Ventura County Explore Local With RVshare

Ventura County is located in the southern part of California and is the southernmost county along the California Central Coast. It’s just over an hour’s drive from the major city of Los Angeles, so while residents in Ventura County enjoy scenic nature and a slower pace of life, they’re never far from the big city action.

The region has a beautiful, temperate climate and its landmass rises from sea level to 8,831 feet at Mt. Pinos in the Los Padres National Forest. At certain times of the year, it is even possible to stand on the beach and see snow in the mountains – a unique, but stunning sight for all those who get to witness it.

Whether you’ve lived in Ventura County your whole life, are a recently new transplant to the city, or are planning on visiting the region sometime in the near future, the area offers an exciting new experience in almost any direction you look.

Read on to start your Ventura County, California adventure!

*Note: Some of the suggestions may not be doable due to coronavirus closures, but keep this list handy for when things start opening back up more! Be sure to check individual pages for specific operation details.

If you’re looking to spend some time outdoors to enjoy a spot of fishing, hiking, camping, picnicking, or more, then you’re in luck. With plenty of state parks and national parks within the region, you don’t have to travel far to get your nature fix.

Point Mugu State Park

Just over a 30-minute drive from the heart of the county is the Point Mugu State Park, which is located in the Santa Monica Mountains. Along with 5 miles of ocean shoreline, the state park also offers rocky bluffs, sand dunes, two major river canyons, and wide grassy valleys. You’ll also have access to over 70 miles of hiking trails and can enjoy swimming, body surfing, and surf fishing.

Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park

Around 55 miles from Ventura County is the Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park, which is known for its paintings by Native Americans of the 1600s. Along with viewing the sacred paintings, visitors can also enjoy beautiful hikes and admire the surrounding views of Mother Nature.

Malibu Creek State Park

Another state park near Ventura County is Malibu Creek State Park, which was the center of Chumash Native American life for centuries. In the past, the scenic area was used extensively to film numerous movies and TV shows, such as Planet of the Apes and M*A*S*H. Here, you can enjoy hiking, fishing, bird watching, mountain biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding opportunities.

Leo Carrillo State Park

Located along the coastline is the popular Leo Carrillo State Park, which is home to a popular beach for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing, and beachcombing. Additionally, visitors can camp, hike, and picnic here. It’s just minutes’ drive away from Point Mugu State Park, so you can visit one after the other!

Whether you’re after a quick round-trip or a day-long hike, Ventura County has a variety of hiking and waking trails to satisfy your every need. Just don’t forget to pack some water, sunscreen, and a snack, of course!

Two Trees hike

The Two Trees hike is one of Ventura County’s most popular hikes, especially in spring and summer. It’s a heavily trafficked out and back trail that is located in the city of Ventura and is rated easy enough for all skill levels, including children. Just be careful in the rain or after wet weather, as the trail can be middy in some parts.

Arroyo Verde Park Loop

This 3.7 kilometer heavily trafficked loop trail is also located near Ventura, offering views of beautiful wildflowers and ocean views of the Channel Islands. Locals love this hike for many reasons, particularly the fact that they can get a workout while doing it, thanks to several inclines.

Ventura County is home to a vibrant and thriving dining scene, offering exquisitely prepared meals and award-winning service. Here are just some of our favorite picks!

Andria's Seafood

The tradition ofAndria's Seafood can be dated all the way back to 1974, when it was operating as a wholesale seafood processor and distributor. Fast-forward to the present and it’s the one of the most popular joints within the county, offering the freshest and best seafood you may have ever experienced. Find out first-hand why the locals can’t stop raving about it!

Café Nouveau

Café Nouveau is a charming California style restaurant situated in a 1920’s Spanish bungalow. There’s a heated patio surrounded by lush Mediterranean gardens, as well as an award-winning wine list and menu favorites such as their grilled goat’s cheese sandwich, charbroiled burgers, and Spicy Jambalaya, among others.

Spencer Makenzie's

A local favorite,Spencer Makenzie’s has been nicknamed the “Home of the World-Famous Fish Tacos” and for good reasons too. They’ve been voted as having the best fish taco by the VC Reporter for 8 years straight, as well as ranked in the Top 50 Best Tacos in America by Foursquare, The Chive, and Business Insider. They’ve also got their own hot sauce brand, while their Grilled Fish and Shrimp Burrito has been placed in the Top 20 best burritos list.

Dargan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant

Fancy a slice of Ireland next time you hit the town?Dargan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Ventura and prides itself on being somewhere that anyone can feel comfortable and welcome. On the menu are hearty favorites, including chicken pot pie, Irish stew, and soft-baked pretzels with stout dip.

Lure Fish House

The interior design ofLure Fish House alone makes it a favorite, but when paired with a menu featuring fresh and sustainable seafood from trusted sources, you’ve got yourself a winner. Their seasonally focused menu offers an array of classics like mussels, fish tacos, chowders, ceviches, lobster, organic salads, and more. Plus, don’t miss their renowned charbroiled oysters and cioppino.

After filling up on delicious food and enjoying all that the hiking trails and state parks have to offer, you may be wondering: “what’s next?” Well, when it comes to Ventura County’s attractions and activities, you’re only just getting started. Here are some of the most fun things on offer in and around the city!

For kids and families

If you and your family are looking for a way to pass the day, look no further than these fun activities!

Underwood Family Farms

Located in the county isUnderwood Family Farms, a favorite family day out for all. It’s a great opportunity for children to see and experience a working farm, all while picking their own produce, petting the numerous farm animals, going on an educational tour, and more. What’s not to love?

