Ventura
Discover Ventura
Ventura is a city of 111,000 people (2020) in Ventura County, a region of California's Central Coast. Ventura mixes old charm with new modern facilities to blend a rich and wonderful background to living. Ventura, still officially called San Buenaventura, was founded in 1782 by Fray Junipero Serra with the establishment of his mission.
What to Experience in Ventura
Taste of Ventura...
Overall, Ventura is a great place for easy-going party people. Many restaurants have terrific happy hour specials daily with both food and drinks at remarkably low prices. This makes it easy to grab an early meal or make plans with friends. San Souci is the local dive where young and old alike go. The local gay bar has the unlikely name of Paddy's, so don't be fooled into thinking it's an Irish pub. Friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices. As with the route into this fine beach city, there are a number of options when it is time to leave. Southbound Highway 101 and the Pacific Coast Highway are both great options if you are headed south to another destination or to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Northbound Highway 101 will take you up to Santa Barbara and on through San Luis Obispo on the way to San Francisco. To head east, just jump on Highway 126 which leads through the citrus-rich Santa Clara Valley to the small towns of Santa Paula and Fillmore on the way to Six Flags Magic Mountain.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsVentura is 68 miles (110 km) north of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on the US Highway 101. Nearby Oxnard sports both a cruise ship port and an airport, but the airport hasn't had scheduled service since 2010. Santa Barbara Airport can be a good alternative to LAX or Oxnard with flights to LAX, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix as well as other destinations and it is only about 30-40 minutes away up the breathtaking 101. Camarillo Airport is a dominant general aviation hub, though Oxnard and Santa Barbara take their share as well. Amtrak serves the city with its Pacific Surfliner, the train stops at 34.276953-119.2998751 Ventura station in downtown Ventura multiple times a day on its San Luis Obispo-Los Angeles-San Diego route. Additionally, Metrolink has a commuter service from Los Angeles to 34.250725-119.2031542 East Ventura station, located in the Montalvo neighbourhood....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
California Highway 126, California Highway 33, and US Highway 101 also connect Ventura well, providing a good inner city freeway/motorway network for a city of its size. Being a beach town, Ventura has developed the downtown beach area into a wonderful promenade that makes its way along the beach, from "Surfer's Point" past the pier all the way down to the southern end of San Buenaventura State Beach. It makes for a nice jog, bike ride, roller-blading path or just a leisurely stroll to watch the sunset. The Pacific View Mall and surrounding area (located about 3–5 miles (5-8 km) southeast of old town Ventura, toward Oxnard) tends to be the shopping hub for the locals while tourists will appreciate the kitsch and variety of Old Town. Still, serious shopaholics are better off in Camarillo at the Camarillo Premium Outlets or in Thousand Oaks at The Oaks. Overall, Ventura is a great place for easy-going party people.
Where to Stay
As with the route into this fine beach city, there are a number of options when it is time to leave. Southbound Highway 101 and the Pacific Coast Highway are both great options if you are headed south to another destination or to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Northbound Highway 101 will take you up to Santa Barbara and on through San Luis Obispo on the way to San Francisco. To head east, just jump on Highway 126 which leads through the citrus-rich Santa Clara Valley to the small towns of Santa Paula and Fillmore on the way to Six Flags Magic Mountain.
Money & Budget
The Pacific View Mall and surrounding area (located about 3–5 miles (5-8 km) southeast of old town Ventura, toward Oxnard) tends to be the shopping hub for the locals while tourists will appreciate the kitsch and variety of Old Town. Still, serious shopaholics are better off in Camarillo at the Camarillo Premium Outlets or in Thousand Oaks at The Oaks. Overall, Ventura is a great place for easy-going party people. Many restaurants have terrific happy hour specials daily with both food and drinks at remarkably low prices. This makes it easy to grab an early meal or make plans with friends. San Souci is the local dive where young and old alike go. The local gay bar has the unlikely name of Paddy's, so don't be fooled into thinking it's an Irish pub. Friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices.
Safety Information
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Ventura
The photo captures a stunning aerial view of Ventura Pier in California, extending gracefully over the expansive beach and serene ocean. This picturesque scene highlights the natural beauty and vibrant coastal charm of Ventura, making it a top destination for beachgoers and photographers. The image showcases the iconic pier, sandy shoreline, and clear blue waters, offering a captivating glimpse into the idyllic landscape of Ventura's waterfront. Ideal for travel enthusiasts and nature lovers, this view of Ventura Pier perfectly encapsulates the allure of California's scenic coastline.
green grass field near mountain during daytime
Main Street Ventura, a vibrant hub in downtown Ventura, California, showcases a charming mix of shops, restaurants, cafes, and historic buildings. This bustling thoroughfare, captured in an aerial view, exudes the city's unique character and invites visitors to explore its diverse offerings. The street's namesake, "Ventura," prominently displayed at its center, serves as a visual landmark for locals and tourists alike. Main Street Ventura is a must-visit destination for those seeking a lively atmosphere and a unique taste of this coastal city.
Ventura Sunsets
black asphalt road near body of water during daytime
grey concrete road during daytime
Ventura County coastline ...
Springtime wildflowers at the beach ...
a red traffic light sitting above a street filled with traffic
a group of people walking along a beach next to the ocean
The photo captures a stunning aerial view of Ventura Pier in California, extending gracefully over the expansive beach and serene ocean. This picturesque scene highlights the natural beauty and vibrant coastal charm of Ventura, making it a top destination for beachgoers and photographers. The image showcases the iconic pier, sandy shoreline, and clear blue waters, offering a captivating glimpse into the idyllic landscape of Ventura's waterfront. Ideal for travel enthusiasts and nature lovers, this view of Ventura Pier perfectly encapsulates the allure of California's scenic coastline.
green grass field near mountain during daytime
Main Street Ventura, a vibrant hub in downtown Ventura, California, showcases a charming mix of shops, restaurants, cafes, and historic buildings. This bustling thoroughfare, captured in an aerial view, exudes the city's unique character and invites visitors to explore its diverse offerings. The street's namesake, "Ventura," prominently displayed at its center, serves as a visual landmark for locals and tourists alike. Main Street Ventura is a must-visit destination for those seeking a lively atmosphere and a unique taste of this coastal city.