a helmet on, it’s a great wave to pound the pavement and get in a lot of miles.
3. Bike along the beach and head south to the park
This is a shorter ride which may be busy with pedestrians depending on what time you go. Enjoy the views of Ventura on a slower ride and catch views of the surfers, the pier and the dedicated (but short) bike path headed South.
End your ride in the (Marina park area) before turning around.
For the rides above I used Ventura Bike Depot (for a regular bike) and Ventura E bikes (for an electric bike up the Ojai Valley Trail).
Side note: If you love to rollerblade, it’s possible, but it’s not my favorite place. There aren’t a lot of smooth roads or flat areas to consistently rollerblade it. I felt like I was constantly losing my balance almost tripping over cracks in the road or roots growing through the pavement.
Surf
You’ll find no shortage of surfers in Ventura. What’s fun is you’ll also find Walden Surfboards. Steve Walden is known as the father of the modern longboard and his shop can be found in Downtown Ventura.
There are often surf contests going on near the pier you can watch or I recommend going to Surfer’s Point at Seaside Park (see map below) at sunset to watch the surfers AND catch a beautiful view.
See the Ventura Pier
Stroll along the pier for views of the surfers, an amazing sunset and catch the brewery and taco spot on site!
Want to SEE all of these (plus more suggestions?). Checkout the video below for more!
Things to do named in the video:
- Bike Ventura (3 biking route suggestions)
- Go to the beach
- Checkout the surfers and Walden Surfboards
- Catch a sunset
- Go to the Ventura Pier
- Eat world famous fish tacos at Spencer Mackenzie’s
- Checkout a brewery (Transmission Brewing)
- Go shopping Downtown – Findings Market, Zander building
- Also shopping at Iron and Resin then pie and coffee at Humblemaker out back
- Farmer’s market on Saturdays
- Eat the eggplant parmesan at Cocktail Trust
- Eat the carrots at Model Citizen
- Go to a yoga class at Yoga Jones using Classpass
- Go EARLY and eat at Paradise Pantry
- Eat dinner at Rum Fish y Vino
- Get the traditional Nepali platter from Himalaya
- Get the ramen and the mango dessert at Asiatique
- Stay in a luxury vintage trailer park at Waypoint
And go to Ojai!
Explore Downtown Ventura
The downtown area is only a few a few blocks long. Come on a Saturday for the year-round farmer’s market or enjoy some shopping, dining and great coffee shops.
See items 8 onward (in the list above) for specific recommendations.
Where to stay in Ventura
For a unique stay I loved staying at Waypoint Ventura. Relax in a luxury vintage airstream a short walk from the Ventura Pier, beach and downtown area.
Want more options in the area? Checkout some of the other accommodations below!
Bottom Line
Ventura is perfect for a weekend getaway and a visit should be timed with good weather. Enjoy the outdoors for some biking, beach time, surfing or stroll through the small downtown area for shopping and great modern restaurants.
Is it worth a visit? Absolutely!
Want to learn more about things to do in nearby Ojai? Learn more in this blog post!