America's Teaching Zoo

Speaking of animals, if you want another fun family day out seeing, learning, and potentially even petting some exotic animals from around the world, a trip toAmerica’s Teaching Zoo is in order. It’s located in Moorpark College and operates as a living, breathing classroom for the Exotic Animal Training and Management program. Enjoy animal encounters, demonstrations, shows, and more.

 

At night

What should you do in Ventura County once the sun goes down? We’re glad you asked! Here are our suggested night-time attractions.

Golf N Stuff

Looking for a way to pass an hour or two after dinner?Golf N Stuff is open until 9 p.m. nightly, offering you a chance to enjoy a round of miniature golf, hit up the arcade games room, or partake in other attractions, such as bumper cars or bumper boats. There’s a snack bar on-site too, so you can satisfy your night-time cravings!

The Ultimate Escape Rooms

Get together a group of your friends or family and enjoy one of the exhilarating escape rooms here at theUltimate Escape Rooms. This one has rave reviews from both locals and travelers alike, and is open late on Friday and Saturday nights. Each room has a series of clues and puzzles to solve and players must work together in a race against the clock.

 

On the cheap

Looking to save a dollar or two during your Ventura County excursion? There are plenty of activities and attractions that can be visited on a budget, helping you to get the most out of your time spent in the city.

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

TheReagan Library and Museum offers over 125,000 square feet of exhibits, as well as a café and pub. When you purchase a ticket to the library and museum, you’re also granted access to the popular Air Force One Pavilion. Admission for visitors 3 years and older ranges from $6 - $16.

Channel Islands Maritime Museum

There’s so much for you to see and do at theChannel Islands Maritime Museum, including exhibits featuring seascape paintings, models (including the amazing group of “bone models” carved from soup bones by French soldiers held captive), whales, the life of a sailor, and so much more. For just $3 - $7 per person, it’s well-worth the admission.

Free things to do in Ventura County

Whether you want a fun way to waste away a Sunday afternoon or a date idea that won’t break the budget – here are our most recommended things to do in Ventura County that won’t cost you a cent.

Gardens of the World

The beautifulGardens of the World is a 4.5-acre community park featuring 6 styles of gardens including a Japanese, Mission Courtyard, French, Italian, English, and Rose garden. The gardens are open Tuesday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and guided or self-guided tours are available. Admission is completely free of charge, which is a bargain, as these gardens are absolutely stunning!

Ojai Valley Museum

TheOjai Valley Museum is a showcase of local history, art, and culture. Semi-permanent exhibits highlight the evolution of the valley, helping you to learn about the Chumash culture, artists, local businesses and more. There’s also a lifelike Sespe Wilderness Diorama, which is a hit with kids and adults alike. While admission is technically free, donations are highly encouraged.

Spas in Ventura County

By now, you’ve probably been on your feet all day exploring the sights and delights that Ventura County has to offer. If you’re craving some rest and relaxation, or even a bit of pampering, these are two of the best spas in the region.

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village

Within theFour Seasons Hotel at Westlake Village is a spa that’s certainly on everyone’s lips. Along with its ritzy interior, the spa offers relaxing and rejuvenating services such as healing massages, facial treatments, acupuncture, acupressure, medical hypnotherapy, detox body wraps, energy healing, and so much more.

Halo Salt Spa

Halo Spa holds a special place in the hearts of many Ventura County locals, it specializes in salt therapy, massages, and alternative therapy such as reiki and chakra balancing, myofascial release therapy, and so much more.

 

Best gyms and yoga studios

If rejuvenation for you is less about deep relaxation and more about sweating it out, then you’re in luck. Ventura County is home to some of the highest-rated gyms and yoga studios within the region.

FitZone Ventura

Known as Ventura’s premier group fitness studio,FitZone Ventura provides workouts that are scientifically designed to help you burn fat and increase endurance, stamina, and cardiovascular conditioning. Not only are they a great way to achieve your fitness goals, but you may even make some friends while you’re there!

Grassroots Yoga

Located in the heart of midtown Ventura isGrassroots Yoga, where 5% of every dollar spent at Grassroots Yoga is donated directly back into our community. Not only will you feel inspired, energized, and at peace after your yoga session, but knowing that you’re helping the community goes a long way too.

Looking to fulfill your wanderlust by heading outside of the region for a day? You could spend decades within Ventura County without barely scratching the surface of all there is to do in this large city, but consider these day trips next time you fancy a new adventure.

Channel Islands National Park

Located off the California Coast, across from Ventura, is the world-famous Channel Islands National Park. This national park covers five of the Channel Islands and offers a whole day, if not weekend, of fun activities to partake in, whether it’s hiking, backcountry camping, canoeing, swimming, scuba diving, exploring sea caves, and so much more. It’s a slice of paradise just a boat trip from Ventura County.

Santa Monica

Over an hour’s drive from Ventura County is the popular coastal city of Santa Monica. When it comes to things to see and do here, you’ll be spoilt for choice, with the Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park, and the Santa Monica State Beach coming in at our top three recommendations. With the travel destination so close to Ventura County, you’ve got ample time to make it there and back again in just one day.

 

As a final reminder, some of these activities may need to wait until businesses fully reopen from coronavirus closures. However, there is still much to see and experience in Ventura County that you can enjoy today! What are your favorite spots in Ventura County? Send them our way to [email protected] or by tagging us on Instagram @rvshare and using the hashtag #rvsharelocal.